A Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Mission as a Blueprint for a Horror Spin-Off

Last year marked a pivotal moment for Cyberpunk 2077 with the release of the 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty DLC, both of which significantly enhanced the game. These additions have elevated Cyberpunk 2077 to new heights, introducing a variety of captivating characters and missions that make the base game feel nearly hollow in comparison.

In Phantom Liberty, players follow V on a mission to rescue the president, accompanied by Songbird, who is fleeing from both the president and the NUSA. However, Songbird's struggle with cyberpsychosis and Blackwall corruption sets the stage for one of the most intense missions in the game. In "Somewhat Damaged," Songbird takes control of a Militech Cerberus, transforming the gameplay into a terrifying horror experience. This mission illustrates how easily Cyberpunk 2077 could explore the horror genre if CD Projekt Red chose to venture down that path.

"Somewhat Damaged" as an Effective Horror Template

While Cyberpunk 2077 is deeply rooted in dystopian science fiction, the unexpected integration of horror elements in Phantom Liberty caught many players off guard. The initial encounter with the Cerberus is already tense, but the dread only escalates as the mission unfolds. Following this first confrontation, the Cerberus begins to stalk V throughout the Cynosure area, heightening the sense of fear and urgency.

In a remarkable twist, the "Somewhat Damaged" mission evokes a feeling reminiscent of Alien: Isolation, as players navigate a confined building while being hunted by a rogue AI. The challenge of staying composed while devising a plan to outsmart the Cerberus adds a thrilling layer to the gameplay, which has proven polarizing among the player base. Nevertheless, this mission effectively showcases the potential for Cyberpunk 2077 to delve into horror themes.

While a horror-centric installment of Cyberpunk 2077 may not fit within the mainline series, CD Projekt Red could certainly explore this avenue through a spin-off. There are already whispers of bold initiatives, such as Project Orion. Should the franchise take an experimental turn, incorporating horror elements could yield a treasure trove of material for the developers to work with. The mere notion of existing in a dystopian, tech-driven world is inherently unsettling, and emphasizing the real terrors posed by rogue AI could create nightmarish scenarios.

Exploring Technology's Horror Potential

Many narratives have effectively captured the ominous possibilities of AI, from classic franchises like Terminator to more lighthearted takes like M3GAN. As fears surrounding AI and its implications for our future grow, Cyberpunk 2077 has a unique opportunity to tap into this vein. If the game doesn’t seize this chance, it’s likely another franchise will.

The Somewhat Damaged mission introduces a chilling atmosphere that was notably absent from the original game, suggesting that a horror spin-off set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe could enrich the lore while highlighting the risks the game seeks to convey.

Night City is rife with horrifying elements, and Somewhat Damaged brings one of its most significant threats to the forefront. With its exploration of societal disparities and the menace of uncontrollable AI, there’s a compelling case to be made that Cyberpunk 2077 is, at its core, a horror narrative. By embracing these fears in a spin-off, the franchise could unlock a wealth of creative possibilities.