Cyberpunk 2077 almost exclusively locked its on-foot gameplay, like exploring, combat, conversations, and those intriguing braindance detective scenes, into a first-person view. This choice was all about immersing players directly into V’s world. Although some folks initially felt a bit cornered by this first-person approach, this immersion strategy ended up making the game one of the most engaging RPGs ever. But there are a couple of notable exceptions. For instance, when you’re behind the wheel, you have the freedom to switch between the first-person view and a third-person chase camera. Additionally, there are moments during short cutscenes when the camera takes a step back to show V from a different angle.
Many RPG fans might enjoy having both camera perspectives available, but sticking significantly to the first-person viewpoint really intensified how connected players felt to Night City. The approach gathered a dedicated following, who are advocating for the upcoming Project Orion to go all-in on first-person gameplay, potentially removing even the current exceptions.
In the bustling streets of Night City, whether you’re scanning bystanders or diving into intense gunfights, the first-person view crafted an immediate and personal connection for players. It’s easy to feel the towering buildings around you or the pounding music of the nightclubs. Interactions and dialogue remained fiercely personal given this immersive approach. This differs from other RPGs, like Fallout 4 or Skyrim, where players can switch between perspectives on a whim. Since many are familiar with third-person RPGs, being stuck in first-person gameplay might prevent some players from truly appreciating CDPR’s craftsmanship in Cyberpunk 2077. While flexibility in camera angles is attractive, it can sometimes dilute the immersive experience. Consider the epic dragon battles in Skyrim; viewing them in third-person can be visually impressive, but confronting them head-on in first-person brings its own unique thrill. Cyberpunk 2077 took a bold step by predominantly sticking with first-person, a fitting direction considering the advance towards immersive tech like AR and VR.
A common critique is the urge to see your character, especially in a game that boasts extensive character customization, from hairstyles to those cool cybernetics, and outfits straight out of Night City fashion. It’s a fair point: when you spend time creating your character, you want to see them in action. Cyberpunk 2077 addresses this desire through its Photo Mode, which lets players admire V from any angle. For Project Orion, enhancing this experience could be achieved by adding more reflective surfaces throughout the game world—think mirrors, shiny metal walls, or vehicle interiors that offer real-time views of your stylish protagonist without stepping out of the immersive first-person realm.
Driving presents a bit of a challenge, as many players in Cyberpunk 2077 preferred the third-person view for better spatial awareness. If a future installment chooses to fully embrace the first-person camera, it would need some adjustments—like better mirror visibility, enhanced augmented reality overlays, and finely tuned steering to make it thrilling yet practical. CDPR could take cues from games like GTA 5, blend them with Cyberpunk’s own mechanics, and elevate the experience by incorporating futuristic elements like holographic HUDs to minimize blind spots and enhance immersion. Embracing a full first-person approach aligns perfectly with the essence of the Cyberpunk genre, where themes of identity, augmentation, and subjective reality reign supreme. Done right, though it might mean losing some camera flexibility, the added emotional depth and atmospheric intensity could make Project Orion a truly remarkable experience.
