Summary
Cyberpunk 2077, both the video game and the tabletop RPGs that inspired it, are built around ideas of rebellion and forming a legacy for oneself. Indeed, the focus on individuality and character development is a key part ofCyberpunk 2077and similar RPGs, but an upcomingCyberpunkboard game is taking the inverse approach.
Though the world ofCyberpunk 2077is a rich tapestry of unique and memorable characters, the game is mostly only concerned with one of them: V themselves. This player-character starts their story by trying to become a “Night City Legend” like Morgan Blackhand or Johnny Silverhand, and even though their story becomes much more life-and-death following the installation of the Silverhand engram, it’s still all about the Solo merc lifestyle. That said, the many gangs and factions of Night City aren’t anything to sneeze at, andCyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City - The Board Gameaims to serve as a reminder of this.
Even theCyberpunk: Edgerunnersanime focuses on individuality, with protagonist David Martinez and his friends not fully aligning with any major organization.
The Cyberpunk Board Game Is Approaching the Source Material from a Different Angle
Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City Is All About the World
There are severalpowerful gangs inCyberpunk’s universe, all with unique goals, aesthetics, and ways of doing “business.” From the methodical Tyger Claws of Westbrook to the intimidating Voodoo Boys out in Pacifica, there’s hardly a block of Night City that isn’t controlled by some sort of organized crime unit, and while V works as an independent contractor for many of these groups, they are never a key player in any of them. This is whereGangs of Night Citydoes things differently, allowing players to take full control over the following gangs:
Gangs of Night CitysimulatesCyberpunk 2077’s gang warfare, allowing one to four players to play a strategic game of dominance, expanding their control over the city and building their street cred. Each gang has unique attributes along with their own Netrunners, Technies, and Solos, which are represented by detailed figurines. Famous Edgerunners, including characters like Judy Alvarez and Goro Takemura, can also be hired, functioning as special units with unique abilities. Players will have to leverage their resources to compete against one another while dodging cops, corporations, and NetWatch.
Gangs of Night Citywill also have a single-player mode, allowing players to control Johnny or V.
Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City Hones In On the Source Material’s Best Attribute
Thestory ofCyberpunk 2077is great, but the real strength of the game (and the TTRPG, for that matter) is the world that it exists in. Mike Pondsmith and CD Projekt Red managed to create a dense, textured, detailed universe that is appealing and complex, but more importantly, believable. There’s a sense that Night City is a real place, one that continues to exist long after players have shut down the game or packed up the figures and papers. This unforgettable, tangible world is what makesCyberpunk 2077so special, and it’s whyGangs of Night Citywill likely be a perfect fit for many fans of the game.
Gangs of Night Citypromises to give a more in-depth look atCyberpunk 2077’s at-times underutilized gangs—a premise that should appeal to anyone who loves this aspect of the source material. The board game might not be a perfect substitute for other pieces ofCyberpunk 2077media, but it will definitely be a treat for those interested in the broader lore and social dynamics of the neon-drenched dystopia.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
