The sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, referred to as Project Orion, sparks curiosity for a variety of reasons, especially considering the untapped potential left by its predecessor. CD Projekt Red focused on enhancing the NCPD’s role during the latter stages of their Cyberpunk 2077 redemption efforts, introducing GTA-style chase mechanics that many players anticipated from the start. Project Orion has the opportunity to expand on this idea even more.
Corruption runs deep within the NCPD. There are certainly a few individuals, like Regina Jones, who are genuinely trying to navigate the murky waters of Night City’s criminal underbelly without compromising their values. However, the idea that the police force as a whole is dedicated to serving the public is mostly a facade. Just a year prior to the start of Cyberpunk 2077’s story, the NCPD was privatized in a cost-cutting move, morphing it into a quasi-military organization with strong connections to the privatized prison system. In essence, the NCPD has become just another corporate entity in the dystopian landscape of Cyberpunk 2077, and this grim reality may become even more vivid in the upcoming game.
Project Orion Can Make the NCPD More Intimidating and Impactful
Honing In On Corruption Could Make the NCPD a Greater Threat in Project Orion
It’s no shocker that the NCPD is plagued by corruption, as many officers lean more towards bullying and greed than actually seeking justice. With minimal oversight and a profit-driven mindset from private companies, the chances of the police force being a force for good in Night City are slim to none.
Players might have the opportunity to interact with more corrupt officers in Project Orion, allowing them to better understand the perils of unchecked authority and desperation. The game could introduce a character reminiscent of Frank Tenpenny from GTA San Andreas: a power-hungry individual who exploits their position to create chaos and violence in the very city they are supposed to protect. This type of character would fit perfectly in a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, where the environment and storyline would provide even fewer options for those suffering from the abuses of law enforcement. Shedding light on the unrestrained corruption enabled by privatized policing could certainly enhance the NCPD’s role as a more menacing and unsettling force.
Project Orion Could Make Cops Scarier On the Gameplay Front as Well
At the time of its release, Cyberpunk 2077’s police system was underdeveloped, but subsequent updates have brought about improvements. Currently, players will find that the NCPD will pursue V if they enter a car, with their response increasing according to the player’s wanted level. Although it doesn’t match the complexity of the police system in GTA, it’s a significant step forward from the game’s launch, making encounters with the NCPD more impactful.
Enhancing the complexity and intensity of the system would certainly make the NCPD a more formidable presence in Project Orion. Imagine if police officers utilized a wider array of tactics to catch the player, incorporating cutting-edge technology like EMPs or quickhacks. The Cyberpunk 2077 universe is rich with opportunities for intense confrontations, yet the NCPD hasn’t fully tapped into these possibilities. Given their challenges in curbing rising crime rates in the first game, it might be time for the NCPD to boost its funding and relax its ethical standards in Project Orion.