Cyberpunk Day is here and with Cyberpunk 2077 also gone gold and fast approaching, it’s time to take a look at the cyberpunk games you should be playing (or replaying).
So strap on, jack in and burn out as we take a look (in no particular order) at 10 of the best cyberpunk videogames AND 10 of the best tabletop games to give you 20 games (with some added bonuses) for Cyberpunk Day 10102020.
CYBERPUNK VIDEOGAMES
1) Deus Ex Series (2000 – 2016)
Let’s get this out of the way first. We all know that Deus Ex is the most applauded cyberpunk series that has ever been produced. With its mix of transhumanism and corporatocracy it continues to speak strongly into the socioeconomic climate of today’s world and the future we are heading towards. Throw in settings centred around global pandemics and the series looks near on prophetic, but with that cyberpunk bluster and exaggeration that we all love to be immersed in.
Although most people look back nostalgically to the original game, it’s with Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Mankind Divided that the visual stylings and varied gameplay mechanics really come into their own and give a fully immersive cyberpunk experience.
2) Blade Runner (1997)
I’ve written about this game a few times now, most recently on the Complete List of Philip K Dick Videogame Adaptations. It’s a classic game that has a wholly authentic cyberpunk aesthetic that builds from the iconic visuals of the original Blade Runner movie, with some top-tier adventure game puzzles and great writing to top it all off. There aren’t many games out there that fit the bill for Cyberpunk Day more than this, even if it’s one that we’ve all heard about.
For those who have played through it before, there’s even an Enhanced Edition in the works that required reverse engineering the lost code and rebuilding the game from the ground up!
3) Ruiner (2017)
One of the key elements of cyberpunk that we all know and love is fast-paced action with unbridled violence. Ruiner has that more than any other game on this list (indeed, more than most other games period) and is a brilliant game to sink an hour into for some ruthless carnage.
A super slick and ultra-violent brawler with some fantastically gritty, neon locations to explore alongside a pounding hard techno soundtrack; Ruiner is a modern cyberpunk classic that is perfect for a quick session on Cyberpunk Day that will get you pumped. It’s also 75% off right now on Steam (until 12th October), so go pick it up!
4) Syndicate (1993)
Many people prefer the later games, particularly Syndicate Wars, but the original will always hold nostalgia as one of the first ‘sandbox games’ that let you feel like you were cybernetically-enhanced corporate mercenaries going on Shadowrun-style missions. The industrial environments and pod-like automobiles combine perfectly with the pixelated trench-coats and minigun carnage to provide an early experience of just how visceral cyberpunk videogames could be and the central role that the environments play.
It doesn’t hold up as well today, but the legacy of Syndicate is undeniable and worth experiencing first-hand. If you want something with modern conveniences, the more recent first-person shooter game isn’t a bad option and has cyberpunk trappings in spades.
5) Whispers of a Machine (2019)
The point-and-click adventure genre is by far the most prevalent for cyberpunk games, with dozens of examples out there and more on the way. There’s something about pixel graphics that is particularly well suited to cyberpunk, it seems, while the game genre also allows for heavy dialogue and narrative to drive the theme home.
Although some people might feel it’s more scifi than cyberpunk, more rural outpost than megacity, Whispers of a Machine innovates by making you feel like the cybernetic abilities of your character are part of the puzzle solving process. It carries its themes throughout the entire narrative to give an authentic experience, speaking strongly to the detective side of the cyberpunk genre that provides a glimpse of life outside the megacities with an example of how the point-and-click genre can still feel fresh.
Also check out Neofeud, Gemini Rue and Technobabylon if you’re looking for more pure (i.e. neon soaked) cyberpunk point-and-click adventures. It really is a gaming genre that is embracing cyberpunk with both (cybernetic) hands!
6) Shadowrun Returns Trilogy (2013 – 2015)
It’s undeniable that the Shadowrun RPG has had a huge impact on the cyberpunk genre and its popularity, particularly when it comes to the design and aesthetic found in videogames. The games go back to the SNES and Megadrive/Genesis, but it’s the more recent RPGs starting with Shadowrun Returns that really bring the concept home and give a compelling gameplay experience that combines with detailed, conversation-driven narrative within an incredibly well-rounded cyberpunk setting.
Bursting onto the scene and surprising everyone with how well polished and authentic an experience they were, each game in the modern trilogy is stand-alone with plenty of expansions to enhance whichever story you’re most interested in. If you’re only going to play one, then Shadowrun: Hong Kong is the way to go as the mechanics have evolved nicely and the graphics are the richest of the series (with a huge add-on DLC campaign as well).
7) Hacknet (2015)
Depictions of hacking are perhaps one of the more important elements of the cyberpunk genre; and although Hacknet doesn’t have all the extravagance of the VR-based network environments that many cyberpunk worlds create, it does a great job of making you feel like you are actually hacking your way through networks and uncovering hidden information. It’s more modern-day than far off into the future, but I think it still has a place on Cyberpunk Day because it makes you feel like you are actually present and part of the narrative and living the life of a hacker.
If you still love rewatching Hackers for its cyberpunk-kitsch and embracing the old-school hacker aesthetic, then Hacknet is definitely worth picking up.
8) Dreamfall Chapters (2017)
Building off the blend of magical fantasy and future technology that made the original game in this series, The Longest Journey, such a lasting classic; Dreamfall Chapters is the third game in the series and ramps up the cyberpunk elements further to the point that it deserves a place on this list. The first game is mostly focused on the fantasy realm, and the sequel Dreamfall provides more of a modern-day feel, this game puts the focus more on the future with plenty of dark urban landscapes punctuated by bright neon lights and flying cars.
The episodic nature means that it’s easy to approach in short bursts and the visuals are a worthy match for the great writing and narrative that runs through the whole series. If you’re a purist, you’ll want to go back to the beginning and play through the whole series; but Dreamfall Chapters works as a satisfying starting point if you want to jump right in.
9) Dex (2015)
I’m surprised there aren’t more metroidvania/RPG hybrid games out there, but it’s great that one of the better ones in recent years is set firmly within a cyberpunk world. This game has everything you expect from the genre, from neon nightclubs; to underworld criminality; drugs; cybernetics; heavy weaponry and hacking minigames. The 2D environments are illustrated well and put forward a cohesive vision of your typical cyberpunk world that feels bustling and lived in.
A great example of combining both modern and retro gaming elements into one satisfying whole, Dex goes a long way to providing a classic cyberpunk videogame experience that is surprisingly less common then we might expect to find.
10) >observer_ (2017)
>observer_ is one of the most visually impressive games on this list and an interesting evolution of the first-person adventure games that we’ve seen a lot of in recent years. Bringing the horror back into cyberpunk, with plenty of jump scares and creepy moments, the game is heavy on cybernetics and experiencing the processes of technology-driven detective work.
The game gets mixed reviews, with some feeling it is an immersive classic while others not liking its linear nature and hand-holding, but if you’re looking for a dark and gritty cyberpunk world to spend a few hours in it’s definitely worth your time and provides a compelling and immediately accessible experience.
Bonus Game: Neuromancer (1988)
We can’t look at cyberpunk videogames without mentioning an adaptation of one of the most important novels in the genre. Neuromancer is an early DOS adventure game that holds up okay today, with the EGA graphics having that garish tone that give it all a trendy vaporwave aesthetic.
You can find the game on some abandonware websites out there, so it’s worth giving it a go to see how cyberpunk was presented in videogames in the late 80s (note: the game requires a codewheel, so you’ll need to load up a digital version).
Bonus Game: State of Mind (2018)
Adventure games these days are becoming more narrative driven then puzzle-based, and with a game like State of Mind that’s absolutely fine as exploring the world and its different threads is an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. Although there’s a lot less punk here than many people like in their cyberpunk – it does fit the bill with dystopian urban environments, existential musings on transhumanism and the oppressive bubble of corporate control.
It’s more walking simulator and interactive novel than presenting fully-fledged puzzles or game mechanics; but the story is a great one and there are a lot of layers to it that make it an engaging and enjoyable experience throughout.
Bonus Game: Snatcher (1988)
Long considered a holy grail of retro-gaming, Snatcher is a classic and comes with a hefty price for those wanting an original version – particularly for the English translation which was only ever released on the Sega CD in 1994. Thankfully, with emulation technology these days you can experience the game without having to source a rare and hugely expensive original (not to mention the console to run it on).
There’s been talk of it popping up on various remade mini consoles in recent years, but unfortunately we’ve only seen the Japanese version show up on the PC Engine Mini. There are fan translations available, but following along with one kind of loses a lot of the appeal you get from playing an adventure game such as this. Personally, I’ve been content with watching a playthrough as there’s not that much gameplay that you’re missing out on…
CYBERPUNK TABLETOP GAMES
1) Judge Dredd (1982)
The original Judge Dredd boardgame hits the nostalgia button for those of us who have been gaming since the 1980s; with the juxtaposition of its brightly coloured board and black & white cards still impressive even today. Although the gameplay mechanics might feel relatively simple among the complexity of today’s boardgames, it still manages to capture the feel of the Judge Dredd universe incredibly well.
There’s also another game called Block Mania, that does a great job of depicting gang warfare in a megacity future, that is worth a look if you want something a bit different. The downside is that both these games are expensive to get a hold of, but worth it if you can get a good deal as an important part of boardgame history with all the glory of the 2000AD universe on top.
2) Android (2008)
The original Android game needs to be on the list alongside later entries that were brought into the universe (see below), as it really set the standard for cyberpunk boardgaming. There aren’t any other tabletop games out there that take the theme further than this.
Building off hugely successful narrative-heavy games such as Arkham Horror, Android tries to do something pretty unique with its murder mystery focus and by doing so created a lot of new gameplay mechanics. It’s a complex and lengthy game, which makes it difficult to get to the table; but from all accounts the pay off is worth it as players race to follow leads and collect evidence to unravel the grand conspiracies at the core of the experience.
3) Android: Netrunner (2012)
In the same way that Deus Ex is considered the pinnacle of cyberpunk videogaming, the Android universe does the same for tabletop gaming and Android: Net Runner is by far the most popular and successful example. Although it’s a two-player card game, the depth of the gameplay systems in Android: Netrunner, along with all the different add-on packs, gives this a satisfying level of complexity that tells a unique narrative with each play through.
A remake of the original Netrunner CCG from 1996 (itself based on the Cyberpunk RPG), this is a perfect reskin of an old classic and I would personally rate as the best cyberpunk tabletop game out there – even though it was unfortunately cancelled in 2018 due to licensing issues, it’s still worth picking up and you can find it in stores to this day.
4) Shadowrun: Crossfire (2014)
Given that Shadowrun itself isn’t on this list as I’m avoiding RPGs (note: if you haven’t played it, you should!), the recent tabletop card game Shadowrun: Crossfire is a good alternative. Bringing the artwork that makes the Shadowrun universe so evocative and combining it with a fast-paced co-operative game the incorporates legacy elements to link games over time, Crossfire provides the chaos of cyberpunk with some sense of a persistent world that you can delve into.
People weren’t expecting much from this game when it first came out, given it was a side-product of a sometimes clunky and complex RPG, but it came out with a bang and surprised everyone with its depth and tight game mechanics. Highly recommended and a relatively easy game to get your head around with enough add-ons and character packs to keep you going for a while.
5) Necromunda: Underhive/Dark Rising (2017/2019)
Games Workshop does a lot more than just Warhammer (even putting aside their early boardgame history such as the Judge Dredd games mentioned above), and the original Necromunda from 1995 is one of their crowning achievements that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the late 90s and its love of dark, gritty dystopian worlds.
The relaunch of the system with Necromunda: Underhive and now Dark Uprising has improved upon the original in many ways, while also providing a boardgame variant that has its place for those who are less able to dedicate themselves to constructing multi-level terrain and painting miniatures. Although a game of skirmish combat, there’s a deep cyberpunk aesthetic and lore here that shines through into the different gangs and the overall experience of playing the game. Like all Games Workshop miniatures games, it’s a (costly) hobby rather than a one-off purchase; but it’s one that’s absolutely worth getting into to take your love of the cyberpunk genre further.
6) Zaibatsu (2010)
It wouldn’t be a good cyberpunk list without some independent content and Zaibatsu fits the bill as a print-at-home area control game with a modular board and dripping with style.
Coming across as an homage to cyberpunk and all of its tropes, Zaibatsu is spoken of highly and looks well worth your time (and ink) as a good project to get started with for Cyberpunk Day. Encouraging the kind of homegrown patchwork that speaks to the makeshift themes of the genre is an added bonus, if you’re up for the construction project.
7) GKR: Heavy Hitters (2018)
It’s arguable whether large mechs are really part of the cyberpunk genre, but when they’re mixed in with corporations battling it out for TV spectacle I think it deserves a spot. GKR: Heavy Hitters was a hugely successful Kickstarter from Weta Workshop (the sfx company involved in Blade Runner: 2049 and Ghost in the Shell to name two relevant examples) that ramped up the production values and kept the gameplay (and miniature count) tight with high production values.
Cheesy and carnage-driven, with an over the top sheen to it all, GKR: Heavy Hitters is backed up with some solid mech combat mechanics. Incorporating the buildings in the way they have is perhaps the best part of it and provides the tactical depth needed for a game like this to feel fresh after multiple games. A well-produced game that is worth the entry price if you’re into the mech side of cyberpunk more than the hacking and street urchins.
8) Car Wars (1981)
Car Wars is another throwback to the 80s on this list, which means it has authentic vaporwave stylings built into its core. The cyberpunk themes are more around the edges, given its vehicle combat focus, but it still definitely feels part of the genre and many of the maps have that kind of decaying cityscape vibe to them (rather than a more apocalyptic feel). Highly suitable to creating your own terrain, you can take the cyberpunk as far as you want to.
This is also a deceptively deep game that can become pretty all-consuming for gaming groups that get into it, as it is so heavily customisable and there is now literally decades of content available for it. There’s even a new, sixth edition, that was successfully Kickstarted and is now nearing release – so you can expect to see Car Wars going strong for years to come.
9) New Angeles (2016)
Most cyberpunk games put you down on street level, with all the gang violence and back-alley cybernetics the genre is well known for. New Angeles, though, puts you at the top of the skyscrapers as the head of one of the ubiquitous mega-corporations vying for influence and control. Another game set in the Android universe, this one is highly recommended as it has a unique feel and theme to it that brings out the competitive sides of any gaming group (in a good way).
It’s a meaty game that requires a lot more time and effort than others on this list, but provides a unique experience with a lot of diplomacy and intrigue that seeps through into the gameplay itself. A great game to play with a larger group willing to spend a whole day immersing themselves in the experience and feel of lording over a cyberpunk world as one of its powerful CEOs.
10) The Resistance (2009)
I’m not a fan of Werewolf-style deduction games, but it’s a hugely popular genre (see the recent Among Us boom) and one that everyone can easily understand and get into. Perfect for a house party with quick (and loud) gameplay rounds, The Resistance also has a nice team element to the gameplay that creates a fun bonding experience centred around corporate espionage and industrial sabotage in a cyberpunk urban future.
There are multiple expansions that add depth to the game, but the base experience is one of the best examples of this style of gameplay out there and perfect to introduce to people and get rolling quickly.
