The 1982Blade Runnermovie starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer is still one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time and one of the most influential in the cyberpunk genre. The theme of cyberpunk lends itself well to video games and their settings and naturally one of the best games to execute this was theBlade Runnervideo game released back in 1997. Thanks to the Enhanced Edition that was released in 2022, fans get to experience one of the most atmospheric and immersive universes of all time.
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Even with its technical limitations that are beginning to show their age after 25 years, there is still a lot to appreciate inBlade Runner Enhanced Edition. It’s hard not to feel immersed in its dark, grimy, and neon-colored atmosphere. Thankfully, once it’s said and done there are other games in the cyberpunk genre that players can immerse themselves in. Here are some of the best of them.
8Gamedec
Released in 2021,Gamedecis an isometric cyberpunk detective RPG with point-and-click elements that fans ofBlade Runner Enhanced Editionwill feel right at home with thanks to the game’s mechanics. Players are placed in the shoes of a “Game Detective” better known as the titular Gamedec.
The player is tasked with solving crimes within a variety of virtual realities. The Gamedec is required to solve crimes in a variety of different virtual worlds like theWestworld-like Harvest Time or the medieval landscape of Knight’s Code. Just like in theBlade Runnergame players will need to gather evidence, and use their powers of deduction to solve crimes.
7Binary Domain
As a title from the same studio that created theYakuzafranchise, cyberpunk shooterBinary Domainis quite the departure. However, the studio’s aptitude for telling a great story with memorable characters is on full display with one of the PS3/360 generation’s most overlooked games.
It’s a third-person squad shooter in the style of theGears of Warseries where the world has been hit by an apocalyptic flood caused by global warming. The game features a consequence system where members of the squad will react to the decisions that the player makes. As with the general themes ofBlade Runner, there’s a narrative that heavily features androids becoming sentient beings.
6Deus Ex Series
One of the greatest and most immersive cyberpunk universes in gaming is from theDeus Exfranchise. It draws players into its dark futuristic settings with stories set in conspiracies, body modifications, as well ascorporate espionage, and government cover-ups.
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The action RPG franchise features choice-based gameplay, explorable towns and locations, and a ton of lore for players to get to grips with. The recent titlesDeus Ex Human RevolutionandMankind Dividedare more easily accessible for modern gamers and a great starting point thanks to being a prequel to the 2000 original.
5Final Fantasy 7 Remake
The originalFinal Fantasy 7was first pitched by Hironobu Sakaguchi as a dark detective game set in a New York-like city. While the final result is vastly different from that idea, elements remained with the dark cyberpunk-style setting of Midgar.
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Cyberpunk themes of the poor living below the rich and powerful are present in the city of Midgar and this is beautifully realized in the original 1997 game but is something very special inthe 2020Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Other cyberpunk influences are present with certain looks and stylizations that are inspired by the animeAkirawith its superbikes, tech, and atmosphere.
4Observer: System Redux
Bloober Team’sObserveris a dark cyberpunk adventure andpsychological horror gamethat wears itsBlade Runnerinfluences on its sleeve. The game even stars the lateBlade Runneractor Rutger Hauer as its lead protagonist as the detective/Observer Daniel Lazarski.
Its architecture and world design are heavily inspired by Eastern Europe as opposed to the American influences seen inBlade Runner. The theme of gathering clues, interrogating suspects, and solving crimes should sit well with fans of theBlade Runnervideo game.
3Beyond A Steel Sky
Before 1997’sBlade Runnervideo game, there wasBeneath a Steel Sky,a cyberpunk point-and-click adventure game released in 1994. The game was created by the same studio behind theBroken Swordseries and is still a worthwhile title for fans of both cyberpunk and adventure games.
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However, those looking for something a bit more modern should also look at the sequelBeyond a Steel Sky. Again, this title is a cyberpunk adventure game with a setting that’s not as dark or brooding asBlade Runner. However, the game’s mechanics and themes are similar enough forBeyond a Steel Skyto be one of the best modern-day equivalents.
2The Shadowrun Trilogy
TheShadowrunfranchiseis based on the tabletop RPG board game of the same name. It’s a science-fiction franchise that blends elements of high fantasy and magic with a rich cyberpunk universe.
TheShadowrun Trilogyis a set of isometric RPGs with a ton of depth and old-school mechanics that provides a very open and unique experience. The world-building is outstanding with lots of lore to lose oneself in with its dark and atmospheric tone. The trilogy is one of the most unique and engaging cyberpunk universes available.
1Cyberpunk 2077
A controversial title at launch,Cyberpunk 2077has evolved into one of the most immersive gaming experiences available. It’s a title that’s best experienced on a capable PC or the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It’s anotherRPG based on a tabletop seriesso it has a ton of depth and lore to dive into.
The world genuinely feels alive with so much going on and the cyberpunk atmosphere and feel of the world are unmatched. The moment one steps out into the populated neon streets with cars flying overhead, it’s almost impossible not to get drawn. It’s a cyberpunk fan’s dream come true and one of the best and most immersive worlds in gaming.
Blade Runner Enhanced Editionis available now for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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