Cyberpunk genre was already pretty popular in literature and movie industry. It wasn’t the case with the gaming though up until the release of Cyberpunk 2077. Once it’s released, all hell broke loose. Now Cyberpunk is more popular than ever in gaming. Therefore, I decided to make a top 16 ranking for the best Cyberpunk games to play in 2023. With the Cyberpunk 2077 number one of course.
OCCULT VIDEO GAMES < Another niche genre.
We all have an idea of the cyberpunk concept. But its exact definition is unknown to most.
In essence, Cyberpunk is a subgenre of sci-fi set in a dystopian futuristic setting heavily focused on high tech and low life. It’s very interesting. As technology rises, humanity collapses. Well, I hope it won’t be the case in real life.
Let’s get to it. Top 16 cyberpunk games:
1. Cyberpunk 2077
Gotta admit, Cyberpunk 2077 was filled bugs, glitches, and errors at the release. However, almost all bugs are patched in this current date. The game is in overall good shape. That’s why now is the perfect time to play Cyberpunk 2077 if you haven’t played it before.
For those who don’t know about Cyberpunk 2077, which I doubt any thanks to the Keanu Reeves, the game is an action-adventure RPG set in the dark future of Night City which is fully explorable open-world.
I don’t want to spoil the story but in short, you play as a cyberpunk mercenary wrapped in a do-or-die fight for survival. Of course, you’ll be taking advantage of all the high tech, cybernetics, AI, and weapons. All in all, Cyberpunk 2077 is just another CD PROJEKT RED masterpiece and must be played!
2. Deus Ex Franchise
Deus Ex was the most popular and played cyberpunk game ever up until the release of Cyberpunk 2077. Now I would say it’s in the second place.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is the latest game of the franchise released in 2016. It’s still good and worth playing. But Deus Ex 2000 was the real deal. You can check it too if you don’t mind the outdated graphics.
So, the story of Deus Ex games is about a detective (player character) and a vast worldwide conspiracy. You’ll try to stop conspirators with your wits, cunning, high tech augmentations, and state-of-art weapons.
3. Ruiner
Ruiner is a brutal action shooter set in 2091. Would our world become a cyberpunk dystopia in 2091? Perhaps… It’s not unlikely with the developments in AI.
Let’s get back to the story. The game is about a wired psychopath who lashes out against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend.
Expect brutal combat, cyberpunk inspired arsenal, deep story, and great soundtrack.
4. Cloudpunk
Become a delivery boy who uses a flying car in a cyberpunk universe with the Cloudpunk. Job sounds easy but there are two rules you must obey no matter what: First don’t miss a delivery, and second, don’t ask what’s in the package.
In Cloudpunk, you’ll be exploring an immense vertical cyberpunk city both on foot and with a flying car. What else? Oh, story is always the same; corporate conspiracy, hackers, and rogue AI.
5. Watch Dogs: Legion
Watch Dogs Legion, a triple A game developed by Ubisoft Toronto. You expect a masterpiece, but the reviews are kinda mixed. Because story is not really good, and the optimization is really bad. However, a cyberpunk game is a cyberpunk game. Finding big budgets game in this genre is quite rare. Therefore, Watch Dogs: Legion is a must play game for cyberpunk fans.
In short, story is about resistance against corruption. You’ll be building a resistance as you fight to take back dystopian London facing its downfall. Welcome to the resistance!
6. Beyond a Steel Sky
Beyond a Steel Sky is an adventure thriller set in an AI-driven future. You must subvert the world, hack the systems and solve dark conspiracies to uncover the truth. Basically, it’s about a conspiracy just like every other cyberpunk game. It’s because almost all cyberpunk games inspired by the cult classic Deus Ex 2000.
It’s a point & click indie game with rich story. Kinda reminds me of Telltale games in that regard.
7. Observer: System Redux
This time the year is 2081. A world become a dark cyberpunk word shattered by plagues and wars. What’s your role in it though? You’re a neural police detective who is tasked with hacking into the jagged minds of others. To feel what they felt, thought, or remembered to solve the case.
Observer: System Redux is the re-make of >observer_ 2017. They make a re-make so that the newcomers get a chance to experience 4k resolutions, upgraded textures, new animations, models, and effects including ray-tracing and HDR.
8. Ghostrunner
Ghostrunner is fast paced super fun combat game featuring violence, augmented katana, and original cyberpunk setting. It’s really good for blowing off steam in a quick manner.
Though it still has a story of its own. Which is about tyranny and revenge.
9. Shadowrun Returns
Shadowrun franchise is where cyberpunk meets fantasy. The year is 2054, magic has returned to the world and technology merged with flesh and gained consciousness. You can easily imagine the chaos.
In a world like this, you have the hardest job. You’re a shadowrunner, a mercenary surviving day-by-day. Don’t expect fast paced action though. Shadowrun is a story rich RPG with turn-based combat. Which is quite fun in its own way.
10. Signalis
Signalis is a cyberpunk survival horror game. We usually don’t see the mix of cyberpunk and horror in gaming. However, that mix is quite common in literature. That fact alone makes Signalis worth playing.
Story is also mindblowing. You awaken from slumber and explore a surreal retrotech world as Elster, a technician Replika. You must Unravel a cosmic mystery, escape terrifying creatures, and scavenge an off-world government facility while searching for your lost dreams.
This game is what I call “hidden gem” generally.
11. Far Cry 3 – Blood Dragon
Most people don’t know about this hidden gem. I consider myself lucky for playing Far Cry 3 – Blood Dragon the day its released. It’s a standalone expansion to Far Cry 3, and is a short game, that’s probably why it’s not really mainstream.
In essence, Blood Dragon is a retro-futuristic parody of 1980s action films, cartoons and video games.
So, assume the role of military cyborg Sergeant Rex “Power” Colt and rain down firestorm upon your enemies.
12. Death Trash
Death Trash features a post-apocalyptic world filled with cosmic horrors, punks with shotguns, magic, and other bizarre stuff. Just the way we like our cyberpunk games.
Story: Humans traveled to the stars and some of them settled on the planet Nexus with its ancient secrets of stone and flesh. But secrets were unearthed, and the civilized people had to flee into enclosed habitats. The wasteland is reigned now by outcasts, controlling machines, and offsprings of the worm.
Death Trash also has co-op option which is very important to me. Because sharing the fun multiplies it!
13. The Ascent
The ascent is an action shooter RPG that can be played both solo and co-op. My favorite is the latter in that regard. Anyways, let’s talk about its story. The story is pretty cliche but fun nonetheless.
The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it?
14. Anno: Mutationem
ANNO: Mutationem is a cyberpunk action-adventure game with RPG elements. It’s a mix between 2D and 3D graphic style. So, be prepared to experience a unique game design.
It’s one of those female protagonist games. I hope you enjoy that as much as I do.
In the game, you’ll become Ann, a highly skilled combat-trained lone wolf on a personal mission in the giant Metropolis, full of sinister mega-corporations, mysterious fringe groups and creatures more bizarre than words can express.
15. SANABI
Sanabi is a cyberpunk platformer. It’s the first and not the last platformer game on this list. So, what is a platformer? It’s a game genre about jumping between platforms and progressing like the old 2D atari Mario games.
In Sanabi, you play as a legendary retired veteran and use your augmented prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs, skyscrapers, and other obstacles. Not only that but you can also zip trhough bullets and traps to defeat powerful enemies.
16. Katana Zero
Katana Zero is a stylish neo-noir platformer you want to delve into.
The game play is featuring breakneck action and instant death combat with many elements. Such as slashing, dashing, brutal acrobatics, and manipulating time.
The story is quite enigmatic too. It’s told through cinematic sequences to immerse you in a best way possible.