What was your first cyberpunk video game?
What was the first cyberpunk video game you played? Were you playing the point & click adventure games back on DOS? Shadowrun on SNES? Deus Ex on PC? Or did you just recently discover this thing called "cyberpunk" with Cyberpunk 2077?
I'm curious how long everyone here has been into cyberpunk.
Deus Ex. Give me the GEP gun
Remember that a nonlethal takedown is always the most silent takedown.
It's a silent takedown if no one else is alive to hear it 😎
The GEP gun takedown is always the most silent way to eliminate Manderley.
Don't believe me? It's all in the numbers.
"Stick with the prod."
This answer may be a cheat and a stretch, but hear me out...
Star Wars: Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight
Specifically, the opening levels set in Nar Shaddaa, one of my favorite, underappreciated locations in the extended universe.
The whole moon was one giant, grimey, neon-lit city blanketed in night, overrun with sleazy organized criminals and jazz music. Pretty big noir vibes too.
It's the first time I remember experiencing the aesthetic, which felt so sharply different from the colorful, swashbuckling Star Wars I had known. And I knew I loved it.
Syndicate I have fond memories of, seems cyberpunk enough. Deus Ex was also a lot of fun, though my computer at the time could barely run it.
Plenty of anime from the 90s that fit the theme as well.
I'm ashamed to say the only Syndicate game I've played is the 2012 FPS reboot which was basically Syndicate in name only.
Although, the original Syndicate creator was so mad about the 2012 reboot that he made Satellite Reign as a spiritual successor, and I really enjoyed that one.
I don't remember hearing about Satellite Reign, looks awesome. I'm going to have to check that out!
Shadowrun on SNES. And I'm running Shadowrun tonight for the first time in literal decades (I last GMed it when I was in middle school!), for people who haven't played before; I'm so nervous and unprepared! I hope that even if I mangle the rules I can get across the vibes.
System shock 1. I loved the danger zones and safe zones and hacking the med bay to increase the safe zones.
Have you tried the remake? I always liked SS2 and thought SS1 was too clunky but I'm not sure if that means I'd want to play a remake of SS1.
I haven't tried the remake.
I thought the first half of SS2 was amazing. After the bio labs the level design and story felt rushed and uninteresting. Presumably forced to release before they were done.
Had no idea there was a Neuromancer video game.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuromancer_(video_game)
Anyways, probably System Shock 2 for me.
If you want to try it out, you can play the Neuromancer game in your browser at the internet archive.
Interphase (Amiga/Atari ST, 1989).
The player moves around in virtual space of a corporate system while their partner infiltrates the actual space of the building. You have to disable electrified doors and reroute security bots etc to create a path through the offices, all while fighting off defensive programs
Unusually for the era you steer with the mouse and it’s all in vector graphics.
Syndicate. Control 4 agents doing corporate espionage missions.
...i was going to say flashback or mean streets, but no, it was definitely the original tron arcade game; that pre-dated even war games...
...before a certain point in the early eighties, the line between cyberpunk and science fiction gets pretty blurry, so i don't think anything i played in the seventies counts...
Does Jet Set Radio Future count as cyberpunk?
I'd say it does. Have you seen the new-ish game Bomb Rush Cyberfunk? It looks just like JSRF to me.
It's amazing and well worth the price.
I think for me it was VA-11 HALL-A
Does Duke Nukem 2D on PC count?
I never really considered Duke Nukem to be cyberpunk... but yeah, that screenshot totally looks like it came from a cyberpunk game. Weird.
Yah, maybe it's more just sci-fi.
In that case, the first Deus Ex game was my first. Great stuff back then. Hard to play now, IMO.
Syndicate wars. I think they was cyberpunk.
For me it was the original Syndicate. Quite an awesome game.
Deus Ex, on PS2. I can’t even remember if I finished or even enjoyed it. Later, I got it on PC and it’s been one of my favourite games ever since and fully got me into both cyberpunk and the immersive sim genre!
Speaking of immersive sims, how would you compare the original Deus Ex to System Shock 2? I feel like System Shock 2 probably pushed the genre further but I enjoyed the world of Deus Ex more for some reason.
It’s been a long time since I played System Shock 2 but I have the same feeling as you. There’s something about the near future conspiracy stuff that just drags me in. Space stations are cool and all but I prefer the atmosphere of Deus Ex.
Does Perfect Dark count as cyberpunk?
Maybe a little, with a game that wierd it's hard to tell
Well, Oddworld for gameboy probably doesn't count but it was my first game in this kind of dark setting, even though there's some NPC and alien town with futuristic elements, it's probably not punk enough.
For me it was Cops 2170 I had a human sized rat policing the streets and ahooting up bad guys
I'm not really into that style of gaming, but I did try "Watch Dogs" for a couple hours. I mention this bc I thought the hacking part was the most interesting, and when I mentioned this to a friend they directed me to picoCTF: https://picoctf.org/. Basically this is a training environment aimed at high schoolers to teach them how to do hacking "capture the flag" competitions. So it's realistic in terms of teaching real hacking skills, but back when I did it they had a "game mode" where your character walked through this 2D environment and solved challenges as part of a story. I could only solve some of the challenges, but still it was pretty cool. Anyway, the web page is still up, don't know if they still have the game mode.
Shadowrun: Returns from Hair Brained Schemes.
Deus ex invisible war. On PS2.
I still liked it.
Pretty sure it was the SNES Shadowrun for me. I was already familiar with Shadowrun from books and the tabletop RPG and I got a Swedish copy of it because the english version wasn't available yet. I eventually got a used copy of the English version as well.
I did play Deus Ex at some point after and I had great time with it, but I don't think I ever played the second game for some reason.
I recall trying the OG Syndicate game at some point as well, but I'm pretty sure that well after I had exhausted the first 2 X-com games, and I was looking for more strategy stuff. No idea really when that was, but definetely after Shadowrun.
Have you tried playing the Shadowrun game for Genesis? For someone with fond memories of the SNES game, I wonder how the Genesis game would compare.
No, I didn't have a Genesis/Mega Drive and the only friend who had it never got the game either. I did look into playing it with an emulator, but never had the time.
I'm a huge scifi nerd. I've seen Bladerunner, and am well aware of Cyberpunk, but 2077 was my first game of the genre.
Shadowrun on the SNES
The only games I could think of that might be cyberpunk and that I have played are ones like BioShock or Halo 3, which are clearly not cyberpunk. So probably the earliest one I can recall playing would be Jet Set Radio Future about 2-3 years ago. Can't think of any other titles, besides maybe borderlands (specifically the first since it's the game I've played the most).
Edit: don't remember the exact entry in the series or if it counts, but Twisted Metal. Not sure if it counts, though. Also, Ratchet and Clank came into my head too, but that's probably a lot closer to sci-fi than cyberpunk. I would also probably say the same for Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity.
Nomad Soul. Sick cyberpunk detective game that also featured David Bowie. Always sticks in my brain as such a cool one
I believe it was:
Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight
from 1990 for the NES.
and if that's the game I'm thinking of, it is a pretty cool game.
That game was so weird! I was always so confused why it was called Street Fighter when it was a 2d platformer in space.
I think I started playing it because it was called "the final fight" and I liked that SNES game.
I think it's supposed to be a spin-off of Street fighter, but it has nothing to do with the game obviously.
yeah, capcom made it as a spin-off of the original arcade game, but without any of the characters or plot or mechanics or set pieces or anything haha.
The main character's name is Kevin.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_Fighter_2010:_The_Final_Fight
Remember Me was probably my first. Neo Paris was gorgeous and I still listen to the soundtrack.
Remember Me deserves a remake, the game got way too little recognition.
Maybe improve the fighting and get rid of the zombie ghoul things.
If it counts, Shadowrun on Xbox 360, that remake multiplayer game.
If not, it was probably Deus Ex Human Revolution.
I didn’t really know about the cyberpunk genre until years later but DEHR was a blast.
There was a Shadowrun game on Xbox 360?? I might have to go look into that...
People hateeddddd it lol. I really enjoyed it.
It was one of those games where you could play against bots offline but it was meant to be played online. There was no campaign or real story to it.
But I wasn’t aware of the original so I didn’t know what to expect like others.
Tron for the Intellevision.
Neuromancer on the C64. I can still hear the theme music.
... Crystal caves?
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Or Beneath a steel sky?
Also Wolfenstein had that cyberdolf.
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And Doom had cyberdemon.
But my memory def goes to System Shocks and Deus Ex. Love them. Actually I love all of the mentioned.
Have you tried playing Beyond a Steel Sky? I haven't played it but I can't imagine a sequel released so many years after the original would be any good. I could be wrong though, maybe it's fun.
Didn't know about the sequel, it doesn't look horrible tbh (I got past the modern-design-shock that hit me at first in 20 or 30 seconds as the trailer played).
But yeah, if I get around to play it I'll def manage my expectations.
Shadowrun on Genesis probably, but memory that far back is pretty hazy.
G-Police, 1997, PC.
I absolutely love and played the shit out of Deus Ex, but, technically, I played G Police first.
So far? Cloud Punk.
Most games that claim to be cyberpunk don't really delve too much into the politics or do it in a really bad way.
Cyberpunk 2077 is based on a very ableist TTRPG, for example that claims that the more modifications you make to your body, the less 'human' you are and thus the more likely you are to get 'cyberpsychosis'. However, that isn't necessarily true and if it is those folks that get it should be taken care of in a medical sense. Also, 'humanness' is not synonymous with ethical or moral etc as much as folks like to believe it is.
2077 basically breaks from its source material over this. There's a series of side quests where you are asked to non-lethally subdue people suffering from "cyberpsychosis" in order to facilitate independent research on rehabilitation, and it turns out that basically all of them are either a) suffering from medical side effects that (according to some other in-game documents) are known to cyberware manufacturers, but being swept under the rug to keep sales and profits flowing, and/or b) suffering from untreated psychological trauma, and it just turns out lashing out is a lot more destructive when you happen to have a ton of built in weapon systems that are always with you and ready to engage at a moment's notice. The "humanness" angle is sometimes seen being pushed by the media, but it's basically an excuse the corps use to shift blame away from their faulty products.
Shadowrun on the Sega Genesis. It's the more faithful rendition of the TTRPG to video game adaptation.
I haven't actually played either, but the Shadowrun game for Genesis does look more fun than the Shadowrun game for SNES. It's also crazy to me that they're two completely unrelated games when it was so common to just port the same game between those two systems at the time.
The Sega Genesis version is fun and all, but it's very linear. Like, there's only one secular path you can take in the story. The only thing that sort-of makes it fun is how overpowered or underpowered you want your team to be, but the line is still straightforward. It's a very sandbox way of playing it.
The SNES Shadowrun had a lot more going for it and while some of the execution like how it handles the Matrix pales in comparison to the Genesis version, it still had that depth in it's story and pathway.
@Hammerjack sadly didn't have to play any of those, but I played cyberpunk 2077. do you have any recommendations? since I'm getting to like the cyberpunk genre of games!
It really depends on what genre of games you like, can you give me any hints?
In general, if you like the first-person perspective action RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 definitely check out Deus Ex: Human Revolution and its sequel Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. If you like 2d action RPGs, check out Dex.
If you like twin-stick shooters, check out Ruiner or The Ascent. I absolutely loved The Ascent.
If you like turn-based RPGs, check out Shadowrun: Dragonfall.
If you like point-and-click adventure games, check out VirtuaVerse or Technobabylon.
If you like walking simulators (first-person, no combat), check out Observer or maybe Nobody Wants To Die (which I haven't played yet).
If you like roguelikes, check out Akane or Black Future '88.
@Hammerjack I play The As cent, I loved the way the world is built. I played it with my brother since we like co-op games. Still didn't finish it tho, but yes I lean more to action RPGs like cyberpunk 2077, thanks for the recommendations! 🙂
Shadowrun origins but I didn't get as far in it as I should have. First finished was Transistor.
Probably SS2, but I feel like there might be something earlier
Flashback. Still one of my favorites too.
Neuro on c64. Don't remember much though. But deus ex on PC left a mark. One of the alltime favourites.
Mean Streets and later, Rise of the Dragon.
Pen and paper Shadowrun was my first and still main cyberpunk game. And I really haven't played it much.
I'm a fan of the genre in general but cyberpunk games tend to be expansive dialogue-driven RPGs that my middle-aged ass ain't got time for. It's a shame, I'd probably love the writing for Disco Elysium and Cyberpunk 2077, but if I've only got so many gaming hours in a week, imma likely spend it on a roguelite or action game instead for the excitement and dopamine. Just being real.
I did go on a nice Philip K Dick spree for a while and enjoy his stories. William Gibson was difficult when I first gave Neuromancer a read and I didn't look into him farther, but I'm probably due. Another backlog for the fire.
Crazy, I'm the exact opposite. My middle-aged ass doesn't have time for repetitive roguelite games with no sense of accomplishment. I actually prefer the linear gameplay where no matter how much (or little) I play in one sitting, I'm still further in the game than when I started. Although, I still prefer games with ~10-15 hours of gameplay. I don't have the time/patience for a 40+ hour epic RPG.
As for William Gibson, if you're willing to get back into it, I recommend The Peripheral. It's a more recent book (so Gibson has grown as an author) and it's a more modern take on the cyberpunk genre. Also, Amazon turned it into a tv series that lasted one season. They renewed it for a second but then decided it was too expensive and cancelled it.
My problem is I forget half of what was going on and lose all momentum. At least with like Darkest Dungeon or Vampire Survivors I get some progression between runs.
But yeah I'll check that out, thanks!
About 18 years ago I played a Cyberpunk video game which was essentially a Diablo 2 clone. But for the life of me, I can't remember the name of it.
I've been playing the Cyberpunk 2020 pen & paper rpg for about 19 years and been running it as a GM for about 14 years.
Then came the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, which I loved, and shortly afterwards I started GMing the Cyberpunk:Red p&p rpg (still running it since on a weekly basis).
I also got into video games like Detroit: Become Human, Nobody wants to die and Observer: System Redux after Cyberpunk 2077.
About 18 years ago I played a Cyberpunk video game which was essentially a Diablo 2 clone. But for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of it.
Sounds like a fun challenge! Could it have been Cybermercs: The Soldiers of the 22nd Century? Or maybe Restricted Area? I actually don't know, I just tried searching for cyberpunk-like diablo clones from ~2002. That's a tough one.
It actually was Restricted Area, lol. Thank you!
I've had Nobody Wants To Die on my wishlist for awhile but can't decide if it's worth it. What'd you think of the game?
I enjoyed it quite a lot. The storytelling was great and so were the visuals. In case you'd love a Cyberpunk meets Batman: The animated series crossover, I'd say go for it! Plus there's different endings depending on some key choices.
Would Wasteland count as cyberpunk? It has nearly all the same tropes, but instead of being in a somewhat functional corpocratic dystopia, the dystopia is because it's post-apocalyptic.
If not, then the first cyberpunk thing I've played is Crusader: No Remorse. That one is definitely cyberpunk.