The Small Details of Project Orion’s Leak Reveal a Bigger Story

CD Projekt Red has some exciting plans in the pipeline with their sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, currently known by its project name, Project Orion. Although it’s early days in development, there’s a hint in a recent job posting that suggests the game will stick with a first-person perspective. This decision follows in the footsteps of Cyberpunk 2077 and crushes the dreams of fans hoping for a third-person option, something that had been widely requested by the community.

Initially, when Cyberpunk 2077 adopted a first-person viewpoint, there were doubts. After all, CD Projekt Red was famous for its third-person experiences like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, once players dove into the game, many found the first-person angle to be a strength rather than a weakness. It added depth to the immersion and complemented the rich cyberpunk environment. Should Project Orion remain in the same vein, it’s a clear indication that the developers are keen to keep immersing players deeply in their meticulously crafted worlds.

Cyberpunk 2077’s first-person perspective does more than just change the visual angle; it fully immerses players into V’s world, their struggles, and their journey. The sheer intricacy of the world-building is complemented by this viewpoint. The interactive dialogues and fluid combat feel more personal, making players part of the vibrant and dangerous Night City rather than just spectators. The game’s focus on V’s personal experience of this world, rather than a third-person detached view, ties into its central themes of identity and control.

Reports suggest Project Orion is still in its pre-production phase, possibly delaying a full reveal for some time. After navigating quite a rocky start and eventual redemption with Cyberpunk 2077, it wouldn’t be a surprise if CD Projekt Red decides to stick to the game formula that brought success and acclaim. The choice to maintain a first-person perspective hints at a strategy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This is especially considering how well the Phantom Liberty expansion cemented this approach.

Despite the absence of an official third-person mode, modders have stepped in, with projects like “Every Animation Redone TPP” by Tylerrrrr providing a taste of that perspective. Yet, these modifications often feel rough around the edges, reinforcing that a first-person viewpoint is where Cyberpunk 2077 truly shines.

Some gamers argue that third-person gameplay could enhance combat experiences, offering a better sense of one’s surroundings during hectic battles. However, lessons from Phantom Liberty show how first-person combat continues to evolve, with tighter shooting mechanics and more responsive AI enhancing this immersive experience. Should Project Orion choose to innovate further, it might introduce minor adjustments, but an overarching shift to third-person seems unlikely.

In the end, sticking with the first-person perspective isn’t merely a small design decision; it’s an indication of CD Projekt Red’s dedication to crafting gripping, narrative-driven experiences. They’re clearly focused on leveraging what resonated well in Cyberpunk 2077, hoping to build and refine rather than overhaul completely. This approach shows a commitment to consistency and quality in their storytelling and game development journey.