How Cyberpunk 2077’s Board Game Shifts The Original’s Perspective

Cyberpunk 2077, both the video game and the tabletop RPGs that inspired it, are built around ideas of rebellion and forming a legacy for oneself. Indeed, the focus on individuality and character development is a key part of Cyberpunk 2077 and similar RPGs, but an upcoming Cyberpunk board game is taking the inverse approach.

Though the world of Cyberpunk 2077 is a rich tapestry of unique and memorable characters, the game is mostly only concerned with one of them: V themselves. This player-character starts their story by trying to become a “Night City Legend” like Morgan Blackhand or Johnny Silverhand, and even though their story becomes much more life-and-death following the installation of the Silverhand engram, it’s still all about the Solo merc lifestyle. That said, the many gangs and factions of Night City aren’t anything to sneeze at, and Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City – The Board Game aims to serve as a reminder of this.

The Cyberpunk Board Game Is Approaching the Source Material from a Different Angle

Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City Is All About the World

There are several powerful gangs in Cyberpunk‘s universe, all with unique goals, aesthetics, and ways of doing “business.” From the methodical Tyger Claws of Westbrook to the intimidating Voodoo Boys out in Pacifica, there’s hardly a block of Night City that isn’t controlled by some sort of organized crime unit, and while V works as an independent contractor for many of these groups, they are never a key player in any of them. This is where Gangs of Night City does things differently, allowing players to take full control over the following gangs:

• Tyger Claws
• Valentinos
• Maelstrom
• Voodoo Boys

Gangs of Night City simulates Cyberpunk 2077‘s gang warfare, allowing one to four players to play a strategic game of dominance, expanding their control over the city and building their street cred. Each gang has unique attributes along with their own Netrunners, Technies, and Solos, which are represented by detailed figurines. Famous Edgerunners, including characters like Judy Alvarez and Goro Takemura, can also be hired, functioning as special units with unique abilities. Players will have to leverage their resources to compete against one another while dodging cops, corporations, and NetWatch.

Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City Hones In On the Source Material’s Best Attribute

The story of Cyberpunk 2077 is great, but the real strength of the game (and the TTRPG, for that matter) is the world that it exists in. Mike Pondsmith and CD Projekt Red managed to create a dense, textured, detailed universe that is appealing and complex, but more importantly, believable. There’s a sense that Night City is a real place, one that continues to exist long after players have shut down the game or packed up the figures and papers. This unforgettable, tangible world is what makes Cyberpunk 2077 so special, and it’s why Gangs of Night City will likely be a perfect fit for many fans of the game.

Gangs of Night City promises to give a more in-depth look at Cyberpunk 2077‘s at-times underutilized gangs—a premise that should appeal to anyone who loves this aspect of the source material. The board game might not be a perfect substitute for other pieces of Cyberpunk 2077 media, but it will definitely be a treat for those interested in the broader lore and social dynamics of the neon-drenched dystopia.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG set in a future dystopian world. Players take up the role of V, who works as a mercenary in Night City in California. Gameplay involves branching dialogue, open-world exploration, character classes, and combat.

Released

December 10, 2020

Engine

REDengine 4

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

How Long To Beat

25 Hours

Metascore

75

PS Plus Availability

N/A