The success ofCyberpunk Edgerunnerson Netflix has spurred interest in 2020’sCyberpunk 2077,leading to an unexpected renaissance of sorts.Player interest inCyberpunk 2077has skyrocketed on Steam, and while it would be easy to conclude that the newfound enthusiasm is entirely due to the anime’s positive reception, the situation is more nuanced. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this reputation boost is the antagonist Adam Smasher.
When fans originally playedCyberpunk 2077, they didn’t have to wait long to be introduced to Adam Smasher, a murderous cyborg who guards the villainous Arasaka Corporation’s secrets. While the game attempts to elicit an emotional response to Smasher by having him injure Jackie Welles, and revealing the fact he’s responsible for Johnny Silverhand’s death, the fact that Smasher also intersects withCyberpunk Edgerunnersprotagonist David Martinez really changes the game.Cyberpunk Edgerunnersspoilers ahead.
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How Cyberpunk Edgerunners Enriches Adam Smasher and Cyberpunk 2077
There is a myriad of ways in whichCyberpunk Edgerunners refines Cyberpunk 2077’s portrayal of Night City, and giving viewers an added reason to despise Adam Smasher is brilliant. In the base game, Smasher felt bad for the sake of it. He’s responsible for partially setting up the events of the game, injuring the main character’s best friend, and is ultimately a standard villain in a not-so-standard world. By making him responsible for the death of another beloved character who gets more screen time in the anime, Smasher’s evil presence goes beyondCyberpunk 2077’s story beats.
The fact that Smasher killed David Martinez opens up the possibility that he’s behind a long list of untimely deaths and evil deeds in Night City that otherwise weren’t explored throughoutCyberpunk 2077. With so much ofNight City’s lore relegated to environmental storytelling, showing concrete actions adds a sense of weight to the world that was otherwise missing. Adam Smasher transcends the role of a simple villain and becomes a symbol of Night City’s corporate, dystopian politics. It opens up possibilities that a world without Adam Smasher could become more just, which is needed to motivate players to see the game through.
The Future of Night City
Cyberpunk 2077gives players the opportunity to explore a world unlike pretty much anything in the video game industry. CD Projekt Red did a commendable job of creating a playground that fostered wanderlust, but by expanding the world into a new set of stories viaCyberpunk Edgerunners,the studio’s vision feels more complete. The revival ofinterest inCyberpunk 2077bodes well for its future, and players are curious to know if the upcomingPhantom LibertyDLC will push the momentum forward.
The success ofCyberpunk Edgerunnershas resulted in a win on many fronts. The franchise receives much-needed positive buzz, and CD Projekt Red gets to potentially mount a comeback akin toNo Man’s Sky. Coinciding the release of the anticipated anime series with a substantial update that refines theCyberpunk 2077experience is a double whammy.
However, the unexpected winner of it all is Adam Smasher.CD Projekt Red is fully invested in theCyberpunkfranchise, and now fans appear to be are returning the investment. With a fully realized villain to tap into and a newfound interest in the IP, it is safe to assume there will be many additional tales set in Night City.
Cyberpunk 2077is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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