Beyond Night City: A Gamer's Guide to Cyberpunk's Hidden Gems

Forget just neon and chrome; the cyberpunk genre has been a playground for some of gaming's most memorable experiences. While CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 might be the first title that springs to mind, the genre's themes of transhumanism, societal decay, and morality have been explored in a diverse range of phenomenal video games. From sprawling open worlds to introspective narrative-driven adventures, there are plenty of incredible cyberpunk video games for those looking to escape into a dystopian hellscape. And while not every game manages to fully immerse players in a cyberpunk setting quite like Cyberpunk 2077, many come remarkably close, each offering its own unique spin on the beloved and often haunting genre.

10. Oni (Bungie West) - A Hidden Gem of Anime-Inspired Combat

Tired of just shooting things in a dark alley? Oni is a PC and PS2 release from 2002, developed by the now-defunct Bungie West, an offshoot of the iconic RPG studio, Bungie. Its PS2 port was developed by none other than Rockstar, the folks behind Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. Considering Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, now owns the rights to Oni, it technically makes it one of Rockstar's best games, at least outside the series it is best known for. More importantly, Oni is a seriously impressive anime-inspired cyberpunk adventure that sees players take on the role of heavily Motoko Kusanagi-coded Konoko, a member of the Technological Crimes Task Force, who discovers her employers aren't quite what they claim to be. Taking obvious inspiration from the likes of Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and other influential cyberpunk anime from the time, Oni is a fantastic cyberpunk hidden gem that is well worth checking out.

9. Stray (BlueTwelve Studio) - A Cyberpunk Cat's Tale

Stray was one of 2021's best games, in large part thanks to its emotional narrative, excellent worldbuilding, gorgeous visuals, and genuinely enthralling exploration. It is a cyberpunk adventure, one that takes the player through neon-soaked streets as they interact with a dissatisfied robot population and wonder what happened to humanity. However, unlike most grimy, dark, and mature cyberpunk stories - although Stray has plenty of grimy environments - this is significantly more cozy. Players take on the role of an adorable cat as they explore each puzzle-laden area, from small towns to sewers, and more. Each environment is oozing with atmosphere, brought to life through Stray's phenomenal art direction. There really isn't anything quite like Stryk, a self-excited player.

8. Satellite Reign (5 Lives Studios) - A Tactical Immersive Isometric Cyberpunk Experience

Satellite Reign is a fantastic cyberpunk strategy game and a spiritual successor to the equally amazing Syndicate series from the 90's. Players take on the role of four agents as they explore a gorgeously detailed cyberpunk open world from an isometric perspective. Each agent has their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as special abilities, making approaching each mission its own puzzle. Satellite Reign is a sandbox experience above all else, giving players the freedom to tackle all of its content however they please, which is endlessly satisfying. Additionally, Satellite Reign has full co-op support, allowing up to four people to control their own agent as they explore the open world together and plot how best to approach each mission. The co-op mode is where Satellite Reign truly shines, as pulling off the perfect plan simply never gets old. It is also where Satellite Reign's sandbox elements really come together to make it the ultimate strategic cyberpunk experience.

7. Ruiner (Reikon Games) - A Dark And Mature Cyberpunk Action Game

Ruiner is another isometric cyberpunk experience. However, unlike Satellite Reign, it ditches the focus on strategy and perfectly planning each mission for brutal combat and a more mature narrative. Taking on the role of an unhinged psychopath hellbent on getting their revenge, Ruiner sets you loose in a dark cyberpunk world with the goal of rescuing your brother. Naturally, you'll need to use whatever means necessary to complete that objective. Featuring a variety of cyberpunk-themed weapons, Ruiner's combat is unbelievably fast and exceptionally brutal, with every explosion and burst of blood feeling suitably visceral. Ruiner's action is some of the best in the genre, giving players a plethora of ways to approach each encounter while ensuring it never feels too overwhelming. There's also a genuinely compelling narrative that helps contextualize all the violence and prevent it from ever feeling senseless.

6. Shadowrun: Dragonfall (Harebrained Schemes) - A Blend of Fantasy and Sci-Fi

Shadowrun: Dragonfall - or really any of the Shadowrun video games - is one of the best cyberpunk RPGs available. Set in the incredibly unique Shadowrun world, players get to explore a gorgeously detailed blend of fantasy and cyberpunk sci-fi as they control a group of elves, trolls, orcs, and more embarking on a 20+ hour adventure. Shadowrun: Dragonfall is a standalone experience that delves deeper into this fantastic world and offers a genuinely compelling campaign unlike any other. Whenever players can't overcome a challenge through the use of their unique skills or persuasion, they'll have to duke it out with their opponent in thrilling turn-based battles. Dragonfall has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, including a whole suite of fun abilities to use to get the upper hand. This seamless blend of fantasy and sci-fi works both in the environments and in combat, leading to a unique mash-up that is as cohesive as it is fun.

5. Ghostrunner (One More Level, Slipgate Ironworks) - A Cyberpunk Samurai's Tale

Ghostrunner is a lot more intense than the other best cyberpunk-themed games on this list. Not only is it almost exclusively action-focused - there is a narrative, but it isn't front and center - but it also requires a lot of skill and patience from the player. Essentially, Ghostrunner sees players attempt to complete each level as flawlessly as possible. Each enemy dies in just one hit, but so too does the player, meaning that even one mistake will force them to start again. That's the central premise behind the jaw-droppingly beautiful Ghostrunner, which received strong reviews when it launched, especially for a lower-budget release. Its sequel added in a lot more flair and flashy action, including driving a motorbike down a building, but the original is still worth playing, especially for those who enjoy puzzle experiences. While Ghostrunner won't be for everyone, its visuals, tone, and setting all evoke the cyberpunk style perfectly, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.

4. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos-Montréal) - A Cyberpunk Immersive Sim

The Deus Ex games are some of the earliest cyberpunk video games ever made. While the original games are often cited as being the best immersive sims ever made - and still trump the later entries when it comes to that specific aspect - Human Revolution and its rather excellent follow-up, Mankind Divided, provide phenomenal narrative-driven immersive sim experiences featuring one of gaming's best protagonists. Human Revolution is the first game in the series reboot, and is, therefore, a great starting point for those hoping for a more modern experience. Its atmosphere, exploration of traditional cyberpunk themes - especially mankind's over-reliance and implementation of technology - and overall gameplay loop are perfect for the discerning cyberpunk fan looking for their next foray into the neon-soaked genre.

3. The Ascent (Neon Giant) - An Isometric Cyberpunk Shooter

The Ascent is a phenomenal isometric action RPG that follows the story of a worker, someone owned by the corporation running the megalithic tower, who must fight for their freedom and survival after the shadowy corporation shuts down their district. This narrative drives the game's punchy action-packed combat forward, giving players a reason to climb further up the tower, explore its densely detailed environments, and reflect upon its well-handled themes. Featuring an incredible synth soundtrack that feels like it was taken straight out of Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell, gorgeous art direction, fully destructible environments, and more, The Ascent is a one-of-a-kind cyberpunk RPG. For those who are looking for a blend of Ruiner's action and Cyberpunk 2077's attention to detail, The Ascent is a perfect choice. It also allows for up to four-player co-op, which is arguably the best way to experience the game.

2. Citizen Sleeper (Jump Over The Age) - A Narrative-Focused Cyberpunk Experience

While Citizen Sleeper isn't as flashy as The Ascent or Cyberpunk 2077 when it was released, it is a great starting point for those hoping for a more modern experience. However, Citizen Sleeper isn't as flashy as The Ascent or Cyberpunk 2077 - although it features some of the best art seen in a video game - nor as action-packed or tactical as Satellite Reign or Oni, it is easily the best narrative-focused cyberpunk game of all time. Focusing on a sleeper, the player must attempt to survive as their body slowly decays, threatening to end their existence. Relying on the kindness of strangers, their own intuition, and the luck of the dice, players must attempt to make their way on the space station, The Eye. Citizen Sleeper is a tabletop-inspired RPG, much like Shadowrun, so many of the player's outcomes will be as a result of dice. This leads to a rather unpredictable, yet nevertheless satisfying adventure, one expertly told through Citizen Sleeper's phenomenal writing, characters, and visual storytelling. Those looking for a cyberpunk game with a lot of substance and something meaningful to say, look no further than Citizen Sleeper.

1. Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt Red) - The Definitive Cyberpunk Video Game

Of course, by far the best cyberpunk video game of all time is Cyberpunk 2077, the magnum opus of developer CD Projekt Red. After a much-discussed rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a refined and expertly crafted RPG, one with a gripping narrative filled with fascinating characters and arguably one of the best open worlds of all time. Aided by plenty of supplementary material, Cyberpunk 2077's world - which is based on a pen-and-paper RPG - is astonishingly captivating. That's without mentioning the excellent DLC, Phantom Liberty, which took the game to new heights both mechanically and narratively. Featuring enthralling combat, engrossing side content that's actually worth doing, some of the best-written missions in any RPG, and a memorable score, Cyberpunk 2077 is the definitive cyberpunk video game for a reason, and one every cyberpunk fan should play at least once.

The Cyberpunk Genre: A Gamer's Guide

From some of the best open-world games ever made to reflective narrative-focused adventures, there are many phenomenal cyberpunk video games for those looking to escape into a dystopian hellscape. While not every game manages to stack up to Cyberpunk 2077 when it comes to completely immersing oneself within a cyberpunk setting, they do come pretty close, each offering its own unique spin on the beloved and often haunting genre.

• Oni (Bungie West) - A cyberpunk hidden gem that is well worth checking out.

• Stray (BlueTwelve Studio) - A cyberpunk cat's tale that is significantly more cozy.

• Satellite Reign (5 Lives Studios) - A cyberpunk strategy game that is a spiritual successor to the equally amazing Syndicate series from the 90's.

• Ruiner (Reikon Games) - A cyberpunk action game that is a dark and mature cyberpunk experience.

• Shadowrun: Dragonfall (Harebrained Schemes) - A cyberpunk RPG that is a blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

• Ghostrunner (One More Level, Slipgate Ironworks) - A cyberpunk samurai's tale.

• Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos-Montréal) - A cyberpunk immersive sim.

• The Ascent (Neon Giant) - An isometric cyberpunk shooter.

• Citizen Sleeper (Jump Over The Age) - A narrative-focused cyberpunk experience, one expertly told through Citizen Sleeper's phenomenal writing, characters, and visual storytelling.

The Cyberpunk Genre: A Gamer's Guide

From some of the best open-world games ever made to reflective narrative-focused adventures, there are many phenomenal cyberpunk video games for those looking to escape into a dystopian hellscape. While not every game manages to stack up to Cyberpunk 2077 when it comes to completely immersing oneself within a cyberpunk setting, they do come pretty close, each offering its own unique spin on the beloved and often haunting genre.

2. Citizen Sleeper (Jump Over The Age) - A Narrative-Focused Cyberpunk Experience

While *Citz