Cyberpunk 2077: Unveiling the Villain Who Resonates with Johnny Silverhand More Than They’d Like to Acknowledge

In the realm of video game antagonists, Yorinobu Arasaka from Cyberpunk 2077 presents a unique case. While he plays a pivotal role as the target of the player’s initial major heist and catalyzes the game’s primary conflict by assassinating his father at the conclusion of Act One, his presence in the storyline diminishes significantly thereafter. He rarely appears in person and primarily exists as a phantom, conveyed through television broadcasts and recorded messages.Though his influence is felt throughout, Yorinobu stays largely in the shadows, only making a significant entrance during select game endings.

[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077.]

Due to this understated portrayal, many players regard Yorinobu merely as a secondary character—a figurehead representing a larger, corrupt corporate entity. However, a closer examination reveals a complex character, especially in the context of “The Devil”ending.Surprisingly, his motivations reveal less overt villainy than many might assume. Remarkably, Yorinobu’s ideals parallel those of a certain deceased rockerboy, a fact that would undoubtedly provoke disdain from the son of Arasaka.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Yorinobu Arasaka: An Overlooked Antagonist

A Sidelined Yet Well-Crafted Character

Yorinobu Arasaka defeated in Cyberpunk 2077

Yorinobu’s narrative arc is relatively straightforward: as the black sheep of his illustrious family, he murders his father out of rage to assume control of the Arasaka corporation. Throughout much of the game, he operates in a supporting role, reshaping Arasaka’s corporate dynamics and generating adversaries among influential figures. His actions prompt the chain of events that leads to V’s fateful heist, planting the Relic in their head.

The fate of Yorinobu hinges on the player’s choices; the narrative can unfold in various ways as V searches for a remedy to their predicament. Notably, the “Devil”ending offers an opportunity for players to collaborate with Yorinobu’s sister, Hanako, to orchestrate a corporate coup and dethrone him. This culminating confrontation sheds light on his innermost aims: he has subtly undermined Arasaka from within since assuming leadership, striving to dismantle his father’s oppressive empire.

The dialogue exchanged during the climax further suggests that Yorinobu has intentionally sought to destabilize the corporation, driving its worth to the ground.

Yorinobu Arasaka & Johnny Silverhand: Unexpected Parallels

Opposite Sides of the Same Rebel Coin

Upon analyzing Yorinobu’s actions, one can draw intriguing parallels to those of Johnny Silverhand, the disillusioned musician and terrorist infamous for his attack on Arasaka’s headquarters. At first glance, these two characters appear to be diametrically opposed: a rebellious artist advocating against corporate tyranny versus an entitled heir poised to inherit a corporate empire.

However, both characters harbor a profound disdain for Arasaka, which they see as a force that has stripped individuals of their identities and autonomy.They share destructive impulses, albeit manifested through different methods, as both desire to dismantle what they perceive as societal injustices. Their motivations intertwine personal objectives with broader ideals: Johnny’s quest aims to avenge his lost love, while Yorinobu seeks liberation from his father’s formidable legacy.

Yorinobu: Cyberpunk’s Covert Rebel

The Hidden Hero Most Players Overlook

Yorinobu Arasaka from Cyberpunk 2077 with folded hands

Despite his apparent role, Yorinobu can be viewed as a rebellious spirit akin to Johnny Silverhand—if not more effective. His endeavor succeeded in assassinating Saburo and instigating chaos within Arasaka. Although his actions inflicted suffering on V and their allies, Yorinobu aligned more closely with V ideologically than some of V’s companions, including Takemura. This complicates his classification as a traditional villain; he’s simply another unpredictable element within a world dominated by corporate powers.

The tragic nature of “The Devil”ending becomes more pronounced when considering Yorinobu’s destiny. Should players assist Hanako in assuming command of the corporation, she will implant an engram of their deceased father into Yorinobu, enabling Saburo to seize control of his son’s body and reclaim the emperor role within Arasaka. This denouement epitomizes the ultimate irony for Yorinobu, who fought vehemently for his individuality, only to be subsumed in the most literal sense.

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