Why Cyberpunk 2077’s Convenient Feature Needs a Tougher Edge: Lessons from GTA 5

Cyberpunk 2077 immerses players in the vibrant yet perilous backdrop of Night City, a dystopian landscape rife with corruption, raw power struggles, and a ceaseless clash of gangs and corporations. In this environment, where chaos reigns and survival depends on cunning and courage, some elements of the game feel incongruous and detract from the gritty realism that players crave.

A notable element that stands out in stark contrast to the city’s ruthless nature is the surprisingly orderly traffic management. Navigating the bustling streets of Night City, with its omnipresent violence and mayhem, one might find it bizarre that vehicles obey traffic signals amid such unrest. This inconsistency breaks the immersive experience that players seek in this lawless world.

The Incongruity of Automatic Traffic Lights

A Helpful Yet Dull Attribute

Car At A Traffic Light In Cyberpunk 2077.

In a city engulfed in chaos, the automatic green lights appear oddly misplaced. As players traverse a world where gangs wage war, mercenaries execute covert operations, and mega-corporations manipulate events from the shadows, the smooth and predictable traffic flow detracts from the sense of urgency and peril. Though these traffic lights facilitate timely mission completions, they disrupt the immersive atmosphere expected in a high-stakes environment.

The automatic traffic signals contribute to a landscape that feels too controlled for a city teetering on the edge of anarchy. Whether racing through tight alleys or avoiding gang confrontations, players are met with a false sense of tranquility that clashes with the surrounding danger. The unyielding order of the streets stands in stark contrast to the raw unpredictability required for survival.

While motorcycles offer a thrilling escape option, requiring caution due to their vulnerability, they too exist within this odd juxtaposition of calm roads amid chaos. This vehicular predictability fails to encapsulate the true essence of Night City’s frenetic lifestyle, leaving players longing for more excitement during their travels through the streets.

The Need for Consequences in Driving

Making Reckless Driving Matter

Driving through Night City often feels oddly serene, which contrasts with the surrounding chaos. In this environment, breaking traffic laws has little to no functional consequences, failing to reflect the high-stakes world the game presents. Instead of excitement, recklessness on the road feels mundane, diminishing the thrill associated with potential dangers.

For a more engaging experience, Cyberpunk 2077 could learn from the chaos implemented in games like Grand Theft Auto V. In GTA, players encounter genuine stakes during high-speed pursuits, where breaking the law directly translates to thrilling consequences—cops chase you, pedestrians react in panic, and the world feels alive with tension. The driving mechanics are imbued with excitement and unpredictability, magnetizing players to the mayhem.

Imagine if Cyberpunk 2077 featured a system where speeding through a red light could attract attention from law enforcement or rival gangs, inciting unpredictable chases through the streets of Night City. Incorporating real-time repercussions for reckless driving could transform the dynamic of the game, making the environment feel more immersive and vibrant, aligning driving actions with the anarchic spirit of this dystopian setting.

Enhancing the gameplay with consequences for traffic violations would not only elevate the excitement during driving but also familiarize players with the chaotic undercurrents that define Night City—the pulse of a world where every decision carries weight.

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