Despite its historically difficult launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has become something of a rallying flag in the sci-fi RPG space, a standard against which many other techno-inclined games are measured. Whether CD Projekt Red’s controversial, costly game is worthy of such prestige is a matter of opinion, of course, but the fact remains that it has come to define the cyberpunk sub-genre in the gaming medium, opening the floodgates for all manner of unique and engaging science-fiction titles.
One such game is Cyber Knights: Flashpoint, a project released in early access in 2023 that has recently launched in full. Embedded in Cyber Knights is the same relentlessly cool, off-kilter futurism that defines the likes of Cyberpunk 2077, with players being put in the shoes of a high-tech mercenary in a far-future city. In this world, humanity has retreated to enclosed, hidden civilizations due to environmental collapse and social unrest. Rather than a cinematic, blockbuster-action-adventure like Cyberpunk 2077, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint is a tactics-based RPG influenced by genre giants like XCOM, but it still boasts many of the storytelling and world-building elements that draw audiences to cyberpunk properties.
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Cyber Knights: Flashpoint: A Tactical, Complex Cyberpunk Adventure
Cyber Knights: Flashpoint Is a Heist-Oriented Squad Tactics Game
Cyber Knights: Flashpoint is an easy recommendation for those seeking a strong tactics experience to sink their teeth into—especially anyone interested in gridless, turn-based combat systems like those of XCOM and Baldur’s Gate 3. Players assume the role of a titular Cyber Knight, a special class of mercenary enhanced with advanced technology, and must embark on a number of diverse missions while expanding their team with new recruits, each of whom has their own progression tree and specialties.
This gameplay framework is built around player freedom: whether someone prefers stealth or chooses to go guns blazing, there are likely a number of different approaches within both categories in any given Cyber Knights encounter. Indeed, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint shares Cyberpunk 2077‘s commitment to providing a robust spate of playstyles, and an abundance of different avenues through which to engage with its mechanics. Aside from these broad design leanings, Cyber Knights may appeal to Cyberpunk 2077 fans by virtue of its mature, character-centric storytelling, which also puts the reins firmly in players’ hands.
Serious Swings at a Deep, Reactive Narrative Make Cyber Knights: Flashpoint a Treat for RPG Fans
Cyberpunk 2077‘s best quests usually revolve around a particularly intriguing or likable character; the game’s cast shoulders a good deal of its storytelling load. Those who enjoy this ensemble-cast approach to narrative may appreciate Cyber Knights’ non-combat elements, as these typically involve in-depth conversations with a variety of NPCs, including those that are recruited to the player’s squad. The game really digs its heels into these player-NPC relationships, too, as a dynamic social and event system means that any member of one’s team can turn down a dark path or spark a redemption arc.
All of these more personal stories are couched in an unmistakably cyberpunk dystopia, complete with plenty of tech-gone-wrong themes and morally questionable factions to align with or denounce. Through a mix of finely tuned, structured main campaign missions and procedurally generated side stories, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint offers countless hours of unique gameplay and narrative opportunities within its seedy, enthralling world, which makes its richness truly felt. For those captivated by the world-building elements of Cyberpunk 2077 as much as its colorful cast of characters, Cyber Knights may be an even easier recommendation. Certainly, it has its fair share of distinctions from Cyberpunk 2077 and other mainstream RPGs, but that only means that it’s offering something different from the many other Cyberpunk-adjacent games released in the past few years.
Cyberpunk 2077
6/10
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Engine
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REDengine 4