Top 10 Cyberpunk RPGs of All Time

Are you ready to dive into the neon-drenched world of cyberpunk? Do you want to experience the thrill of hacking into corporate servers, battling cyborgs and rogue artificial intelligences, or navigating the mean streets of dystopian megacities? Then you're in luck, because we've compiled a list of the top 10 cyberpunk RPGs of all time, across different platforms and generations.

Whether you prefer classic isometric RPGs or cutting-edge VR experiences, there's something for everyone on this list. So without further ado, let's jack in and explore the best of the best in terms of cyberpunk gaming.

1. Deus Ex (2000)

Deus Ex is often cited as one of the greatest PC games of all time, and with good reason. Released in 2000 by Ion Storm, this first-person RPG combined elements of stealth, shooter, and RPG gameplay, placing you in the shoes of JC Denton, a cybernetically enhanced agent working for a shadowy organization in a world of escalating global conspiracy and bio-terrorism. With its intricate branching storylines, immersive world-building, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Deus Ex set the standard for cyberpunk gaming for years to come.

2. Shadowrun: Hong Kong (2015)

Shadowrun is a tabletop RPG setting that blends cyberpunk aesthetics with fantasy elements, such as magic and mythical creatures. The video game series based on that setting is equally unique, offering tactical RPG combat, character customization, and a gritty noir atmosphere. The latest entry in the series, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, takes you to the neon-lit streets of a futuristic version of the eponymous city, where you'll unravel conspiracies, battle rival factions, and upgrade your cyberware to become the ultimate shadowrunner.

3. System Shock 2 (1999)

System Shock 2 is another landmark title from the late 90s that helped define the immersive sim genre. Developed by Looking Glass Studios and Irrational Games, this sci-fi horror RPG thrusts you into the role of a lone survivor aboard a spaceship infested with grotesque mutants, rogue AI, and a malevolent force known as The Many. With an emphasis on survival, exploration, and moral dilemmas, System Shock 2 remains a classic that influenced many later games, including its spiritual successor, BioShock.

4. Cyberpunk 2020 (1990)

Before there was Cyberpunk 2077, there was Cyberpunk 2020, a tabletop RPG created by the legendary game designer Mike Pondsmith. Set in a dystopian future where mega-corporations rule the world and street gangs battle for turf, Cyberpunk 2020 offered a richly detailed world, gritty combat mechanics, and a comprehensive character creation system. Its influence can still be felt in modern RPGs, as well as in the upcoming Cyberpunk Red edition.

5. Blade Runner (1997)

Based on the classic movie directed by Ridley Scott, Blade Runner is a point-and-click adventure game that takes place in the same world as the film but tells its own story. You play as an ex-cop turned blade runner tasked with hunting down rogue replicants, bio-engineered beings that resemble humans. With its moody soundtrack, immersive visuals, and branching narrative, Blade Runner is a true cult classic that captures the essence of cyberpunk's noir-infused atmosphere.

6. E.Y.E.: Divine Cybermancy (2011)

E.Y.E.: Divine Cybermancy is a lesser-known gem that combines elements of FPS, RPG, and strategy games. Developed by Streum On Studios, this game takes place in a surreal, Metroidvania-esque world where factions of cyborgs, aliens, and humans vie for power and control. With its complex skill tree, dynamic faction system, and psychedelic aesthetics, E.Y.E.: Divine Cybermancy is a must-play for fans of weird and wonderful cyberpunk experiences.

7. The Technomancer (2016)

The Technomancer is a sci-fi RPG developed by Spiders, the creators of other overlooked gems such as Mars: War Logs and GreedFall. Set on a colonized Mars where mutant creatures, conspiracy theories, and political intrigue abound, The Technomancer lets you customize your character's appearance, skills, and playstyle, as you navigate the complex web of factions and relationships. With its immersive world-building, multiple endings, and fluid combat system, The Technomancer is a game that deserves more attention than it got.

8. Shadow of the Colossus (2005)

Wait, what? Isn't Shadow of the Colossus an action-adventure game about climbing giant monsters? Well, yes, but it's also a game that explores themes of loss, grief, and the destructive effects of power. Set in a barren, otherworldly landscape that evokes both post-apocalyptic and cyberpunk imagery, Shadow of the Colossus is a game that defies easy classification. However, it's also a game that resonates deeply with cyberpunk themes, such as the transhuman quest for immortality and the dangers of playing god.

9. VA-11 Hall-A (2016)

VA-11 Hall-A is a visual novel game that takes place in a cyberpunk future where you work as a bartender in a speakeasy-style bar. While it may not be a traditional RPG, VA-11 Hall-A offers a unique mix of storytelling, interactivity, and world-building that's hard to resist. As you mix drinks for your eclectic clientele, you'll learn about their hopes, fears, and secrets, all while uncovering a larger conspiracy that threatens to upend the fragile balance of power in this world. With its catchy synthwave soundtrack, retro-futuristic visuals, and quirky characters, VA-11 Hall-A is a game that's both chilled and thrilling.

10. Neuromancer (1988)

Last but not least, we have Neuromancer, a classic adventure game that's based on the groundbreaking cyberpunk novel of the same name by William Gibson. As protagonist Case, a burned-out hacker with a death wish, you'll explore the seedy underbelly of a future Los Angeles, battling deadly viruses, rogue AIs, and your own inner demons. With its iconic visuals, compelling narrative, and immersive world, Neuromancer is a game that deserves to be remembered as one of the pioneers of cyberpunk gaming.

And that's our list of the top 10 cyberpunk RPGs of all time. Whether you're a veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for a thrilling new experience, these games offer something for everyone. So get ready to hack, slash, shoot, and talk your way through the neon abyss, and remember: the future may be bleak, but it's also full of possibilities.

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