The 1982 Blade Runner movie starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer is still one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time and one of the most influential in the cyberpunk genre. The theme of cyberpunk lends itself well to video games and their settings and naturally one of the best games to execute this was the Blade Runner video game released back in 1997. Thanks to the Enhanced Edition that was released in 2022, fans get to experience one of the most atmospheric and immersive universes of all time.
Even with its technical limitations that are beginning to show their age after 25 years, there is still a lot to appreciate in Blade Runner Enhanced Edition. It's hard not to feel immersed in its dark, grimy, and neon-colored atmosphere. Thankfully, once it's said and done there are other games in the cyberpunk genre that players can immerse themselves in. Here are some of the best of them.
8 Gamedec
- Released: 2021
- Developer: Anshar Studios
- Platform: PC and Switch
Released in 2021, Gamedec is an isometric cyberpunk detective RPG with point-and-click elements that fans of Blade Runner Enhanced Edition will feel right at home with thanks to the game's mechanics. Players are placed in the shoes of a "Game Detective" better known as the titular Gamedec.
The player is tasked with solving crimes within a variety of virtual realities. The Gamedec is required to solve crimes in a variety of different virtual worlds like the Westworld-like Harvest Time or the medieval landscape of Knight's Code. Just like in the Blade Runner game players will need to gather evidence, and use their powers of deduction to solve crimes.
7 Binary Domain
- Released: 2012
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotaku Studio, Sega
- Platform: PC, PS3 and Xbox 360
As a title from the same studio that created the Yakuza franchise, cyberpunk shooter Binary Domain is quite the departure. However, the studio's aptitude for telling a great story with memorable characters is on full display with one of the PS3/360 generation's most overlooked games.
It's a third-person squad shooter in the style of the Gears of War series where the world has been hit by an apocalyptic flood caused by global warming. The game features a consequence system where members of the squad will react to the decisions that the player makes. As with the general themes of Blade Runner, there's a narrative that heavily features androids becoming sentient beings.
6 Deus Ex Series
- Released: 2000, 2003, 2011, and 2016
- Developer: Ion Storm and Eidos Montreal
- Platform: PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
One of the greatest and most immersive cyberpunk universes in gaming is from the Deus Ex franchise. It draws players into its dark futuristic settings with stories set in conspiracies, body modifications, as well as corporate espionage, and government cover-ups.
The action RPG franchise features choice-based gameplay, explorable towns and locations, and a ton of lore for players to get to grips with. The recent titles Deus Ex Human Revolution and Mankind Divided are more easily accessible for modern gamers and a great starting point thanks to being a prequel to the 2000 original.
5 Final Fantasy 7 Remake
- Released: 2020
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, PS4, and PS5
The original Final Fantasy 7 was first pitched by Hironobu Sakaguchi as a dark detective game set in a New York-like city. While the final result is vastly different from that idea, elements remained with the dark cyberpunk-style setting of Midgar.
Cyberpunk themes of the poor living below the rich and powerful are present in the city of Midgar and this is beautifully realized in the original 1997 game but is something very special in the 2020 Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Other cyberpunk influences are present with certain looks and stylizations that are inspired by the anime Akira with its superbikes, tech, and atmosphere.
4 Observer: System Redux
- Released: 2017
- Developer: Bloober Team
- Platform: Linux, macOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Bloober Team's Observer is a dark cyberpunk adventure and psychological horror game that wears its Blade Runner influences on its sleeve. The game even stars the late Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer as its lead protagonist as the detective/Observer Daniel Lazarski.
Its architecture and world design are heavily inspired by Eastern Europe as opposed to the American influences seen in Blade Runner. The theme of gathering clues, interrogating suspects, and solving crimes should sit well with fans of the Blade Runner video game.
3 Beyond A Steel Sky
- Released: 2020
- Developer: Revolution Software
- Platform: iOS, Linux, macOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, tvOS, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Before 1997's Blade Runner video game, there was Beneath a Steel Sky, a cyberpunk point-and-click adventure game released in 1994. The game was created by the same studio behind the Broken Sword series and is still a worthwhile title for fans of both cyberpunk and adventure games.
However, those looking for something a bit more modern should also look at the sequel Beyond a Steel Sky. Again, this title is a cyberpunk adventure game with a setting that's not as dark or brooding as Blade Runner. However, the game's mechanics and themes are similar enough for Beyond a Steel Sky to be one of the best modern-day equivalents.
2 The Shadowrun Trilogy
- Released: 2013, 2014, and 2015
- Developer: Harebrained Schemes
- Platform: Android, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
The Shadowrun franchise is based on the tabletop RPG board game of the same name. It's a science-fiction franchise that blends elements of high fantasy and magic with a rich cyberpunk universe.
The Shadowrun Trilogy is a set of isometric RPGs with a ton of depth and old-school mechanics that provides a very open and unique experience. The world-building is outstanding with lots of lore to lose oneself in with its dark and atmospheric tone. The trilogy is one of the most unique and engaging cyberpunk universes available.
1 Cyberpunk 2077
- Released: 2019
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
A controversial title at launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into one of the most immersive gaming experiences available. It's a title that's best experienced on a capable PC or the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It's another RPG based on a tabletop series so it has a ton of depth and lore to dive into.
The world genuinely feels alive with so much going on and the cyberpunk atmosphere and feel of the world are unmatched. The moment one steps out into the populated neon streets with cars flying overhead, it's almost impossible not to get drawn. It's a cyberpunk fan's dream come true and one of the best and most immersive worlds in gaming.
Blade Runner Enhanced Edition is available now for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.