That’s because Cyberpunk 2077 handles choice differently. It’s a lot more opaque than other RPGs. Take one of the game’s earliest missions, where V needs to acquire a valuable piece of cargo for a heist.
Early on, I realized that I don’t get to determine who V is. Instead, she’s a force that is being inflicted on the world, and I can only keep a leash on her as she tears her way through every scenario. V will always be reckless, determined, sarcastic, and violent.
[Warning: The following contains spoilers for the first 10 hours of Cyberpunk 2077.]
But when I started talking to friends about how our runs were progressing, I realized that things went very differently. During one mission, I did the exact same mission prep as my friend by allying with an outside corporate influence who provided me with a hacked payment card. When I went into a deal with a murderous criminal gang, intent on paying with the chip to help my new corpo friend, I focused on appeasing them at all costs. My ally panicked, and her corporation, decked out like a military, stormed the base and I had to fight my way out alongside the gang. Since the operation had gone so sour, my ally was fired, and the guy she had been carrying around in her trunk thanked me for the save.
My friend had the tense negotiation go a different way — he was able to make the same deal, but when he got in to talk to the Maelstrom, he turned on them violently. He realized that the boss of this gang, assumed dead, was actually just a captive. He restored the boss’s leadership, killed the upstarts, and later hooked up with the corporate agent in a motel room.
It’s a cluster of consequences that feels impactful. Our Night City experiences are now tangibly different. It feels like finishing a big quest hub in a BioWare game, except there I would pick my allies and actions through a very clear set of dialogue trees. Here, it’s about the approaches we took. The blue dialogue options can affect things, and skipping them — or choosing one over the other — can come back to bite you later.
Image: CD Projekt Red
One quest asks you to check in on your neighbor, Barry, a former cop. My buddy picked the right conversation options, and Barry opened up to him. I tried to be delicate, and avoided asking a question in favor of a more polite, distant approach. The next time I went to check on Barry, it was clear he had taken a terrible way out in response to his grief.
Later on, I confronted a father and son duo who had a terrible braindance video in their possession. I could go through the conversation as scripted, but if I break the script by shooting the father or the son, I have unique dialogue that starts with the survivor. While people in the open world are very two-dimensional, characters in missions can react with a little more nuance.
It’s not surprising that players are confused about what choices are available in the game. Cyberpunk 2077 has had a rough launch, and it’s clear that large parts of the game like the crime and punishment system simply aren’t working as they should. The game also throws you some red herrings. Early on, femme fatale Evelyn Parker asks if you want to take her side in a heist over your new fixer, Dexter DeShawn. You do have a few choices, but the biggest difference between them is you might get an extra cut of the heist percentage. If you’re only going off your own playthrough, especially since the game is in rough shape, it can seem stifling and limited. It’s only by talking to friends that I realized Cyberpunk 2077 had intriguing branches.
Dialogue trees can also be valuable, even if they don’t have any long-term effects, as they let players determine things about their character. Even V, who’s relatively static, can come across as cruel and mercenary or relatively professional and compassionate towards those who need help, depending on how you navigate conversations. It’s a clear way for a player to role-play with immediate impact.
However, long-term story differences tend to come from your actions, not your words. It’s a system that’s organic, and when you can tell it’s working and understand the game’s feedback, it feels great.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
