Summary
SPOILERS for Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 Ahead
Despite being completely opposite games in terms of aesthetics and style, there are quite a few similarities betweenBaldur’s Gate 3andCyberpunk 2077.The most obvious of which is that both protagonists have a voice inside their head, but it actually goes much deeper than that and in surprising, seemingly unique, but albeit similar ways. InCyberpunk 2077after a heist gone wrong, V inserts a relic inside their head. It can’t be removed and contains Johnny Silverhand, with the two working together (swimmingly or begrudgingly) as they are dying. Only one of them can come out of the situation alive.
InBaldur’s Gate 3, the protagonist has an Illithid tadpole in their head and is bound to turn into a Mindflayer at any time, should the Absolute call for it. Protecting them is the voice inside their head, a mindflayer known as The Emperor. Whereasthe Relic directly puts Silverhand into V’s head, the tadpole is circumstantial and the Emperor isn’t exactly in the protagonist’s head, but it’s very similar. Yet, the strangest thing about the connection between theBG3protagonist and the Emperor, as well as Johnny and V, is that players can essentially roleplay the voice inside their heads.
BG3 and Cyberpunk 2077: Roleplaying the Voice Inside Your Head
There’s a questline inCyberpunk 2077where players retrieve the variousitems of Johnny Silverhand, wearing everything he used to wear in life and even getting his car. Strewn across Night City, players can find Johnny’s Tank Top, Johnny’s Aviators, Johnny’s Samurai Jacket, Johnny’s personal gun, Johnny’s pants, and Johnny’s shoes. Ignoring how all of these articles of clothing have even lasted this long, players can dawn it all and look just like Johnny Silverhand, while playing as V who has Johnny in their head. It’s a pretty unique thing, but one thatBG3largely emulates too.
Beyond the possibility of becoming a Mindflayer at the end ofBaldur’s Gate 3, players can find many items that belonged to The Emperor in the titular city. Under the Elfsong Tavern, players can find The Emperor’s Sword, as well as his Cerebral Citadel Armor and his Ceberal Citadel Gloves. Moving on, players will eventually come face to face with Ansur, an ancient Wyrm, who reveals The Emperor was actually Balduran (founder of the city) prior to his transformation.Before or after fighting Ansur inBaldur’s Gate 3, players can claim Balduran’s Helm. It’s a bit odd all put together, but just like Johnny Silverhand, it’s even possible to sort of “roleplay” Balduran/The Emperor.
The incredibly well-reviewedBaldur’s Gate 3andCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Libertyhave been some of the biggest releases of the past few months, with the first title launching to a standing ovation and the latter receiving high praise as its redemption arc comes full circle. The similarities were likely not intentional and by no means an issue, but it’s still an interesting facet of two completely different games. Cyberpunk and medieval fantasy are not exactly kindred spirits, but it’s interesting to see how similar plot points can be explained through technology and magic.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available now on PC and PS5, with an Xbox version in development.
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