Since then, the Blade Runner franchise has continued, with Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 releasing back in 2017. Now, fans of the dystopian world can now look forward to Blade Runner 2099, an upcoming miniseries for Amazon Prime Video, starring Hunter Schafer as she takes on the role of a human pretending to be a Replicant following an uprising.
As well as multiple movies, there is no denying that the original Blade Runner went on to serve as the inspiration for many video games that have been released since. Whilst Cyberpunk 2077 takes direct inspiration from Mike Pondsmith's TTRPG, Cyberpunk, it would be hard to see that dystopian settings such as those featured in the Blade Runner franchise did not play a large role.
That is why I have put together a list of games, much like Cyberpunk 2077, that any Blade Runner lover would enjoy, including one title that is set to launch this September.
6
Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Developed by Harebrained Schemes, Shadowrun: Hong Kong is a turn-based tactical RPG set in the Shadowrun universe. Also beginning its life as a TTRPG much like Cyberpunk 2077, Harebrained Schemes began a Kickstarter campaign back in 2015 with the goal of turning the physical game into an incredible video game experience. After meeting its goal, the game was released later that year, and now, players can even enjoy a remastered compilation of Shadowrun Returns, Shadowrun Dragonfall: Director's Cut, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong.
Set in a dystopian Hong Kong, the isometric RPG encapsulates both the beauty and ever-approaching world of a setting much like Blade Runner, as well as the hacking and net-running features of a dystopian reality. Soaked in neon lights, yet leaving its darker corners untouched, players will see the world adapt around them as they make decisions and earn money from difficult jobs.
5
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Whilst any of the Deux Ex games can be added here, including its most recent Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, I have chosen to include Deux Ex: Human Revolution, the prequel to Deux Ex, and the third installment in the beloved action RPG franchise.
Set in the year 2027, the story follows Adam Jensen, a security officer for a company which creates artificial organs dubbed as "augmentations." However, with this practice highly controversial, Jensen soon finds himself immersed in the world a lot more than he had originally hoped after the company is attacked and himself undergoes extensive augmentation.
There is no denying that the Deux Ex franchise paved the way for other cyberpunk-inspired RPGs that have come since, and its focus on body augmentation is a must-have feature for any dystopian fiction. Luckily, there are a few games in the franchise if you wish to get started now.
4
Ghostrunner
Released back in 2020, with its sequel arriving in 2023, Ghostrunner is an action platform game that offers fast-paced and violent combat across an original setting inspired by science-fiction and dystopian worlds. Although the Blade Runner franchise focuses more on the human condition, and what it means to be human in a world where they exist alongside artificial intelligence, Ghostrunner follows the more violent side of this, offering more Sekiro-style combat, action and a whole lot of parkour.
However, it is also set in a world that has almost been sent to the brink of collapse and the humans remaining must do everything they can to survive, a theme that many fans of dystopian fiction will recognize.
3
Cloudpunk
If the reason you are drawn to Blade Runner-esque media is because of its post-apocalyptic setting where the gloomy world is cut through with the shining of neon lights, then you will love Cloudpunk. It does include the fast-paced action of Ghostrunner, or the RPG elements of Shadowrun: Hong Kong. Instead, you will take on the role of a delivery driver who must deliver packages through the city's skies. There is only one rule: never look inside.
Set in a rain-drenched cyberpunk metropolis, this open-world adventure, where you take on the role of a cloudpunk driver, will see you travel from the city's underbelly to its tallest skyscrapers, as well as getting to meet a diverse bunch of characters ranging from androids, AI, and humans alike.
2
Citizen Sleeper
Something a bit unique now, but no less exploring the dystopian setting we are all looking for, especially as you take on the role of a corporation-owned synthetic human body implanted with human consciousness. Developed by Jump Over the Age, Citizen Sleeper is a dialogue-heavy RPG taking all of the rules from a classic TTRPG experience. As such, each day in-game will begin with dice roles, with the number you land on representing the number of "activities" you will be able to undertake that day.
However, with this game being set in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism, and you being a mere worker "washed up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society", no day is easy, and you will have to use your rolls wisely. As you explore the station, you will need to choose who to trust, who to befriend, and who to avoid, as you fight to escape your past and secure your future.
If you find yourself loving Citizen Sleeper, you will be pleased to learn that its sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, is also available.
1
Nivalis Nights
With the aim of giving you another rogue pick, I just had to add Nivalis Nights to this list, despite the upcoming life simulation game not launching until 29 September. If you love The Sims or management simulation titles in general, but also want it to cater to your love of dystopian, neon-soaked metropolises, then you will want to add Nivalis Nights to your wishlist.
Set in a cyberpunk city that stretches from the ocean to the clouds, you will be tasked with managing and running various businesses such as nightclubs and restaurants in order to make the economy thrive. However, when you are not tending to business, you will be able to make friends (or enemies), find love, buy and decorate your own apartment, and even kick back and relax with some fishing. How you approach each day is entirely up to you in a land where neon dreams can become your reality.
Release Date
June 25, 1982
Runtime
118 minutes
Writers
David Webb Peoples, Hampton Fancher, Philip K. Dick
Producers
Michael Deeley, Run Run Shaw
English (US) ·