Blade Runner corner. Easter eggs and secrets of Cyberpunk 2077
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I promised that we would discuss Blade Runner in more detail. It's impossible to hide the references – they appear at every step, and it's hardly surprising, because both films by Ridley Scott and Denis Villeneuve, as well as the book by Philip K. Dick (which wasn't called Blade Runner at all) have shaped this whole sub-genre of science fiction over the last decades. All you have to do in Night City is to look at the neon-covered skyscrapers climbing up to the sky to see the resemblance.
Misty and Pris
Source: own
I've already mentioned Misty on the occasion of Matrix, but it's worth taking a closer look at this character. Already during the first conversation with her, I had a strange impression that I've seen her somewhere, and it was only when I saw her the second time that I finally realized where. Fluffy blonde hair, distinctive collar, slightly dark make-up, and the whole appearance – this is Pris straight from the original Blade Runner. The similarity is even more visible if we look at the picture of the girl in Jackie's garage.
In Ridley Scott's film we are dealing with an emotionally unstable replicant, while in the game we are dealing with an eternally thoughtful and introverted tarot enthusiast. Both of these women, however, apart from their appearance, share a kind of mysterious character and a multitude of hidden emotions. Girls are memorable, you have to admit it.
Origami, origami everywhere
Gaff is an often omitted character from Blade Runner, because most of his screen time he stands somewhere on the side, in the background, and does not speak much. He expresses himself more with actions, or rather small works of art, which constitute the main symbolic layer of the whole series. We are of course talking about the tiny origami representing animals.
Source: own
These appear repeatedly through Cyberpunk 2077. Pah, they accompany us from the very beginning of the game, because they are part of the character's skill tree. These are the unicorn and swan icons representing perks – you will find them in the skills section under "technical abilities", specifically in the "Crafting" tab. These are quite elite perks, as they require 18 and 20 character level abilities to which they are assigned, and one of them allows for crafting legendary items.
DILDO INSTEAD OF THE HORN
I have been wondering for a long time whether to mention another unicorn from the billboards in Night City. The ad on which it is placed says "El Guapo. Need for Steed" (a simultaneous reference to the Need for Speed title and an erotic allusion, because we are talking about the "need for a steed"). It has little to do with the Blade Runner, although I thought otherwise at first. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning this marketing eccentricity as a curiosity.
Source: own
Even the same glasses
And if we want to play with finding the most subtle details, I have to say about the characteristic glasses from which the partygoers in Night City happen to drink whiskey (especially in the Afterlife club). They are built of four walls in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, placed on a solid, thick base. Deckerd, the protagonist of Blade Runner, drank alcohol from the same glases. If you're wondering why the creators decided to copy just these items, I'll just say that they've become very popular before. On some websites you can even order a set of two glasses for – attention, attention – almost two hundred bucks. The perfect gift for Christmas, if money doesn't play a role.
Like tears in the rain
Source: own
In Cyberpunk 2077 you can find Pris' partner, Roy Batty (a replicant portrayed by Rutger Hauer), although it is quite difficult to find him if you are not previously given some clues by online easter egg explorers. That is why I offer some help.
The man is sitting on the 42. floor if the building located in Vista Del Rey and holds a dove on his knees. This is a direct reference to the final scene of the film, in which the antagonist delivers a touching monologue about humanity, ending with the legendary line: "All these moments will be lost, like tears in the rain". When we get there, we will experience a sudden change in the weather, as it will start to rain just like in Blade Runner , and the whole scenery, headed by a grey roof, fumes and dominant blue, also refers to what you could see in Ridley Scott's film.
This is not the end, as the Voodoo Boys gang is based in a place called Batty's Hotel. Coincidence? We don't think so. Especially since in North Oak we can find something like Roy Batty's grave (in 2077 the traditional grave was a relic).
