I’ve been turning my nostalgia to overload because of my upcoming release, Chromed: Upgrade. Some of that’s been books, or movies, but today’s post is about video games. I’m looking forward to Cyberpunk 2077 in the same way a heroin addict hungers for their next hit, but we’re not there yet. If you want a little fix before CDPR’s next thing, give these a look.

5: Shadowrun: Hong Kong

Shadowrun: Hong Kong is the latest in HairbrainedScheme’s franchise, and the best of the bunch. No prior experience with the previous two games is required. This is rich, gritty, full of story, and takes its time to get to the heart of the story. My only real complaint is this is more like a novel than a game; there’s a lot of reading required, but it’ll reward you. ACG’s take is excellent:

4. Seraph

Now for something totally different: action to 11. Ever wondered what it would be like to be a fallen angel in a cyberpunk prison complex? Seraph answers that for you. This game’s combat is sublime, the kind of thing you can sink into and flow with. The soundtrack kicks ass too. It’s made by a tiny indie developer who punched well above their weight. Cyberpunk is a backdrop to excellent action with heavenly influences. Better than Dead Cells? I think so. Look for it on Steam, PSN, and Xbox. My favorite review is from The Lazy Peon (scrub to 10m40s to get his thoughts):

3. Syndicate

This would rank a lot higher if EA hadn’t left it to die of exposure.

The story in Starbreeze’s Syndicate reboot is penned by Richard K. Morgan, and it oozes grit. I’ve played this through a couple times, once on Xbox 360, and more recently on PC. It doesn’t get old. The major drawback of the game today is the outstanding multiplayer co-op mode lacks players. If you’re after a diversion for 10 or so hours, this delivers. Check out the site for more.

Giant Bomb’s review is the best out there.

2. Satellite Reign

If you’re the kind of person who wants the old Syndicate game back again, this was made for you. Except it’s a million times better. It’s got a permanent space on my hard drive. I’ve been itching to play this again for a while, so … I just might. Real-time class-based strategy, full of gorgeous visuals and a sublime soundtrack. Get great justice at their website. The GB “quick look” (hah) is a neat overview:

1. Detroit: Become Human

This thing is a masterpiece. If you’ve not played it you should get it. It’s sad, and poetic, and talks about the human in all of us. Isn’t that what cyberpunk is all about? These reviews tell everything you need to know: