CD Projekt Red recently announced a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 codenamed Project Orion, and though no story-related details have been revealed, the nicknamed Cyberpunk 2 could fix one of its predecessor's biggest mistakes. Cyberpunk 2077 managed to redeem itself with a series of drastic updates after its disappointing release, even securing one million daily players in September. However, Cyberpunk 2 likely won't arrive for a long time since Cyberpunk 2077's expansion, Phantom Liberty, is not expected until 2023.
CD Projekt Red has plenty of lessons to learn from Cyberpunk 2077, but one welcome change would be the return of Jackie Welles. Jackie is a deceptively kind-hearted mercenary who acts as one of the player's first allies, and though he is only featured in a handful of missions, V gets to know him fairly well. Unfortunately, Jackie dies after the Konpeki Plaza heist, far too early to be considered one of Cyberpunk 2077's biggest story spoilers. Though he writes the player's quest descriptions and is referenced in a couple of Easter eggs, Jackie ends up being tragically underutilized.
The likelihood that Project Orion will be a prequel is ittedly fairly low since so many of 2077's missions are dedicated to building and developing its crime-infested futuristic world. However, 2077's lore established a detailed history for Night City that Project Orion could easily explore. If players could assume the role of V or a brand-new player character, Jackie could have a much stronger presence as a mercenary ally. Prior to 2077, Jackie was d with the Valentino gang, so he could also act as one of the faction's major players if Cyberpunk 2 were a prequel.
Cyberpunk Project Orion Would Make A Great Prequel
CD Projekt Red could also remedy Cyberpunk 2077's big missed opportunity by making Jackie Welles the new player character. Though some of Jackie's past is revealed throughout the beginning of 2077, much of his background after leaving the Valentinos is still somewhat vague. This would also allow V to appear as an ally since the two were close before the events of 2077. After all, Jackie presumably had a considerable career as a mercenary prior to 2076 and giving fans a better sense of his roles and accomplishments could give his death more significance.
There are plenty of directions CD Projekt Red could take with Project Orion's narrative, and exploring Night City after the events of 2077 has plenty of merits. That said, it would be a treat to interact with the world of Cyberpunk 2077's many side characters in their earlier years, especially considering how many of them die throughout the story. Killing off Jackie Welles despite teasing him in the game's promotional content was arguably one of Cyberpunk 2077's gravest mistakes, and Cyberpunk 2 provides a great opportunity to give fans more time with him.
