While the implementation of cybernetic enhancements sounds cool, it would be foolish to think that such powerful improvements don't have consequences. Cyberpsychosis in Cyberpunk 2077 isn't very subtle in its origins or its comparison to modern day mental illness. CD Projekt Red uses this to pull at the heartstrings of its players by using future technology in a way that's very pertinent to our current society. It makes sense in Cyberpunk 2077, as humans who replace their organs with synthetic improvements are bound to suffer from some form of physical and mental trauma from the experience.
One example the game uses to show this is when V has to go and get a mod on their hand in order to get better shots with power weapons, and so the player's palm is turned into a black surface with a spot in the center that connects to the specialized guns. After spending such a long time customizing their characters when players first enter the game, seeing the after result of a body modification can feel a little surprising at the physical cost on the player's body. Cyberpunk 2077 does a really good job of making the change to the player's body look as real as it costs, and the illness that could come with it is ever present.
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Cyberpsychosis is an overarching term in Cyberpunk 2077 that is used to define anyone suffering from a mental illness caused by cybernetic enhancements. The disease can start out as a disregard for self-preservation, and can evolve into violent outbursts and behavior. Those suffering from severe psychosis with dangerous implants are called Cyberpsychos, and they are a real threat in and around Night City. However, as players find the clues leading to the different Cyberpsycho sightings, there are more than a couple that seem to be normal people led astray by the promise of power.
In Night City, the push for further enhancements is always there. There is the pressure from the ads blaring in your ears as you walk anywhere, on the radio, or the Ripperdocs and merchants selling the hottest new enhancements. Wherever the influences are coming from, it's enough for the people of Night City to change their bodies to the point their brain can't even recognize the self anymore. This turns them into monsters who begin to act out and push the limits of what they're allowed to do in polite society.
Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with themes of mental illness, with everything from split personalities to complete psychosis. Something it does really well is give the Cyberpsychos individual personalities so that they don't all seem like one brand of ill, as mental illness can show itself in a variety of ways. Probably the most hands on example for players is Lizzy Wizzy, one of the leading celebrities in the game.
After showing severe examples of mental deterioration due to a full body chrome replacement, the player has the choice of getting her help and maybe putting her in danger, or covering for her mistake and possibly allowing for further outbursts. When the player picks up the body they suggest Lizzy get some help, and she comments she likes what's happening.
All this being said, Cyberpunk 2077 never let some players get far enough to fully experience these themes due to all the bugs and issues that were present at launch. While the game has made strides in correcting its mistakes, fans are still expecting more before they're willing to learn any lessons from Cyberpunk 2077. If the company can manage to win those fans back over, the game has a lot of content put towards pointing out the dangers of mental illness and replacing the self in the form of Cyberpsychos.
Cyberpunk 2077 is out now for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia.