Whether you’re a fan of Cyberpunk 2077 or not (we are!), there’s no denying that the cyberpunk genre is enjoying a resurgence in recent years, and the release of CD Projekt Red’s latest mega title has done much to further that.
There are some great cyborg characters in that game, but you don’t have to look far to find other great mechanically augmented characters in the gaming industry. Here are 5 of the coolest cyberpunk cyborgs in video games.
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5. Adam Jensen
Jensen is the one of the principle characters in the Deus Ex series, appearing as the protagonist in Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deux Ex: Mankind Divided.
He is, perhaps, the face that most people will mentally turn to first when thinking of a cyberpunk character. Much of Jensen’s body is augmented with mechanical parts as a result of an attack on Sarif Industries (where he was Chief of Security) left him mortally wounded. In Human Revolution, Jensen tries to seek out those responsible for the attack and get revenge. In Mankind Divided, he is assigned the task of finding cyborg terrorists and curbing their plans.
Jensen, who is voiced by Elias Toufexis, has a distinctive style that was intentionally designed to be a blend of cyberpunk and renaissance aesthetic. His defining features are his “Don Quixote” goatee, neo-noir style trench coat, and blackout sunglasses. Without doubt, this look cements Jensen’s place as one of the coolest cyborgs in video games.
4. Johnny Silverhand
One of the best things about Cyberpunk 2077 is the Johnny Silverhand character, and who better to play the central role than cyberpunk legend Keanu Reeves. Some thought that getting the Matrix star to lend his likeness to the character could be a bit gimmicky, but it ended up being one of the best things about the game, and Reeves’ puts in a stellar performance as Silverhand.
Johnny Silverhand, whose real name is Robert Linder, is an ex-military lead singer of the band Samurai, and has a chromed cyberarm fully equipped with its own recorder. He plays a big role in Cyberpunk 2077 and serves as the co-protagonist and as your guide to Night City. Every scene with Silverhand in is bound to be a good one, he’s easily one of the best cyberpunk characters around.
3. Jax
Jackson “Jax” Briggs is one of the most iconic cyborgs in the gaming industry, and is one of main characters in the Mortal Kombat series, first appearing in Mortal Kombat II. He is part of the US Special Forces and serves as the superior of fellow popular MK character Sonya Blade.
Jax is a hulking figure who has powerful bionic arms that give him the edge over most opponents in battle. It is hinted that he lost his organic arms during a fight, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he now wields strength that is only possible with mechanical augmentation. Jax is one of the best cyberpunk cyborgs who gives all opponents a great challenge when they are tasked with defeating him.
Related: The 5 Best Cyberpunk Video Games
2. Raiden
Raiden is the main character in Metal Gear Solid 2 who has a body completely renovated with cybernetic improvements. He was a child soldier for Solidus Snake and was subjected to many military experiments in youth.
The morality of the cyber augmentation done on him as a child soldier is dubious at best, but there’s no denying that his mechanical adaptations have served him well, particularly in combat. He has superhuman strength and speed, and is pretty handy with a sword, too. Raiden is a cyborg that will long live in the memory of many gamers.
1. Barret Wallace
It’s hard not to love Cloud’s Avalanche accomplice, Barret Wallace. Part of what makes Final Fantasy 7 one of the best Final Fantasy games is its characters, and Barret is up there with the best.
He can sometimes come across as brash and aggressive, but what else would you expect from an eco-terrorist group leader with a cybernetic chain gun attached to his arm. Aside from his gun-arm, Barret sports a hi-top fade, a strong beard that partially obscures a scarred face, and bountiful muscles. If that doesn’t make him one of the coolest gaming cyberpunk cyborgs around, I don’t know what will.
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Who’s your favorite video game cyborg? Let us know in the comment section below. If you’re into the cyberpunk genre right now, you might enjoy reading our article about the best Shadowrun game order.
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