I honestly thing Johnny Silverhand wasn't that overwhelming and for the game of Cyberpunk. He does have a popular trend in the PnP story and the lore, so it would make sense having him involved in the game as he's a keylink to many of these popular things. From Rogue, to Arasaka, it was Johnny who mostly got you into those place because let's be honest. V probably wouldn't have been able themselves. The last job, the Heist really screwed them over and sure you could have used Takamura, but that would have only left half of the game to play.
I'm not saying that V couldn't have done it on their own -but- it would have been a lot of hoop jumping, and probably even than it would have seemed pointless.
I also noticed, and I'm not sure if this is true or not, my reactions with Johnny was actually pretty chill. He'd make snide comments here and there, -but- for the most part he wasn't as much of a bother to me. One of my friends were playing and absolutely hated him because he was just 'mean for no reason'. That also makes me wonder if there's a difference between Johnny's and if your middle category effects how active, inactive, cruel and mean he is, etc.
I think the good thing, and this is just my opinion as I have no idea what the devs are planning. Johnny essentially for the most part is gone; but the game opened up all the lore and stories and connections to you. If we look at the DLC that are coming out, it's extremely possible that this isn't the end of your character's story -and- there is no need for Johnny so it should be pretty Johnnyless.
I'm not saying that V couldn't have done it on their own -but- it would have been a lot of hoop jumping, and probably even than it would have seemed pointless.
I also noticed, and I'm not sure if this is true or not, my reactions with Johnny was actually pretty chill. He'd make snide comments here and there, -but- for the most part he wasn't as much of a bother to me. One of my friends were playing and absolutely hated him because he was just 'mean for no reason'. That also makes me wonder if there's a difference between Johnny's and if your middle category effects how active, inactive, cruel and mean he is, etc.
I think the good thing, and this is just my opinion as I have no idea what the devs are planning. Johnny essentially for the most part is gone; but the game opened up all the lore and stories and connections to you. If we look at the DLC that are coming out, it's extremely possible that this isn't the end of your character's story -and- there is no need for Johnny so it should be pretty Johnnyless.