Some people don't like the ending as it's too bleak for their taste. That's exactly what makes it so compelling for me: and ending without concessions, only the faint glimpse of hope of a short life well lived. Few games have the nerve to end in such a relentless, down to earth note. The story of V was a thing of beauty, regardless of the ending you choose.
I tried all the endings, and the one that emotionally tore me apart (and allowed me to be reborn) more than any other is the one in which ‘V’ leaves her body to Johnny.
Seeing that all the suffering and pain endured on this journey ultimately allowed Johnny to become a better person, albeit through an enormous and painful sacrifice, was the greatest reward I could have received as the ending to this majestic adventure.
I sincerely thank the entire CDPR staff, the female voice actress for ‘V’ and Keanu, because their performances were masterful, managing to convey all the heavy emotions that the protagonists had to face and overcome.
I would very much like the compliments for “Johnny” to reach Keanu, because with this performance he has given a 45-year-old person suffering from depression a little hope of regaining a dignified existence.
Funny thing is, I don't think all these endings are so hopeless. The Sun and Moon ending give some hope. And the ending where we give our body to Johnny also. We may have the possibility to become a full digital consciousness so amortality, if we can trust "Alt" that is. All these endings aren't definitive, there is great incertitudes. But it seems Blue Eyes can be "trusted" to a certain extent with So Mi, so there is hope in the Sun endings.
Here’s my opinion on the endings and what should happen next.
Canon Ending for Cyberpunk 2077:
I believe The Sun ending is the most neutral and sensible canon choice if CDPR decides to canonize one ending.
It keeps V alive, honors their journey, and allows for an aftermath story without undermining their character.
Other endings, including those from Phantom Liberty, felt either contradictory to V/Johnny’s character (e.g., siding with the government) or abrupt (e.g., Songbird’s path).
Sequel Story Approach:
A sequel focused on dealing with the aftermath of V’s rise as a legend would feel engaging and natural.
This could explore the weight of being a legend, the costs of chrome, enemies made along the way, and legacy versus survival.
Continuing as V (rather than introducing a new, unexplained protagonist) is preferred for narrative and emotional continuity.
Player Choice and Romance:
Keeping romance options open is important, allowing players to continue V’s relationships as they experienced them in 2077.
Multiple endings in the sequel would maintain player agency, even if a canon starting point is established.
Gameplay Continuity:
If new chrome types, higher level caps, and expanded mechanics are introduced, allowing players to carry over their V’s build would be ideal.
If not, giving players flexibility at the start to rebuild V in line with their previous playstyle would preserve personal gameplay investment.
Overall:
V’s journey feels personal and meaningful. A sequel that respects their story, allows continued player choice, and balances new gameplay options would be the most satisfying and immersive way to continue the Cyberpunk universe.
