Snowflakez;n10713281 said:
The outer areas look pretty Cyberpunk to me.
Well, why? Is it just the neon or...?
I mean, where is the punk? Or the cyber? Did I miss some graffiti or some garbage? Contrasted with slick Corporate structures?
Just not sure why Industrial + Neon = Cyberpunk.
I don't think it necessarily does unless it also has, you know, some kind of augmented human vibe and some indication of rebellion/undercaste pushback.
Partly I think so-called "Cyberpunk aesthetics" are now shorthand for any kind of shiny building + neon and/or industrial zone + neon. It's no wonder then that an actual Cyberpunk game isn't a thing outside sort-of Deus Ex.
There are many interesting things about a real cyberpunk aesthetic, including but not limited to,
Realism. It's now + a bit. That's really important because it gives the audience the sense this could happen to them or their kids.
Edge. A feel of oppression and danger from other human beings, like the ones you saw on your way home today.
Nihilism. The fuckitall response to constant pressure from great financial and social megastructures. Dark Future.
Art. Cool, new, edgy - humans under pressure often respond with brilliant creative imagery. Graffiti, body mods, music, shows.
Contrast. Super rich and super poor. Super tech side by side with low tech. Overwhelming media towering above people reading screamsheets or anticorp flyers.
Human vs Human Plus. People like you and I, vs/allied with/replaced by cyborgs. Change yourself in response to a world that grips everything else lock-tight.
Change. Signs of a fight, signs of conflict, signs of Today becoming Tomorrow.