Cyberpunk 2077 has a futuristic setting that allows it to use sci-fi elements to their fullest extent in the creation of a gripping fictional tale, which is shown in the "Blistering Love" side quest. At first glance, "Blistering Love" seems like a normal enough romance quest. And perhaps it would be, but for the fact that one of the characters going on the date is only able to do so by taking over protagonist V.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077.]
Cyberpunk 2077 was released in 2020 to a rough launch, but now that the game has subsequently been patched into a much smoother experience, players are again discovering many of the little moments that make it special. Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in Night City, which is awash in interesting storytelling moments. The controversy and disappointing launch of Cyberpunk 2077 meant that players have ending up missing out on the brilliance of the game's world in pushing the limits of fictional storytelling in a fun, engaging way.
"Blistering Love" is available after the side quest "Chipin' In," both of which require V to let Johnny take control of their body to go on a date with Rogue. It isn't the only NPC romance in Cyberpunk 2077, but it might be the most unique. This is because Blistering Love explores the possibilities of fiction and experiments with the classic cyberpunk theme of transhumanism.
Johnny Silverhand Goes On A Date Post-Mortem
Johnny Silverhand died in 2023, now only able to live on due to his consciousness being digitized and placed into a biochip that now resides in V's brain. "Blistering Love" requires Johnny to take control of V's body, which blurs the line of who is really going on the date since the body belongs to V, tying Rogue, one of the game's major figures, into a wholly different kind of love triangle that provides some interesting dialogue and a memorable moment or two for Rogue, V, and Johnny. The quest ends with V regaining control of their body while they're having a conversation with Johnny. The ability to include moments like this where the player has to think about the circumstances of the mission and the importance of identity puts the storytelling on another level, and shows one of the often-overlooked strengths of Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077 DLC and the missing space lore might explore more situations like this where this is no clear answer. As technology becomes more advanced, it's possible that the currently fictional elements of Cyberpunk 2077 could become reality, as it isn't unheard of for sci-fi media to use the idea of prolonging life through transferring a consciousness to a new body, whether that body is real or artificial. With an expansion in development and DLC on the way, it will be interesting to see how the nature of fiction will be used, and if the secret ending will have any relevance for the future of Cyberpunk 2077.
