Why Johnny’s Samurai Reunion Is Cyberpunk’s Best Mission

Despite its many problems, Cyberpunk 2077 has a pretty compelling narrative. Surprisingly, the best story in the entire game is completely missable. In a series of missions, protagonist V and Johnny Silverhand attempt to find the man responsible for Johnny’s death and ultimately reunite with Johnny’s rock band, Samurai. What transpires is an existential tale about revenge, redemption, and finding happiness in the unlikeliest of places.

[Warning: Spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077 below]

Played by Keanu Reeves, Johnny Silverhand is a somewhat unlikely ally in Cyberpunk 2077. He’s a narcissist and a jerk who’d rather have V just die, but he’s also a very compelling character. He randomly appears throughout the story to offer rude – often unhelpful – bits of criticism. Late in the game, though, players have a chance to find out more about Johnny and even reunite with members of his band, Samurai.

Over time, Johnny and V develop a relationship that at least resembles friendship. It’s at this point in Cyberpunk 2077 a series of missions becomes available, after Johnny asks V to help him find the man responsible for his death. What seems like a revenge mission quickly turns into an existential crisis, as Johnny discovers his body was buried in a Badlands junkyard and begins to ponder the way his life and actions affected the people around him. It’s a great way to learn more about Johnny’s backstory, but this series of side quests also tells arguably the best story in the entire game.

Why Samurai’s Reunion In Cyberpunk 2077 Is So Important

In Cyberpunk 2077 Night City is a sprawling urban landscape, full of degenerates and opportunists. Despite the world around them being chaotic and even dire, many characters in the game try their best to find happiness. As Johnny and V revisit the friends and bandmates from Johnny’s past, Johnny begins to see his life in a new light – and even develops a bit of empathy for characters like Kerry along the way. Near the end of this story, players are able to join Samurai onstage for an incredible performance. And for just a moment, everyone seems to have forgotten their problems. For a moment, everyone is happy.

Playing this gig isn’t just a cathartic moment for Samurai, though. It’s a freeing release for Johnny, V, and players as well. Since Johnny’s first appearance in the game, and throughout the narrative, he and V have had a tumultuous relationship. Now, these characters understand each other a bit better – and there’s some mutual respect that comes from this.

Although the world of Cyberpunk 2077can be a harsh and cynical place, this story illustrates humanity’s continuous pursuit of happiness, no matter the odds. Even when the world seems to be falling apart around them, humans have the distinct ability to find bits of happiness anyway – even if it only lasts as long as one song.

About The Author

Austin King
(1234 Articles Published)

Austin King is a Game Features Editor at Screen Rant. He’s the author of several books and hosts the Dragon Quest FM and JRPGs & Me podcasts. You can find him on Twitter @DragonQuaustin.

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