For a time, fans of CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger’s acclaimed series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, faced uncertainty about the future of this Netflix sensation. Fast forward three years, and it’s making a spectacular return with a prequel manga from Dark Horse, an anime sequel in the works, and a Blu-ray release set for later this year. Meanwhile, gamers and anime aficionados are diving into a thrilling collaboration, featuring Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners as a guest character in the popular fighting game, Guilty Gear Strive.
We caught up with Guilty Gear Strive producer Ken Miyauchi and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners producer Satoru Homma to discuss this groundbreaking collaboration, which launched on August 21. This interview took place prior to the release of gameplay trailers for Lucy.
1. Why Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
When it comes to crossover events, what made Lucy the top choice to represent Cyberpunk: Edgerunners? Satoru Homma shared that both CD Projekt Red and Arc System Works agreed on Lucy’s potential. Her diverse set of abilities—from using Monowire for melee attacks to hacking enemies—made her an ideal addition to the Guilty Gear universe.
2. What Makes Lucy’s Transition Unique?
Lucy’s narrative in Edgerunners concludes on a poignant note. How does it feel to repurpose her character for a high-octane context in a fighting game? Homma explained that Lucy maintains her cool, mysterious persona, remaining steadfast in her character while adapting to this new environment.
3. How Are Her Abilities Translated into Gameplay?
The team at Arc System Works invested significant time in understanding both Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Cyberpunk 2077. The goal? To create a moveset that embodies Lucy’s hacking and stealth attributes while resonating with Guilty Gear’s dynamic style. Ken Miyauchi emphasized that Lucy’s combat capabilities revolve around quick hacks, Monowire, and her trusty handgun, ensuring fans of both franchises feel true to character.
4. Were There Any Challenges in Animation?
Adapting Lucy’s combat style posed certain obstacles, considering Guilty Gear is known for its over-the-top action. Homma stated, “While our original style is grounded, we were determined to keep Lucy authentic.” Notably, they incorporated the hacking interface from Cyberpunk 2077 to create a seamless connection for players.
5. What to Expect from Lucy’s Story Mode?
Will Lucy add narrative depth to the game, or will her role be primarily focused on gameplay? According to Homma, Lucy will have her own unique story mode, featuring extensive dialogues with other Guilty Gear characters, crafted with input from CD Projekt Red for natural interactions. This storytelling aspect has the potential to deliver humorous moments for fans familiar with both franchises’ lore.
Why is Lucy’s character development so crucial in Guilty Gear Strive? Miyauchi revealed that they tailored a chapter-style Arcade Mode for Lucy, allowing her storyline to unfold sequentially, which offers an engaging experience for players.
With Lucy’s introduction, could we see future crossovers involving characters from Edgerunners? Homma confirmed an upcoming collaboration with Wuthering Waves, stating that the success of these partnerships relies on the passion of the developers involved.
What do CD Projekt Red and Arc System Works hope players take from Lucy’s inclusion? Homma expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate, hoping that fans of both IPs will appreciate and enjoy Lucy’s new role.
Guilty Gear Strive is accessible across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
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