Behind the wheel of my car in Cyberpunk 2077 , the real-world slips away. The troubles weighing on me are pushed to one side, and suddenly all that matters is the road in front me. Sometimes I don't even have a set destination in mind.
I just drive; soaking in the sights of the neon-tinted city through my windshield. Then, I relive quests and gigs I've done many times before. Keanu Reeves' abrasive rocker Johnny Silverhand keeps me company all the while, weirdly helping me stave off the loneliness that can so often take hold.
For a place dripping with danger, corruption, and violence, it might sound odd to say I find it relaxing to get lost in Night City. But with almost 700 hours behind me in CD Projekt Red 's RPG, I've come to the conclusion that V's adventure continues to be unexpectedly comforting. Get in loser I've always found solace in repetition.
I often rewatch the same shows, reread my favorite books, or replay the same games over and over. It's something I've done for as long as I can remember, and I know I'm far from alone in that. There's a sense of safety that comes from knowing what to expect, and the familiarity that comes from revisiting a virtual world you know so well can also bring a sense of consolation or reprieve.
Whether it be an escape from everyday concerns, or as means to help pull you through a particularly hard time, there are certain games I always return to. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I never expected V's action-packed journey would be.