Dishonored and Dishonored 2

If you want more: Engaging first-person narrative with multiple outcomes
Notable differences: Steampunk setting, full-on immersive sim, no customizable character, no stat-based RPG mechanics
Availability:
Dishonored: Windows (Steam Deck OK), Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Dishonored 2: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5

Dishonored has many significant differences from Cyberpunk 2077; but if you found yourself rocking a stealthy V build and enjoy when the game tips over into the imsim genre, then Dishonored might be a genre departure worth making. Plus, Dishonored gives you the freedom to choose how the narrative flows in ways beyond mere dialogue choices. Alternative outcomes branch from decisions such as whether or not you poison your assassination target, or the person they’re meeting in private with, or both. Or none! What happens after each one? Gotta replay to find out (…hands off that quickload key).

As a steampunk game, Dishonored’s world is similar to Cyberpunk’s in that it features a fantasy of industry and technology. Both dystopian works, Dishonored is arguably a darker and moodier experience, and features more fantasy and magic. But let’s be honest, sometimes the differences between alternate magical realms with mysterious and powerful beings and pockets of cyberspace where artificial intelligence reigns supreme are sometimes just a difference of aesthetics. And though Dishonored isn’t an open-world game, there is a good amount of exploration to be had; the smaller environments arguably make exploration more focused and worthwhile.

Instead of cyberware and physical augmentations, your character will take advantage of dark, mysterious magical arts given under a spooky arrangement that will have you questioning various aspects of morality and mortality as you creep your way through cobblestone streets, Victorian-themed buildings, and dark alleyways infested with rodents and plague. Cyberpunk implies the fantasy of a dark, street-crawling experience; Dishonored offers it more directly and with whispers and shadows. Don’t forget to listen to the heart…

Dishonored has two main entries and some DLC for both. I suggest starting with the first game and going through the rest of the saga in release order.