This game is a masterpiece. The true cyberpunk game, one that truly engages in the literature and makes you ponder the philosophy behind the aesthetics. I can tell that the scenario writers are probably fans of Shirow Masamune, since the themes relate a lot to the The Ghost In The Shell manga (even has that same nerdy "voice" when engaging in the themes via news articles/player thoughts a la Masamune's notes in the manga's margins). The corporatism, authoritarian government, technological invasiveness, etc. I also like that this story focuses a lot on the nature of power: what it is, how we navigate being subordinate to power, how we lash out (the plot twist of the Prologue, there), how corporations collaborate and conspire with governments to maintain power. As an anthropologist and historian in real life, I could not help but smile and be appalled at the same time with how on point everything is. But 2086? This culture is now, right now. By 2086 we will all be drones as depicted in Model Employee (shared universe???).
I also want to say that the art style, character designs, world designs, all beautiful and inspired. Each character feels unique both in appearance and personality, and really they capture the American Millennial generation quite well despite being set in the future. The music is awesome, can we get a soundtrack album, please?
I can talk about this game all day, I could write an academic paper on it. I am really excited for episode 2!