The Immersive Universe of Blade Runner Brutal City 2060
In recent years, Hera (zee9) has crafted a series of highly acclaimed Blade Runner-themed sims, alongside remarkable creations like Bram Stoker's Dracula-inspired Victoriana.
Her latest endeavour, Blade Runner Brutal City 2060, expands upon her previous Blade Runner-themed works, enveloping visitors in a gritty, futuristic neon-soaked metropolis.
Blade Runner Brutal City offers an extensive, immersive environment featuring clubs, bars, clandestine hideouts, and even a hotel.
Having previewed it before its launch, I'm thoroughly impressed - it's truly exceptional. As a fan of neon-drenched settings, I find it particularly appealing. Like Hera's other creations, this is an essential must-visit destination.
The Concept
Set in 2060, Blade Runner Brutal City evolves the iconic Blade Runner 2049 universe. In particular, Hera has incorporated elements from the Judge Dredd franchise and embraced the austere, commanding aesthetic of Brutalist architecture.
The outcome is a distinctive and enthralling environment that not only honours its influences but also stands as a unique achievement in virtual design.
The cityscape is dominated by two key architectural elements: the towering Mega Blocks and the complex Stacks.
The Mega Blocks, borrowed from the Dredd universe, are colossal structures housing thousands of inhabitants.
In Brutal City, these blocks have been seized by three distinct gangs, each with its unique theme and style:
The Neo Punks: A blend of traditional cyberpunk aesthetics with Matrix-inspired elements, occupying the "Paradise" block.
The Metal Heads: Cyberpunk bikers who have claimed the "Valhalla" block as their domain.
The Psycho Delics: Cyber hippies with a "make love and war" philosophy residing in the "Nirvana" block.
Hera has reimagined the ground floors of these Mega Blocks as vibrant "block parties," essentially clubs that reflect each gang's character.
The Stacks draw inspiration from the real-world Habitat 67 in Montreal. Architect Moshe Safdie designed this structure for the 1967 World Expo, comprising 354 identical prefabricated concrete units stacked in a seemingly random arrangement. The result resembles a futuristic, modular mountain of cubes.
While it didn't become a widely replicated model, Habitat 67 remains an influential and visually striking example of 20th-century experimental architecture.
The Hotel
Blade Runner Brutal City 2060 features its own cyberpunk-themed hotel. The reception area boasts an elevator against each wall.
One elevator leads to a dimly lit corridor with compact pod-style rooms, each equipped with a bathroom and balcony offering panoramic city views. These rooms feature an (adult) cyberpunk bed, a Hexagon Cybercouch (also adult), and a DLAB shower.
The other elevator transports guests to a luxurious suite, complete with a grand piano, an infinity pool overlooking the neon urban landscape, a bedroom area, living space, and a bath.
While the bed is a Neon Dreamer PG bed, most other furnishings are adult-oriented, including the Fancy Decor bath, DO Pool Floats, and cyber squish chairs in the living room.
In terms of facilities, reception has a bar and a roulette table, while a diner is just outside.
The hotel is freely accessible, and visitors can use the rooms. However, this does not guarantee privacy, and unexpected encounters may occur.
Two Standout Locations
Blade Runner Brutal City offers countless areas to explore, including a fast food court, a retro gaming store with a distinctive entrance, coffee stands, phone booths, apartments, and alleyways.
The best approach is to wander and get lost.
However, I'll highlight two personal favourites:
The Dream Palace
Easily located by turning right after exiting the subway station's main entrance, the Dream Palace is a lavishly opulent two-level club and restaurant adorned in dark gold tones. Even the restrooms exude decadent luxury.
It's a blend of a five-star hotel bar and private club, with a hint of decadence evident in the very adult yet artfully tasteful statues.
Had the Dream Palace existed when I published my guide to favourite SL bars a few months ago, it would undoubtedly have made the list.
The Badd Jazz Club
This underground jazz venue is accessible via the subway underpass. It boasts an intimate speakeasy ambience, featuring dark purple decor and lighting, complemented by adult-themed art on the walls.
Other considerations
Hera suggests experiencing the sim with environmental lighting on and shadows off for optimal visual impact.
Blade Runner Brutal City 2060 is adult
I didn’t find lag an issue, but then I did visit when it was empty
Conclusion
Hera's creation invites visitors to lose themselves in dystopian alleys and neon-lit corridors. Whether you're a Blade Runner enthusiast, cyberpunk aficionado, or simply appreciate amazing builds, Blade Runner Brutal City delivers an extraordinary experience.
Hera says that Brutal City 2060 took more time and effort than any of her previous creations, and it really shows. As a result, even though her builds are only temporary, this one should be around for at least a month.
That means you have July to immerse yourself in a realm where Brutalist architecture meets neon-drenched streets, and Blade Runner's spirit thrives in exciting new ways. I highly recommend you do.