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Imagine a game that's sort of an "unofficial" sequel to Shadowrun. Only instead of being a one for one continuation their are aspects borrowed from Super Metroid,Parasite Eve,Ghost In The Shell,Metal-Gear-Revegeance, Nier Automata and Deus Ex as well!
In Shadowrun there was something called "The Awakening". It turned certain people into mythical races such as dwarves,elves,orcs, and trolls as well as the assortment of similar "other-folk". Something similar happens in Anno only instead it was a mutative nanite virus,infecting humans and gradually turning them into living machines. Similar to "cyber psychosis" in Cyber-Punk,many of these infected became mindless killing machines after the last vestiges of their humanity were stripped away by mechanization.
This explains why the main protagonist Ann's dad looks like a robot and why certain other people have mechanical limbs. "Augmentation" is not always a willing choice for the people in Anno's universe. However, society has learnt to "get by" and in some cases use mechanization to its' advantage. It's an interesting premise and another way to add cyber-punk elements via a macguffin not as often explored.
It surprised me to learn Anno Mutationem rubbed quite a few gamers the wrong way. Certain people didn't get the story. Certain people didn't jive with the winks and nods to the the SCP universe.
By contrast I understood most of what was transpiring right away and took no umbrage with the subtle SCP "insanity". If anything, I appreciated the more mysterious paranormal under-belly permeating the futuristic setting and got a chuckle out of the more eccentric quirky characters! I think there are a few "cyber-punk purists" that have established rules within that genre not to break whilst Anno gleefully carves its' own distinct path while never entirely abandoning its' roots. (That to me is the very essence of "punk" but feel free to disagree! )
This game is a visual feast by the way. Every neon lit vista,bustling night club,or derelict ghost town you visit is a wonder and the seamless transition between 3d exploration and 2D combat is an innovative marvel in and of itself. Pretty much it expands on a Paper-Mario-Esque design principle,allowing what look like 2D sprites to interact with a world that can shift into the third dimension at any moment.
As Ann searches for her brother she can talk to a colorful cast of side characters to acquire new intel,hack doors or terminals,scan the surrounding area for clues,sneak through vents,slice and dice like a trained ninja with her energy blades,use her fire-arms like a wild-west gun-slinger,dodge roll out of danger, summon an energy shield to reduce damage,and parkour (double jump) her way to higher vantage points. Obviously you gain abilities,gather scrap for improved equipment, and upgrade new perks and buffs gradually giving Anno that atypical hybridization between action platformer and rpg. Nothing "amazing" but at least its' systems are easy to understand. (Once you are "really good" you can very quickly break enemy defenses and perform more devastating super attacks by timing your blocking and parrying at the perfect moments!)
You can also engage in a plethora of side activities that include helping local police in their investigations,playing random old skool video games,engaging in shady street-fights to win prizes,fishing,and helping your sister at the family pub. Little touches and flourishes that are there to make the world you reside in seem more lived in and real. (And it works even if these activities are not new in and of themselves!)
I'd be remiss not to mention the soundtrack is a real banger. While the various tracks are not "many" they fit this world perfectly like a black glove slid over the top of a prosthetic bionic hand!

Anno Mutationem is a prime example of why these smaller budget "indie scene" kind of games often deliver "more" that bloated over-hyped AAA releases. It certainly gets a positive "recommended" status from yours truly!
Pros
+Likable (And very sexy) main character!
+Fascinating world building that borrows aspects of cyber-punk and SCP.
+The easter eggs let you know this game was made by gamers for gamers
+Excellent blend of combat,investigation,exploration,upgrading,and getting by at the skin of your teeth when it comes to certain boss fights.
+Enemy variety eventually expands beyond mere flying drones,hired mercs,robots,and mecha machinery.
+People getting augmented by an uncontrollable virus is an interesting premise.
+Locations are gorgeous in both their big-city decadence and derelict solitude.
+Ayane is a riot. (LOL)
+ A portal system opens up making traveling around and saving your game much more hassle free.
Neutral
+/- Anno Mutationem is more than happy to share its' mysteries. But that requires reading and actually interacting with its' world. Not everything is voice acted and not everything holds your hand. "Sometimes" you have to put the pieces together. Sometimes you have to remember certain landmarks. Most of what I mentioned is not obnoxiously complex. It just requires paying attention and occasionally "slowing down" to take in all the important details.
"Cyber-Punk" is a genre every bit as steeped in being a smart observer/skilled detective as it is in being a cybered up murder hobo! Just something to consider before making a purchase.

+/- Some may have a point of contention over Ann's "full potential" not being accessible right away. Like a classic metroidvania she gradually gets more versatile as she acquires new gadgets and discovers more about her past. I personally like this set up as it makes me feel like I'm becoming powerful at a gradual incline. However,maybe certain gamers want to go "full-bor-buck-wild" right from the beginning!
Cons
-"Cyber-Punk purists" may dislike the more supernatural and paranormal elements.
-The occasional upbeat "anime inspired quirkiness" may also grind the gears of cyber-punk purists.
-Anno Mutationem had a rocky launch which is a pity as it truly is a competently done action rpg. I pray this one gets a sequel because for me this was the best cyber-punk adventure I've engaged with in a long time. Anno Mutationem gave me the same wondrous nostalgia as when I played Shadowrun on the super nintendo as a teenager.(That's when I experienced something remotely "cyber-punk" for the first time) In my point of view it deserves to become a classic! (And the beginning to a long running successful ip.)
-Game has a rather expensive dlc pack that's just the ost,an artbook,and a scant few weapons and chips with two additional outfits. Woulda been easy enough to have that stuff in the final build. From a positive perspective it's nice to be able to show extra appreciation towards the devs. From a negative perspective it just comes off as the same greedy hubris triple A studios are notorious for. (Luckily the dlc is not "necessary" for completion or enjoyment with Ann already having attractive form fitting alternate outfits in the core game.)