Cyberpunk 2077, the 2020 open-world RPG from CD Projekt Red, arrived with a bang, but have its promises been delivered upon?
Fueled by years of hype and featuring the star power of Keanu Reeves, the game promised a deep, immersive dive into the neon-drenched dystopia of Night City.
However, launch was a bumpy ride, marred by technical issues and unfulfilled expectations. Three years later, with several patches and an expansion under its belt, has Cyberpunk 2077 redeemed itself? Let’s take a fresh look.
A City Alive (But Not Quite Breathing)
Night City is the undeniable star of Cyberpunk 2077. A sprawling metropolis choked by smog and towering megacorporations, it’s a visual feast.
Towering skyscrapers pierce the polluted sky, neon signs cast a garish glow on the rain-slick streets, and the diverse populace bustle about their daily lives.
Whether you’re exploring the luxurious extravagance of Westbrook or the grimy underbelly of Watson, each district has its own distinct personality.
Unfortunately, the city’s impressive visuals are occasionally hampered by technical shortcomings. While the game runs smoothly on high-end PCs and next-gen consoles, last-gen versions still struggle with frame rate drops and pop-in.
The much-anticipated AI routines for pedestrians and traffic haven’t quite reached the level of immersion players craved, with repetitive behaviors breaking the illusion of a truly living city.
Story and Characters: A Mixed Bag of Implants
Cyberpunk 2077’s story follows V, a mercenary on the rise in Night City. Choices made throughout the campaign can significantly impact the narrative, offering a decent degree of replayability.
The main story itself is a compelling cyberpunk tale, brimming with corporate intrigue, transhuman questions, and the struggle for survival in a dog-eat-dog world.
Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Johnny Silverhand, a digitized rockstar with a rebellious streak, is a highlight. His presence adds a layer of star power and emotional weight to the narrative.
However, some supporting characters fall flat, lacking the depth and nuance to truly resonate with players. The side quests, while often engaging, can feel uneven in quality.
Some offer intriguing glimpses into the city’s underbelly and its inhabitants, while others feel like generic filler content.
Gameplay: A Steel Spine with Patchy Enhancements
Cyberpunk 2077 offers a blend of action role-playing and first-person shooter mechanics. Players can customize V’s appearance, skills, and cybernetic enhancements, allowing for a variety of playstyles.
Whether you prefer a stealthy approach, a guns-blazing rampage, or a combination of both, the game offers options to accommodate.
Combat is generally satisfying, with a good weight to the weaponry and a decent variety of enemy types to keep things interesting. Stealth mechanics are functional but not particularly innovative.
One area that continues to be a point of contention is driving. Vehicle handling can feel clunky at times, and the open world doesn’t offer as much in the way of dynamic pursuits or interesting activities as some might have hoped.
A Glitched Launch, a Redeemed Future?
Cyberpunk 2077 lunch was undeniably troubled. The game was plagued by bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-gen consoles.
CD Projekt Red has released numerous patches since then, significantly improving the game’s stability and overall experience. While not entirely bug-free, Cyberpunk 2077 is now in a much more playable state.
The recent “Phantom Liberty” expansion injects a new shot of adrenaline into the game. It introduces a compelling espionage storyline, new gameplay elements, and expands upon the lore of Night City.
Whether you’re a returning player or a newcomer curious about the hype, “Phantom Liberty” is a worthwhile addition.
The Verdict: A Cyberpunk with Potential, Not Perfection
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game of contrasts. It boasts a stunning world brimming with potential, but technical shortcomings and uneven storytelling hold it back from true greatness.
The recent improvements and the “Phantom Liberty” expansion are positive steps, but the game still feels like it hasn’t quite reached the heights it once aspired to.
So, should you play Cyberpunk 2077?
If you’re a fan of open-world RPGs with a cyberpunk setting and are willing to overlook some remaining technical quirks, then you’ll likely find enjoyment in Night City. Just be prepared for a world that’s more glitching neon than chrome perfection.
For those seeking a flawless experience, it might be best to wait for further improvements or a significant price drop.
FAQs
Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing in 2024?
This depends on your priorities. Cyberpunk 2077 boasts a stunning world, a compelling cyberpunk story, and various playstyles. However, technical issues can still hinder the experience, particularly on last-gen consoles. If you can accept some imperfections, you’ll likely enjoy Night City.
How long is Cyberpunk 2077?
A playthrough of the main story can take around 20-25 hours. Completing side quests and exploring the world can significantly extend that playtime. The “Phantom Liberty” expansion adds additional content to the experience.
What kind of game is Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action RPG. Players can explore Night City on foot or in vehicles, complete quests, engage in combat, and customize their character with various skills and cybernetic enhancements.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer?
No, Cyberpunk 2077 is a single-player experience. There is currently no multiplayer mode available.
Performance and Technical Issues
Does Cyberpunk 2077 run well on PC?
Generally, yes. Higher-end PCs can run the game smoothly with impressive visuals. However, optimization is still ongoing, so some users might encounter occasional glitches.
Can I play Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4 or Xbox One?
Yes, but be prepared for limitations. Last-gen consoles can struggle with frame rate drops and pop-in textures.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 better on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S?
Current-gen consoles offer a smoother experience with improved frame rates and load times compared to last-gen versions. However, they may not quite match the graphical fidelity of a high-end PC.
Should You Buy Cyberpunk 2077?
If you’re a fan of open-world RPGs with a cyberpunk setting and are willing to overlook some remaining technical quirks, then you’ll likely enjoy Cyberpunk 2077. Just be prepared for a world that’s more glitching neon than chrome perfection. For those seeking a flawless experience, it might be best to wait for further improvements or a significant price drop.
To read more, click here.
