Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red’s latest foray into ambitious storytelling and immersive game worlds, stands as a behemoth in the realm of RPGs. After a buildup of anticipation that seemed to intensify with every delay, its release was met with a thunderous mix of acclaim and controversy. Now that the dust has settled and patches have been deployed, it’s time to answer the big question – does Cyberpunk 2077 live up to its high-flying expectations?
From the onset, Cyberpunk 2077 introduces you to the sprawling metropolis of Night City, a place of glaring inequality, rampant corporate influence, and unbridled hedonism. Here, players step into the shoes of V, a mercenary for hire whose story unfolds through the decisions you make, the alliances you forge, and the enemies you confront. The game promises an intricate narrative wrapped in the flamboyant aesthetics of a dystopian future and, for the most part, it delivers.
Visuals to Die For
The game’s visuals are nothing short of breath-taking. As you wander the neon-soaked streets or gaze upon the skyline from a high-rise building, it’s clear that CD Projekt Red poured countless hours into crafting this visually dynamic environment. Even on mid-range systems, after several optimizations, Night City’s ambiance is delivered with enough style and detail to give a genuine sense of grandeur and depth.
Narrative and Character Depth
Central to the appeal of Cyberpunk 2077 is its narrative arc and the depth of its characters. From the stoic, cyberware-imbued Jackie Welles to the digital ghost of rockstar rebel Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, V’s companions are intricately designed with backstories and personalities that genuinely impact the world around them. The side quests are where this shines brightest, often unfurling into substantial storylines with choices that resonate beyond the immediate.
Gameplay Mechanics – A Dual-Edged Sword
The gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077 offers an array of mechanics, from gunplay and hacking to stealth and dialogue options. Each system feels substantial and allows for diverse approaches to situations. Customization also plays a huge role with V’s cyberware offering enhancements that can drastically change how players interact with the world.
Nonetheless, the complexity brings with it a hint of unwieldiness. Certain elements, especially the inventory and crafting systems, can feel overcomplicated, slowing down the pacing and taking players out of the otherwise captivating experience. In contrast to the assortments of guns and gadgets, the melee combat, while serviceable, is less refined and often doesn’t match the slick, cyber-enhanced fantasy.
Technical Turbulence
Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was, to put it mildly, rocky. Plagued by bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-gen consoles, it fell rapidly from grace. While many issues have been patched and the experience on PC was generally less problematic, the damage to its reputation lingers. For this review, the latest patched version shows marked improvements, yet some glitches still pepper the gameplay – though seldom game-breakingly so.
Furthermore, ambitious AI for both civilians and the Night City Police Department failed to hit the mark at launch. Since then, the AI has seen improvements, but it still doesn’t quite compare to the living systems seen in some of Cyberpunk 2077’s contemporaries.
Soundscaping and Soundtrack
The soundscape of Netrunner exploits and bullets is accompanied by a stellar soundtrack, which, combined with the evocative sound design, immerses you deeper into the cyberpunk fantasy. The eclectic mix of genres reflects Night City’s cultural melting pot, enhancing each neighborhood’s unique identity. The sound is often where Cyberpunk 2077 excels without reservation, underpinning the aesthetic and narrative with auditory precision.
The Dichotomy of Open-world Freedom
In true RPG fashion, the game offers the player freedom to explore and engage with Night City’s multiple layers. However, this freedom sometimes reveals the limitations of the game’s world-building outside of the main quest line. While there are stories abound, some areas appear more as backdrops than interactable settings. The contrast between the rich narrative-driven content and the less-polished open-world aspects can be jarring.
The Verdict
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game of contrasts. Its ambition is evident and, in many ways, the game sets a benchmark for storytelling and world design. However, the grand scope of its ambitions is both its strength and its downfall. When it performs well, it’s an unforgettable experience full of poignant storytelling and action-packed gameplay. When it stutters, it can pull you out of the fantasy with the jarring abruptness of a system crash.
Despite its tumultuous release, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved, and for those with powerful enough hardware or a next-gen console, the game offers a deep, mostly cohesive experience. For gamers hoping for an open-world utopia flush with boundless interaction, this may not be the case. Yet, for those seeking a story-driven adventure set in a meticulously crafted universe with complex characters, Cyberpunk 2077’s extensive content, and vibrant, thought-provoking themes are undoubtedly worthy of attention.
CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 is not a perfect game. It’s an experience rife with duality – breathtaking and flawed, groundbreaking and frustrating. As it stands today, it offers a journey well worth taking for those willing to look past its shortcomings. For enthusiasts eager to dive into a dense, story-rich RPG and for gamers with gusto for the cyberpunk genre, tuning into Night City’s frequency might just be a gamble that pays off.