When Cyberpunk 2077 was announced by CD Projekt Red, the gaming world held its breath. This ambitious title promised a sprawling open-world RPG set in the neon-drenched streets of Night City, brimming with futuristic themes, deep storytelling, and player-driven choices. Released in December 2020, it became one of the most talked-about games of the decade—for both good and bad reasons. Its rocky launch and subsequent redemption arc have been the subject of much debate. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into every aspect of the game, from its troubled development to its ultimate revival, exploring whether Cyberpunk 2077 lives up to its bold ambitions.
A Journey Through Development: Hype and Challenges
The development of Cyberpunk 2077 began in 2012, following the success of CD Projekt Red’s critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. With the company’s reputation for storytelling and world-building, expectations were sky-high. Early trailers showcased a stunning vision of a futuristic dystopia, teeming with life, danger, and technological marvels.
However, the road to release was fraught with delays. The game faced multiple postponements, with CD Projekt Red citing the need to polish its ambitious mechanics and world. The studio’s marketing campaign, coupled with Keanu Reeves’ unforgettable appearance as Johnny Silverhand at E3 2019, only added to the hype. By the time the game launched in December 2020, anticipation was at an all-time high. Unfortunately, the release was marred by bugs, performance issues, and backlash, particularly on last-generation consoles.
Night City: A Cyberpunk Playground
At the heart of Cyberpunk 2077 lies Night City, a sprawling, open-world metropolis set in a dystopian future. The city is divided into six districts, each with its own unique character and atmosphere:
- City Center: The corporate hub, filled with towering skyscrapers and luxury.
- Watson: A bustling, multicultural area with a mix of nightlife and industrial grit.
- Westbrook: Home to the elite, boasting high-end clubs and opulent residences.
- Pacifica: A crime-ridden and abandoned district, offering danger and intrigue.
- Heywood: A suburban sprawl with vibrant street culture.
- Santo Domingo: The industrial heart, pulsing with factories and power plants.
Night City feels alive, teeming with NPCs, vehicles, and events. Its intricate design encourages exploration, whether it’s scaling rooftops to find hidden treasures or cruising through neon-lit streets in a futuristic sports car. The attention to detail is astounding, with every corner of the city telling its own story.
The Story of V and Johnny Silverhand
Cyberpunk 2077 places players in the role of V, a mercenary navigating the dangers of Night City. At the start, players choose one of three lifepaths—Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo—each offering a unique prologue and perspective on the world. V’s journey begins with a heist gone wrong, leading to the discovery of a biochip containing the digital consciousness of Johnny Silverhand, a rebellious rocker with a grudge against the powerful Arasaka Corporation.
This duality between V and Johnny forms the crux of the story. Their relationship evolves over the course of the game, oscillating between conflict and camaraderie. V’s quest to free themselves from Johnny’s engram takes players through a series of morally complex decisions, shaping not only the story’s outcome but also the fate of Night City itself.
Supporting characters such as Panam Palmer, Judy Alvarez, River Ward, and Takemura add depth to the narrative. Each character is intricately written, with personal storylines that often rival the main plot in emotional impact.
Gameplay: A World of Choices
Open-World Exploration
The open-world design of Cyberpunk 2077 is one of its greatest strengths. Players are free to explore Night City’s vast districts, uncovering hidden secrets, side quests, and dynamic events. Whether it’s hacking a security system to infiltrate a corporate facility or engaging in high-speed chases, the game offers endless possibilities.
Combat and Customization
Combat is highly customizable, allowing players to tailor their approach. The game offers a wide array of weapons, from traditional firearms to futuristic smart guns and melee weapons like katanas. Cybernetic upgrades, such as Mantis Blades and optical enhancements, provide additional strategic options.
Players can specialize in different playstyles, such as stealth, hacking, or brute force. The RPG mechanics allow for deep customization of V’s abilities, ensuring that every playthrough feels unique.
Dialogue Choices
One of the standout features of Cyberpunk 2077 is its branching dialogue system. Conversations with NPCs influence the story’s direction, relationships, and even the game’s ending. This emphasis on player choice reinforces the sense of immersion, making every decision feel significant.
Visuals and Audio: Bringing Night City to Life
On high-end PCs and next-gen consoles, Cyberpunk 2077 is a visual marvel. The use of ray tracing technology enhances the game’s lighting, creating realistic reflections and dynamic environments. The character models are highly detailed, adding to the immersion during conversations and cutscenes.
The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring an eclectic mix of artists like Run the Jewels, Grimes, and Refused. The in-game radio stations offer a variety of genres, from electronic beats to punk rock, perfectly complementing the cyberpunk aesthetic.
The Controversial Launch
Despite its ambitious vision, the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was a disaster for many players. The game’s performance on last-generation consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One was riddled with bugs, crashes, and graphical issues. CD Projekt Red faced a storm of criticism, leading to refunds and lawsuits. The company issued multiple apologies and committed to fixing the game through patches and updates.
The Redemption Arc: Updates and Expansions
CD Projekt Red has worked tirelessly to address the issues that plagued the game at launch. Key milestones in this redemption arc include:
- Next-Gen Update (2022): Enhanced graphics, improved AI, and faster loading times brought Cyberpunk 2077 closer to its original vision on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- Phantom Liberty Expansion (2023): This story-driven DLC introduced new characters, missions, and locations, further expanding the game’s world. The addition of Solomon Reed, played by Idris Elba, added star power and intrigue.
Comparisons with Other Cyberpunk Games
Cyberpunk 2077 stands alongside other iconic titles in the cyberpunk genre, such as:
- Deus Ex Series: Known for its tactical gameplay and focus on player choice.
- Shadowrun: A blend of cyberpunk and fantasy elements.
- Ghostrunner: A fast-paced platformer with a cyberpunk aesthetic.
While these games offer unique takes on the genre, Cyberpunk 2077 sets itself apart with its sheer scale and narrative depth.
Cultural Impact
Despite its rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a cultural phenomenon. Its collaboration with Netflix for the anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners introduced a new audience to the world of Night City. The game’s themes of transhumanism, corporate greed, and rebellion resonate deeply, sparking conversations about our own technological future.
Game Details
- Genre: Action, Role-Playing, FPS
- Release Year: 2020 (Base Game), 2022 (Next-Gen Update), 2023 (Phantom Liberty)
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia
- Age Rating: Mature (17+)
- Game Ratings:
- Metacritic: 86 (PC version)
- Steam: "Very Positive" (user reviews)
- IGN: 9/10 (post-updates)
- Modes: Single-player
- Developer/Publisher: CD Projekt Red
Awards and Recognition
Cyberpunk 2077 has received numerous accolades, including awards for Best RPG and Best Narrative. Its soundtrack and world-building have also been widely praised.
Is It Worth Playing?
After extensive updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a must-play for fans of open-world RPGs. While its launch issues were undeniable, the game’s current state showcases the potential of the cyberpunk genre in gaming. Players who appreciate complex narratives, rich world-building, and customizable gameplay will find much to love.
Our Rating
Considering its journey from a troubled launch to redemption, Cyberpunk 2077 earns an 9/10. It stands as a testament to the importance of perseverance in game development and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted world.
This comprehensive review captures the essence of Cyberpunk 2077, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and legacy in gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG fan or a newcomer to the genre, Night City awaits with open arms—and plenty of secrets to uncover.