I just got around to playing it, but, when Cyberpunk 2077 first launched in 2020, it became the poster child for overhype and underdelivery. But fast forward to today and it has evolved into one of the most impressive open world RPGs of the modern gaming era. CD Projekt Red did not just patch the game, they rebuilt it into a masterpiece. After diving into the base game and Phantom Liberty DLC I can confidently say Cyberpunk 2077 now delivers on every promise and then some.
At its core Cyberpunk 2077 plays like a futuristic Grand Theft Auto but with a deeper more engaging story and RPG elements that matter. The combat is smooth and customizable. Whether you prefer stealth, hacking, brute force or a combination, Night City gives you the tools to play your way. The driving mechanics once a sore spot have been tightened up making car chases and exploration actually enjoyable.
The variety of side quests and gigs are worth exploring not just for loot but for the sheer depth of storytelling. Many side characters are more fleshed out than protagonists in other AAA games. Choices feel meaningful sometimes painfully so.
Speaking of choices let’s talk about Songbird. Without giving too much away my decision not to kill Songbird came back to haunt me. And that is the beauty and the tragedy of Cyberpunk’s storytelling. Decisions are not just good or bad. They ripple. They stick with you long after you put the controller down.
The base game’s narrative with Johnny Silverhand brought to life by Keanu Reeves explores identity corporate greed and rebellion in a dystopian world that feels both alien and frighteningly plausible. The Phantom Liberty DLC ups the stakes with a spy thriller storyline that is as intense as any Hollywood blockbuster.
Night City is breathtaking. From neon drenched alleyways to high rise corporate towers every inch of the map tells a story. It is not just a backdrop it is a living breathing entity. Pedestrians have routines. News broadcasts change based on your actions. The city reacts to you. For players who appreciate immersion Night City might be one of the most fully realized settings in gaming history.
It would be unfair not to mention how far this game has come technically. On modern hardware Cyberpunk 2077 runs smooth as silk. Ray tracing updated AI and the overhaul of police mechanics make for a dramatically better experience than at launch. CD Projekt Red’s commitment to fixing and enhancing the game deserves serious respect.
Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty DLC is no longer a cautionary tale of botched launches. It is a redemption story. A tale of what happens when a studio listens learns and delivers.
Pros
Stellar story and character development
Flexible rewarding combat and hacking
Deep RPG mechanics
Night City’s immersive design
Real consequences to choices
Cons
Some decisions like the Songbird arc can feel brutally unfair but that is also part of the appeal
Occasional minor bugs still pop up
Score 9.5 out of 10
If you have not revisited Cyberpunk 2077 since its rocky launch now is the time. And if you are new to Night City Buckle up. You are in for a wild ride.