Cyberpunk 2077 Review

In the sprawling urban dystopia of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 emerges as a beacon of modern RPGs, blending cutting-edge graphics, intricate gameplay mechanics, and a deeply immersive storyline. Despite its rocky launch, this title has undergone significant patches and updates, leading many to ask: "is Cyberpunk good now?" This cyberpunk 2077 review aims to dissect the various facets of the game, from its complex characters and branching storyline to its visual and auditory experience, providing a comprehensive overview of what players can expect when diving into its neon-lit streets.

This article will explore the rich narrative and character development that define the Cyberpunk 2077 experience, examining how choices and side quests contribute to multiple endings and character progression. Additionally, it will delve into the game's districts, each with its own distinct feel and challenges, alongside an evaluation of the gameplay mechanics that shape these encounters. The review will not shy away from discussing the game's technical issues and the efficacy of subsequent patches. By comparing Cyberpunk 2077 with similar games, this review aims to paint a detailed picture of its standing in the genre, guided by insights from various cyberpunk 2077 reviews and the broader discourse surrounding the game, including aspects noted on Cyberpunk IMDb and the expectations set by the Cyberpunk 2077 ultimate edition review.

Plot and Storyline

In "Cyberpunk 2077," players step into the shoes of V, a mercenary entangled in the murky underworld of Night City. The game starts with players choosing a Lifepath, which influences V's background and initial story arc but converges as the main plot unfolds. Regardless of the chosen path, V's journey revolves around a biochip that promises immortality.

Lifepaths and Initial Choices

V's adventure begins distinctly based on the chosen Lifepath—Corpo, Street Kid, or Nomad. Each path offers unique insights and initial missions that provide a deeper connection to the sprawling narrative. However, all paths soon intersect when V becomes embroiled in a mission involving a mysterious biochip.

The Infamous Biochip

The central plot of "Cyberpunk 2077" kicks off when V is tasked with acquiring a legendary biochip during a heist. This chip, known as the Relic, is capable of storing a person's consciousness, thereby offering a form of eternal life. However, the heist goes awry, leading to unexpected consequences for V.

Interactions and Consequences

Throughout the game, V interacts with various factions and characters, including potential romantic partners and powerful corporations. Each decision V makes influences the storyline, with multiple endings possible based on these choices. The game's narrative acknowledges player decisions in subtle ways, enhancing the role-playing experience.

The Role of Johnny Silverhand

After the heist, V discovers that the biochip is slowly killing them, housing the engram of Johnny Silverhand, a legendary rockstar and rebel. Silverhand's goals and V's desires are often at odds, creating a complex dynamic that players must navigate. This relationship is central to the game's plot, influencing many of V's decisions and the overall outcome of the story.

Quest Structure and Story Depth

"Cyberpunk 2077" offers a non-linear quest structure that allows players to tackle objectives in multiple ways, which can influence the game's narrative and character interactions. The depth of the story is further enriched by detailed side quests and minor choices that contribute to the world's authenticity and V's development as a character.

In summary, "Cyberpunk 2077" weaves a complex tale of technology, identity, and power. Its narrative depth is achieved through player-driven choices that affect the game's world and its characters profoundly.

Characters and Performances

The Heart of Night City: Characters and Their Emotional Impact

The characters of Cyberpunk 2077 are undoubtedly the soul of the game's narrative. They bring to life the complex themes of AI, future societal structures, and the ethics of body modification. It's through these characters that the game's ending strikes a poignant chord, resonating deeply with players as the credits roll. Their stories and struggles are intricately woven into the fabric of Night City, making their journeys and outcomes emotionally impactful.

V: A Closer Look at the Protagonist

While V, the protagonist, stands central to the storyline, some players feel that the character's development falls short compared to others. The three Lifepaths—Corpo, Street Kid, and Nomad—offer a glimpse into V's background but don't delve deeply into the character's past. This lack of depth contrasts sharply with the richly detailed narratives provided for other characters, leaving some players wanting more from V's personal story.

Johnny Silverhand: The Legend Evolved

Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is a character that players love to critique. His journey throughout the game is marked by significant development, from a notorious rockstar to a pivotal figure in V's life. Despite some criticisms of Reeves' performance as somewhat stiff, Johnny remains a central, dynamic force in the narrative, influencing many key decisions and adding a layer of complexity to the game's plot.

Comprehensive Character Development

The supporting cast in Cyberpunk 2077 is nothing short of remarkable. Each character, from the major to the minor, is well-crafted with clear motivations, backgrounds, and personal arcs. This depth ensures that players can engage with the characters on multiple levels, further enhancing the immersive experience of the game. The interactions and relationships players build with these characters significantly influence the narrative, leading to multiple potential endings based on choices made throughout the game.

Representation and Diversity in Character Design

Cyberpunk 2077 has made notable strides in character representation, particularly through its character creator. Players have the opportunity to craft a V that truly represents a diverse range of backgrounds. However, some critiques have been raised regarding the lighting and color options for darker skin tones, which do not always achieve a natural appearance. Despite these issues, the inclusion of a variety of hair textures and styles, such as authentic-looking dreadlocks and cornrows, has been praised for its attention to detail and realism, setting a new standard for character customization in gaming.

Emotional Performances and Cultural Representation

The performances of characters like Jackie Welles and T-Bug are particularly noteworthy. Jackie, a Latinx character, and T-Bug, a Black woman quoting Marcus Aurelius, are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Their performances bring warmth and relatability to their roles, making them memorable parts of the player's journey in Night City. These characters, along with others, contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural and emotional narratives that define the essence of Cyberpunk 2077.

Graphics and Aesthetics

Visual Design and Cityscape

Cyberpunk 2077's visual design is a testament to the cyberpunk genre, where the game's setting, Night City, plays a crucial role almost as a character itself. The city's architecture draws inspiration from modern megacities but incorporates elements reminiscent of ancient ziggurats and pyramids, symbolizing power and capital. This vertical composition of the cityscape, with towering skyscrapers for the socio-economic elite and dense, bustling districts at their base, creates a stark visual contrast that enhances the game's narrative of social stratification.

The Cyberpunk Megacity: A Dual Perspective

1. Top-Level Design: The top of Night City features skyscrapers and luxurious locales that serve as bastions of corporate power and elite decadence. These areas are meticulously designed with stylish interiors that often reflect contemporary high-end architecture, contributing to the game's immersive experience.

2. Ground-Level Realism: At street level, players explore areas filled with grey apartment blocks and slums. These regions are rife with shady dealings and are characterized by a palpable sense of desperation and survival. The design of these areas conveys a lived-in, authentic urban environment that players can relate to, enhancing the game's gritty aesthetic.

Character Design and Cybernetic Enhancements

Cyberpunk 2077 excels in character design, particularly through its depiction of cybernetic enhancements. These modifications are not just futuristic but are integral to the game's exploration of human identity. Characters might replace limbs with mechanical parts or enhance their brains with cybernetic chips, raising philosophical questions about humanity and identity in a high-tech world. The game's detailed depiction of these enhancements, from the practical to the purely cosmetic, adds depth to its characters and settings.

Fashion and Style in Night City

The game divides fashion into four distinct styles, each representing different societal statuses and cultural backgrounds:

• Entropism: The fashion of the economically disadvantaged, focusing on functionality rather than style.
• Kitsch: A vibrant, colorful street style that harks back to the retro aesthetics of the '80s and '90s, representing a more grassroots level of society.
• Neomilitarism: The minimalistic and practical style of the elite, emphasizing efficiency and power.
• Neokitsch: An extravagant style favored by the wealthy, bored with minimalism, drawing heavily from the vibrant street culture of Night City.

These styles not only add visual variety but also deepen the player's understanding of the societal structures within the game.

Technological Integration and Aesthetics

The integration of technology into the environment and characters is a hallmark of the cyberpunk aesthetic. Night City is illuminated by neon lights and digital billboards, set against a backdrop of urban decay. This blend of high-tech and low-life elements provides a visually rich setting that reflects the thematic concerns of the genre, such as the intersection of technology, corporate dominance, and personal identity. The game's use of advanced graphics technologies like ray tracing enhances these visual effects, creating stunning reflections and realistic lighting that make Night City feel alive and dynamic.

Overall, the graphics and aesthetics of Cyberpunk 2077 are central to its storytelling, providing a deeply immersive and visually captivating experience that draws players into its dystopian yet strangely familiar world.

Gameplay Mechanics

Comprehensive Combat System

Cyberpunk 2077's gameplay mechanics offer a rich and varied combat system that integrates both gunplay and melee effectively, catering to different play styles. Players can choose from a wide array of weapons, each with unique characteristics. Power weapons allow bullets to ricochet off surfaces, tech weapons can be charged for more powerful shots, and smart weapons target enemies automatically. This diversity ensures that each weapon feels distinct, encouraging players to experiment and find what best suits their approach to combat.

Stealth and Strategy

The game also excels in stealth mechanics, providing players with the option to sneak past enemies or incapacitate them quietly. The environment often offers multiple routes, allowing for strategic planning and execution. Additionally, the use of quickhacks adds a layer of depth to both stealth and combat scenarios. These abilities can disable cameras, distract enemies, or even incapacitate them, offering a tactical advantage in various situations.

RPG Elements and Character Customization

At the core of Cyberpunk 2077’s gameplay is its deep RPG element that allows for extensive character customization. Players earn both Skill Points and Perk Points as they level up, which can be allocated in various skill trees such as Body, Intelligence, Reflexes, Technical Ability, and Cool. These categories further branch into subcategories, each offering unique perks and abilities that significantly affect gameplay, from improving hacking skills to enhancing weapon handling.

Dynamic Encounter System

Combat scenarios in Cyberpunk 2077 are dynamic, with enemies reacting realistically to player actions. This responsiveness adds to the immersive experience of the game. The AI is designed to provide a challenge but not frustrate; enemies are neither bullet sponges nor pushovers, maintaining a balance that rewards skillful gameplay and strategic planning.

Cyberware Enhancements

Another significant aspect of the gameplay mechanics is the cyberware system, which allows players to install various technological enhancements. These range from passive upgrades like increased health or stamina to active abilities such as the double jump, which changes how players can navigate and interact with the environment. Cyberware offers a way to further customize the player's abilities and tailor the gameplay experience to individual preferences.

By integrating these various elements, Cyberpunk 2077 creates a gameplay experience that is both engaging and highly customizable, allowing players to approach situations in numerous ways depending on their preferred play style and the character build they have developed.

Open World Exploration

Exploring Night City on Foot: A Closer Look at Its Districts Night City, the sprawling metropolis of Cyberpunk 2077, offers a unique blend of dystopian and vibrant environments, each district telling its own story. Players who choose to explore on foot can experience the city's atmosphere in a profoundly personal way.

1. Pacifica's Ghostly Echoes

   • Walking through Pacifica, one encounters the remnants of grand plans that never materialized. The area is filled with abandoned projects like the Grand Imperial Mall, and the atmosphere is heavy with a sense of loss and decay. Despite the detailed environment, the lack of lively interactions and the repetitive nature of the NPCs' activities contribute to a feeling of superficiality.

2. Dynamic Heywood

   • In stark contrast to Pacifica, Heywood buzzes with life. This predominantly Latino district is bustling with activity, from traffic jams to crowded sidewalks. However, despite the vibrant setting, the scripted nature of interactions often leaves the district feeling less alive than it appears.

3. Westbrook's Contrasting Layers

   • Westbrook, a playground for the wealthy, is visually stunning with its mix of luxury and traditional Japanese elements. The district is a sensory overload with its bright neon lights and the constant hum of activity. However, the lack of meaningful engagements or events as one explores can make the district feel empty despite its busy facade.

4. The Silent Protests of Watson

   • Watson, known for its markets and high population density, presents moments of potential intrigue like silent protests. However, these moments often lack depth, as key characters do not interact with the player, leaving many stories untold and the district's full potential unexplored.

5. Santo Domingo's Stark Realities

   • The residential areas of Santo Domingo offer a glimpse into the everyday struggles of its inhabitants, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the neon-lit corporate skyline. The district's design highlights the socio-economic disparities prevalent in Night City.

6. The Illusion of Life in Night City

   • Across all districts, the common theme is the disparity between the visual and interactive elements of the game. While each district is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, the lack of dynamic, interactive content makes Night City feel more like a backdrop than a living, breathing world.

Night City's Open World: A Visual Masterpiece Yet Lacking Depth The exploration of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 reveals a world rich in visual storytelling but lacking in interactive depth. The city's design excels in creating a visually immersive experience, yet the repetitive and non-interactive nature of its open world elements often leaves players wanting more. The game beautifully portrays the aesthetics of a cyberpunk dystopia but struggles to deliver a fully engaging open-world experience.

Sound and Music

The Symphony of Night City: Exploring the Soundscape

Cyberpunk 2077's auditory experience is a complex tapestry woven with a variety of musical styles and sound designs that significantly enhance the immersive atmosphere of the game. The score, characterized by its eclectic mix, spans from sweeping synth reminiscent of Blade Runner to the dramatic beats of EDM, crafting an audio environment that is both engaging and thematically rich, albeit with a somewhat ambiguous core identity.

Composition and Themes

1. Opening Themes and Mood Setting

   • The game opens with the track "V", setting a harsh, electronic tone that introduces players to the gritty world of Night City. Deep, ominous synth notes dominate the early moments, creating a sense of looming danger that is characteristic of the cyberpunk genre.

2. Atmospheric Ambience

   • Tracks like "The Streets Are Long-Ass Gutters" play a crucial role in defining the ambient sounds of Night City. These pieces are subtly woven into the background, enhancing the player's immersion into the game's detailed environments without overwhelming the sensory experience.

3. Action-Packed Sequences

   • During high-intensity sequences, tracks such as "Trouble Finds Trouble" and "Cyberwildlife Park" elevate the adrenaline with fast-paced, EDM-inspired beats. These compositions are pivotal in driving the game's action, providing an audio cue to the rising stakes and intensity.

Sound Design Excellence

Cyberpunk 2077 stands out for its superior sound design. The clarity and quality of sound effects, voice acting, and ambient sounds are consistently praised. Players experience a clean and full audio mix where the bass is powerful yet not overpowering, and voice lines are crisp and clear without the need for constant adjustment of settings.

Cultural and Narrative Influence in Music

The team of composers for Cyberpunk 2077, including Marcin Przybyłowicz, P.T. Adamczyk, and Paul Leonard-Morgan, drew inspiration from a wide array of genres. From jazz and hip-hop to techno and industrial, the soundtrack reflects a modernized, eclectic approach that supports the narrative and action without relying solely on typical cyberpunk tropes. This diverse musical foundation not only complements the storytelling but also enriches the player's engagement with the game world.

Innovative Soundtrack Techniques

The composers employed unique methods in their soundtrack creation, such as extensive sound processing and the use of unconventional instruments like electric cellos and distorted synths. These techniques result in a soundtrack that is both innovative and reflective of the game's futuristic setting. The careful crafting of Johnny Silverhand’s musical themes, for example, highlights his importance in the story and adds depth to his character through music.

In conclusion, the sound and music of Cyberpunk 2077 are integral to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. The audio not only sets the tone but also dynamically interacts with gameplay elements to enhance the overall experience of the player.

Technical Issues and Patches

Cyberpunk 2077 has faced a myriad of technical challenges since its release, which have been addressed through a series of patches aimed at enhancing the gaming experience across various platforms. These updates have focused on fixing bugs, improving gameplay mechanics, and ensuring stability.

Patch Overview and Impact

One of the significant updates, Patch 2.12, introduced fixes specific to PC users, such as the ability to rebind certain keys on AZERTY keyboards and resolving stuttering issues in collaboration with Intel. This patch also addressed a crash related to Razer Chroma devices and improved the visibility of NPC hair when Ray Tracing is enabled. Notably, a persistent issue causing crashes on the Steam Deck when using Ray Tracing was also rectified.

For Xbox players, the patch remedied scenarios where the game could enter an infinite loading screen or crash entirely when using certain saves. Across all platforms, enhancements were made to system stability, including fixes to prevent the inability to access various menus and ensuring smoother gameplay transitions.

Detailed Patch Notes

The subsequent patches, such as Patch 2.11, continued to refine the gameplay experience. Key improvements included:

• Gameplay Adjustments: Melee finishers were corrected to function as intended, and the placement of health items in quick access slots was stabilized.
• Cyberware Modifications: Updates were made to cyberware functionalities, such as reducing cooldowns for non-lethal neutralizations and adjusting the RAM costs for specific quickhacks.
• Quest and World Interactions: Adjustments were made to vehicle interactions and the frequency of car chases, alongside fixes for certain quests that could become stuck in the journal.

Addressing Community Feedback

The developers have actively engaged with the community to address feedback and bugs reported by players. This ongoing dialogue has been crucial in identifying critical issues and prioritizing fixes in subsequent patches.

Future Updates and Expectations

Looking forward, continuous updates are expected as the developers strive to refine Cyberpunk 2077 and expand its content. The commitment to improving the game is evident from the detailed patch notes and the responsive adjustments based on player feedback.

By addressing these technical issues through comprehensive patches, Cyberpunk 2077 aims to provide a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience for all players, reflecting the developers' dedication to the game's long-term success.

Comparison with Similar Games

Visual and Performance Comparisons: Cyberpunk 2077 vs. Starfield

Starfield, a recent release, has drawn inevitable comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077, particularly in terms of visual and performance aspects. While both games aim to deliver a rich, immersive experience, Cyberpunk 2077 currently holds an edge in certain technical areas. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077's use of motion blur effectively smooths out the visual experience during rapid movements, a detail that Starfield is still refining. Given that Starfield is in its early days post-release, it's anticipated that upcoming optimization passes will enhance its performance, potentially matching or surpassing the current standards set by Cyberpunk 2077.

Gameplay Dynamics: Cyberpunk 2077 and Grand Theft Auto V

When comparing Cyberpunk 2077 with Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), the gameplay experience offers distinct flavors. Cyberpunk 2077 leans heavily into RPG elements, allowing for a deeper character customization and narrative influence based on player choices. In contrast, GTA V, while offering a sprawling open-world experience, focuses more on an action-packed, narrative-driven gameplay where player choices are less impactful on the story's outcome. Cyberpunk 2077's approach allows players to immerse themselves more deeply into the role of V, shaping their interactions and the world around them significantly.

Narrative and Immersion: A Look at Deus Ex and Red Dead Redemption 2

Deus Ex and Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) are often mentioned alongside Cyberpunk 2077 when discussing narrative depth and immersive environments. Deus Ex, particularly known for its cybernetic augmentation gameplay, offers a compelling narrative, though it operates on a smaller scale compared to the expansive open world of Cyberpunk 2077. RDR2 sets a high bar for immersion, with its detailed world and interactive elements that respond dynamically to player actions, a standard that Cyberpunk 2077 aspires to meet.

RPG Elements and Open-World Design: Skyrim and Shadowrun

Skyrim and the Shadowrun series provide valuable points of comparison for Cyberpunk 2077's RPG mechanics and world-building. Skyrim, supported by a strong modding community, continues to be a benchmark for open-world fantasy RPGs, offering a level of freedom and exploration that Cyberpunk 2077 mirrors in a futuristic setting. Meanwhile, Shadowrun’s focus on narrative depth and strategic gameplay elements offers a glimpse into the integration of storytelling and player choice, aspects that Cyberpunk 2077 emphasizes to enhance player agency and world interaction.

These comparisons underline the ambitious scope of Cyberpunk 2077 in melding intricate RPG mechanics with a vast, detailed open world, setting a unique benchmark in the genre while drawing on successful elements from established titles.

Conclusion

Navigating the neon-soaked avenues of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 stands not only as a testament to the capabilities of modern RPGs but also as a canvas for exploring complex themes of identity, power, and technological entanglement. Through its nuanced character development, immersive plotlines, and breathtaking visuals, the game weaves a narrative that is as profound as it is engaging. Despite initial setbacks surrounding its launch, the diligent updates and patches have significantly smoothened its course, allowing players to delve deeper into its rich, dystopian world without the shadow of technical disruptions.

As Cyberpunk 2077 continues to evolve through community feedback and developer commitment, its journey serves as a compelling case study for the dynamic relationship between creators and the gaming community. The game not only invites players into an expansive, meticulously crafted universe but also challenges them to ponder the ethical conundrums of a future dominated by technology and corporate hegemony. Encouraging further exploration and discussion within the genre, Cyberpunk 2077 cements its place in the annals of video game history, promising a legacy that will intrigue and inspire future narratives within the cyberpunk genre.

FAQs

1. What are the top-rated Cyberpunk board games? Among the highly rated Cyberpunk-themed board games are several notable titles. "Netrunner" scores 7.4, making it one of the favorites, followed by "Android" at 6.7, and both "Android: Infiltration" and "Mecanisburgo" at 6.5. Other popular games include "Shadowrun: The Trading Card Game" and "Zaibatsu" scoring 6.5 and 7.0 respectively. The list also includes "Cyberpunk: The Collectible Card Game" and "Murder City," each with a rating of 5.5.

2. What is the quality of the DLC for Cyberpunk 2077? The DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, particularly Phantom Liberty, is highly regarded for its excellent narrative, compelling lore, and impressive graphics. Although some side quests may seem less engaging, they effectively contribute to the depth of Cyberpunk 2077's expansive world.

3. Is it possible to return to Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 after finishing the game? Yes, after completing the game's main storyline, players can return to Night City. The game features a point of no return in the story; however, after the conclusion, players are brought back to just before the Nocturne OP55N1 mission. This allows them to finish any remaining tasks and explore new rewards tied to the game's ending.

4. How significant is street cred in Cyberpunk 2077? Street cred is crucial in Cyberpunk 2077 as it represents a secondary form of character progression. It is nearly as important as gaining attribute points or leveling up since it unlocks new opportunities and gigs throughout Night City. Gigs, which are special missions provided by Fixers, become available as your street cred increases.