When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, it was one of the most hyped games in recent memory—and for good reason. CD Projekt Red promised a sprawling open-world RPG filled with cybernetic enhancements, noir storytelling, and player-driven choices in a neon-drenched dystopia. What players received at launch, however, was a technically unstable game marred by bugs, missing features, and performance issues—especially on last-gen consoles. For many, it was a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing execution.
Fast forward to now, and Cyberpunk 2077 has transformed.
With consistent updates, the Phantom Liberty expansion, and patch 2.0, CDPR has delivered a near-complete overhaul of the game’s systems. Combat is tighter, AI behavior more believable, and the perk system offers meaningful customization. Vehicle handling has drastically improved, and Night City finally feels alive in the way it was always meant to. If you're coming into the game fresh today, it’s a drastically different—and vastly superior—experience than what early adopters endured.
The Good:
Storytelling and Atmosphere: Cyberpunk 2077 nails its tone. The main storyline, with the presence of Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand, is gripping, morally complex, and emotionally resonant. Side quests rival those of The Witcher 3 in quality.
Visuals and World-Building: Night City is jaw-dropping. The density, verticality, and artistic direction create one of the most immersive settings in gaming.
Combat and RPG Mechanics: Patch 2.0 brings a major revamp, with a better balance of hacking, gunplay, and stealth. The skill trees now offer more creative builds that feel impactful.
The Mixed:
Open World Interactions: While beautiful and dense, Night City can still feel static in certain areas. Random encounters lack depth, and some systems (like law enforcement) feel undercooked even post-updates.
NPC Behavior: Though improved, AI still occasionally breaks immersion with odd pathfinding or awkward combat decisions.
The Bad:
The Launch Legacy: While current players reap the benefits, CDPR’s original missteps still haunt the game’s reputation. Not all players are ready to forgive or forget.
Resource Usage: Even optimized, Cyberpunk 2077 remains demanding on hardware. Older systems will still struggle, especially without DLSS or FSR assistance.
Conclusion:
Cyberpunk 2077 has finally reached the heights it aimed for—though it took a few years and a lot of goodwill. Today, it stands as one of the most compelling narrative-driven RPGs available, wrapped in a world that oozes style and substance. While the road was rocky, the destination was worth it—if you’re just arriving in Night City now, you’re in for a wild, polished ride.
Cyberpunk 2077 – A Flawed Masterpiece Turned Redemption Arc
Rating: 9/10