Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Review (Vhaen)
Intrigue, Action, and Choices: Cyberpunk Perfected…
» Phantom Liberty showcases the full potential of Cyberpunk 2077 with a new, captivating story about the faults of loyalty, reckoning with your past and its consequences, and self-preservation in a tech-fueled dystopia. These are familiar themes, for sure, but Phantom Liberty is intimate, raw, and earnest--all told through the lens of a strong cast of characters elevated by poignant writing and delivered through sharp performances. It is able to execute these narrative ambitions because, more often than not, the missions that drive the plot feature top-tier action set pieces that let the revamped RPG mechanics sing, then break the pace with a variety of tense and well-crafted non-combat scenarios, which gives the experience a constant and steady momentum. While you can jump straight into the new content or use a save far enough in the base game, those starting fresh will have to make it to what's roughly the halfway point, right when the original story gives you parallel main questlines.
Characters
» Let's begin with the stellar voice performances, with Idris Elba lending his talent to the commanding and enigmatic Solomon Reed, and Songbird, the world's top net runner, providing depth and contrast to the story. Their shared history as long-time FIA agents adds intriguing tension, especially with V caught in the mix. On the other hand, Keanu Reeves's Johnny Silverhand offers relief from the tension, becoming surprisingly introspective as he relates to the events of Phantom Liberty. His character, always lurking in the background, provides sobering perspectives and a comforting, if unconventional, presence. This blend of exceptional voice acting, motion capture, and animation brings these characters to life and makes them unforgettable figures in Cyberpunk's world.
Environment
» The new physical piece to that world is Dogtown, an independent district within Night City that's been overrun by a militia acting as the de facto government. Sprawling slums and abandoned buildings make up most of Dogtown, along with a few luxurious establishments and the lively black market within the football stadium. It is smaller in scale than the main Night City map, making it easier to familiarize yourself with the streets. But when looking across the district from the rooftops, it still gives the impression of an expansive open world. Although the harsh realities on the ground are sad to see, like a post-apocalyptic society barely scraping by, Dogtown has a distinct identity separate from Night City. Part of it is a lawless warzone, but there's another side that's genuinely human with people trying their best to eke out an existence in spite of it all.
Story
» Phantom Liberty capitalizes on Dogtown’s design, smartly embedding much of the main story and side missions within its streets. The absolute banger of an opening mission is emblematic of this design philosophy. As Songbird leads you through the stadium’s black market, you get an immediate sense of the town's vibe before all hell breaks loose. Whether you're wading through battling factions in tense firefights or making elaborate plays at stealth, you can quickly see how Dogtown was made to naturally support a variety of missions and combat sequences that feel curated and intentionally designed, and that synergy is a mark of a good open world.
Gigs and side missions also litter the streets, and Phantom Liberty prioritizes quality over quantity here as well. While they are side-content, gigs play an important role in the flow of the main mission since your fixer, Mr. Hands, is a crucial contact for favors that advance the story. What's more, is that each gig is an elaborately designed mission rather than an objective to check off a list. These are action-packed to give them a satisfying gameplay challenge, and they're always accompanied by a heavy decision in the end, which needs to often be made in the heat of the moment. With only incomplete information about the situation at hand, the moral conundrums become more interesting as choices are rarely ever black and white. These stories paint a vivid picture of what life is like in Dogtown, where the desperation to escape poverty clashes with the very system that people rely on; a system that exploits them, grinds them, and spits them out. The results of your decisions may not lead to major revelations, but every single gig and side mission is absolutely worth doing.
However, Phantom Liberty's standout achievement lies in its concluding hours, featuring two exclusive story paths that take bold and rewarding narrative turns. Unexpected twists leave you questioning your choices, evoking feelings of empowerment and powerlessness. It's a compelling experience that begs players to explore both routes for their distinct and genre-defying gameplay sequences. Additionally, the new ending for the original story, earned through specific conditions in Phantom Liberty, redefines the Cyberpunk journey in a potent and emotionally charged manner. CD Projekt Red has outdone itself with this one, delivering the type of ending that very few games are able to achieve.
Gameplay
» Phantom Liberty also embraces the 2.0 Cyberpunk update, revitalizing combat with explosive set pieces that showcase the enhanced RPG systems. The revamped perks and skill trees enable tailored character builds, fostering dramatic effectiveness in combat through hybrid approaches. Features like the Hack Queue bolster net runner-style strategies, while lightning-fast air dashes and blades offer nimble, lethal versatility, even allowing you to deflect bullets. The game encourages inventive hybrid builds to conquer its intense battles, and the diverse abilities in the skill trees facilitate enjoyable experimentation.
The new cyberware system adds another layer to create an effective build, letting you fine-tune your character with specific stat buffs, additional abilities, and quickhacks. Phantom Liberty introduces the Relic skill tree as well, and while it isn't particularly deep, it adds a wrinkle to the formula with new cyberware like the quickhack-infused Monowire melee weapon or additional perks that give an upper hand for stealth or hitting enemy weak spots. Cyberpunk 2077's RPG identity is much stronger now than it was previously and Phantom Liberty's combat scenarios substantially benefit from this reinvented foundation. Together, it all results in a uniquely satisfying gameplay experience.
Combat isn't the sole highlight of Phantom Liberty; it seamlessly weaves spy thriller elements into its narrative. Tense missions require navigating conversations under duress, such as infiltrating extravagant rooftop parties to gather vital information. Making sound dialogue decisions and second-guessing yourself become integral experiences.
Conclusion
» That said, Phantom Liberty is Cyberpunk 2077 at its best. CD Projekt Red has taken the lessons from the original release and focused on the parts that mattered most to deliver a thrilling and impactful experience that doesn't overstay its welcome. And although it fits into the original story, it leaves a lasting impact that rewrote my perception of Cyberpunk's world. From a gameplay perspective, Phantom Liberty takes full advantage of the fantastic overhaul of the RPG systems for combat, then elevates the intimate dialogue-driven elements that make it unforgettable--and does so in spectacular and inventive fashion in its conclusions. Beneath the violence and edginess, the actual cyberpunk world is always going to be about the toll on human life, and Phantom Liberty largely understands that. It's cruel, sobering, and bittersweet, and it'll stick with you well after V lays down their weapons.
Score: 9.2/10
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