Cyberpunk 2077 has been on a tumultuous journey over the past three years. While the recent release of the Phantom Liberty update brought much fanfare and praise, it falls short of the promises made by CD Projekt Red. Despite significant improvements and bug fixes, the game still doesn’t live up to the initial vision presented in 2019.
The disappointment stems from the stark contrast between what was shown during a closed-door demo at E3 and what players experienced at launch. The demo showcased a dynamic and immersive world with destructible environments, deep combat, and engaging NPCs living in a sprawling metropolis filled with intriguing quests. It seemed like it would be one of the best games ever made. Unfortunately, the reality was far from that.
At launch, players encountered sparsely populated areas, game-breaking glitches, and NPCs that lacked the complexity initially promised. The game-changing decisions often led to similar outcomes, undermining the sense of player agency. Despite these shortcomings, many players still played through the game, captivated by the story and V’s struggle for survival.
Over the past three years, CD Projekt Red has worked tirelessly to address these issues through various patches. Patch 1.5 introduced improved driving mechanics and smarter AI, while 1.6 brought back some of the side-quests and perks initially showcased in the demo. The latest patch, 2.0, aims to capture the developer’s original vision from three years ago. However, in my opinion, it still falls short.
Even with the recent updates, I have encountered significant bugs that hinder the experience. Cutscenes viewed through a coffee table, bosses glitching mid-attack, and entire areas devoid of content are just a few examples. These glaring issues persist even after years of development and multiple patches.
One could argue that these anomalies are intentional examples of ambient storytelling or undiscovered quests. However, given the underutilized areas of the map, it is more likely that some aspects of the game were simply not given the same attention as others.
Despite these flaws, the overall experience of Cyberpunk 2077 has improved. Night City remains an alluring and engrossing world that keeps players invested. The addition of the Dogtown area and new characters in the DLC holds the promise of further enriching the experience. It is a testament to the world-building and storytelling that players continue to explore Night City despite its shortcomings.
While some may claim that the game’s redemption arc is complete, it is important to acknowledge the persisting bugs, glitches, and missing features. Any recognition must come with the caveat that Night City’s streets are still haunted by these issues.
In conclusion, while Cyberpunk 2077 has undoubtedly improved over the past three years, it still fails to fully deliver on its initial promises. The recent updates have made it a better experience overall, but the game is not yet the masterpiece it was hyped up to be. The journey towards redemption continues for CD Projekt Red as they strive to rectify the remaining flaws in Night City.
