PGC NEWS

Cyberpunk 2077 launched three years ago to immense hype, fueled by a near-decade of development and CD Projekt Red’s pedigree following The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, the initial release was marred by bugs, especially on last-gen consoles, repetitive gameplay, and a lifeless open world. CD Projekt Red has since worked tirelessly to improve the game, but the question remains: has Phantom Liberty, along with the substantial 2.0 update, finally delivered on the original promise?

A Revitalized Experience: Update 2.0

Phantom Liberty arrives alongside the free 2.0 update, available to all players regardless of expansion ownership. Update 2.0 fundamentally reshapes the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. The revamped perk and cyberware systems are central to this transformation. Previously, upgrades felt inconsistent, with some overpowered and others negligible. Now, fewer but more impactful perks offer meaningful build choices. Combat styles are clearly defined by attributes, offering diverse gameplay options.

Armor and damage resistance are now tied to cyberware, demanding strategic choices in augmentations. Netrunner builds, once dominant, are rebalanced but offer new possibilities, such as melee combat with the Monowire, or ranged attacks with Smart Weapons and Overclocking. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, 2.0 offers a fresh perspective on Night City.

Alt: A character using the Monowire cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

The new wanted system adds another layer of complexity. Police presence is significantly increased, and players can engage them in combat or hacking. Escalating the conflict summons MaxTac, a formidable force similar to GTA V’s SWAT. Pedestrian and vehicle density now fluctuate realistically throughout the day, adding to Night City’s vibrancy. NPCs react more naturally to events like car accidents or gunfights. Simply exploring Night City now offers a much more dynamic and engaging experience.

Alt: Cyberpunk 2077's Night City bustling with activity after the 2.0 update.

Vehicle handling, a previous weakness, has seen improvements, though the underlying physics engine limitations remain. However, vehicular combat now adds a thrilling new dimension, with pistols, SMGs, melee weapons (motorcycles only), and even vehicle-mounted guns and missiles. Perk upgrades further enhance this aspect, allowing players to hack enemy vehicles or use Sandevistan while driving. Purchasing vehicles is streamlined, with designated locations on the map. New vehicles are available, and prices become more manageable after completing missions for fixer Muamar Reyes. Update 2.0 is a significant overhaul, breathing new life into Night City.

Espionage and Intrigue: The Story of Phantom Liberty

Even with its initial flaws, Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative was captivating. Phantom Liberty builds upon this strength, elevating the storytelling to new heights. The expansion begins with a call from NUS government Netrunner Songbird, requesting assistance in rescuing the New United States president. This mission leads players to Dogtown, a new district within Pacifica. Dogtown reflects Night City’s stark contrasts of wealth and poverty on a smaller scale. Gleaming skyscrapers cater to the privileged, while the impoverished struggle below, caught in the crossfire of gangs and the private army of dictator Kurt Hansen.

Alt: The new district, Dogtown, in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty showcasing a blend of opulence and decay.

Players embark on espionage missions reminiscent of 007, infiltrating parties, assuming disguises, and gathering intel. The narrative unfolds masterfully, transitioning from action-packed sequences to tense political maneuvering, culminating in pivotal choices with significant consequences. Unlike the base game, Phantom Liberty offers four distinct endings, each emotionally resonant and carrying a heavy price. No one escapes unscathed in Night City, and dreams often come at a devastating cost.

Alt: V, the player character, interacting with Solomon Reed, played by Idris Elba, in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

Phantom Liberty excels in exploring the darker aspects of its characters, each driven by desires, hopes, and schemes they’re willing to sacrifice everything for. This is evident in every scene, action, and line of dialogue, not just for new characters like Reed and Songbird, but even for Johnny Silverhand, who undergoes noticeable development despite limited screen time. The soundtrack further enhances the emotional impact, especially during crucial moments.

Quality Side Content: Dogtown’s Hidden Stories

Phantom Liberty’s quality extends beyond the main storyline to its side content. Similar to The Witcher 3, each gig in Dogtown tells a unique story with compelling characters and unexpected twists. This is a welcome improvement over the often-forgettable side quests of the base game. While not every gig has been completed, the experiences encountered so far have been memorable. One particular example involves helping a father prevent a district attorney from using his testimony against his imprisoned child, only to discover the parents’ willingness to betray their own flesh and blood for a small profit. Every story in Dogtown, big or small, paints a vivid picture of this harsh and unforgiving environment.

Alt: A tense scene in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, highlighting the morally complex choices players face.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, combined with the 2.0 update, represents a significant step towards realizing the game’s initial potential. It delivers a revitalized gameplay experience, a gripping narrative with meaningful choices, and a wealth of engaging side content. While the legacy of the launch issues may linger, Phantom Liberty offers a compelling reason to return to Night City, or to experience it for the first time, with fresh eyes.