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Cyberpunk 2077, a game eight years in the making, finally arrived in late 2020. Riding high on the success of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and fueled by hype generated by breathtaking trailers and a surprise Keanu Reeves appearance at E3 2019, expectations were sky-high. Did CD Projekt Red deliver on its promises, or did the long development cycle result in a Duke Nukem Forever-style disappointment? This review explores the captivating world of Cyberpunk 2077, examining both its strengths and its significant shortcomings.

A World That Rewards Patience

altCyberpunk 2077 is not a fast-paced action shooter. Instead, it’s a rich, narrative-driven RPG that demands patience and immersion. Like The Witcher 3, dialogue plays a crucial role, sometimes feeling drawn out but ultimately serving to build a complex and engaging narrative. Sixty percent of mission time is spent in conversation, revealing a matrix of interwoven storylines and political intrigue. This approach mirrors the slow-burn cinematic experience of Blade Runner, a key inspiration for the game.

CD Projekt Red excels at crafting compelling narratives, believable characters, and immersive worlds. Cyberpunk 2077 is no exception. The story of V, the protagonist, unfolds gradually, revealing the secrets of powerful corporations like Arasaka and Militech. Side quests flesh out the supporting characters, even giving the AI Delamain its own storyline, showcasing the emotional depth of both humans and machines.

altUnlike The Witcher 3, player choices in Cyberpunk 2077 don’t always drastically alter the main narrative arc. While the path to the destination may change, the final outcome often remains the same. This can be disappointing for players seeking a truly branching narrative experience.

The inclusion of Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand, a rock musician with a vendetta against Arasaka, adds a captivating layer to the game. Silverhand’s rebellious spirit and complex backstory make him a standout character. His relationship with V, a “buddy cop” dynamic born from shared circumstances, is a highlight of the game.

altEach character in Night City feels distinct and alive, their past experiences, attire, and actions contributing to a believable and vibrant world. The connections between characters are strengthened through side quests and dialogue, making Night City feel populated by real people rather than just programmed NPCs.

A Blend of Gameplay Styles

altCyberpunk 2077 blends several gameplay mechanics. While presented as a first-person open-world game, it offers three distinct playstyles: direct combat, stealth, and hacking. Direct combat further subdivides into ranged combat, pistols, and melee, offering a satisfyingly visceral experience. The arsenal of weapons is vast, ranging from standard firearms to unique and powerful iconic weapons.

Stealth offers a safer approach, although the level design doesn’t always fully support this playstyle. Hacking is perhaps the most innovative aspect, presenting puzzle-like challenges that grant advantages in missions, adding a layer of tactical depth. The Cyberware system allows players to augment their bodies with cybernetic enhancements, further customizing their playstyle. However, the sheer number of skills, perks, and cyberware options can feel overwhelming.

altNight City is filled with activities, from combat encounters to exploring hidden locations for rewards. Players can spend their hard-earned cash on weapons, vehicles, and other indulgences.

Falling Short of Expectations

Cyberpunk 2077 – Đánh Giá GameDespite its strengths, Cyberpunk 2077 falls short of its potential. Night City, while visually impressive, often feels lifeless and artificial. NPC behavior is erratic and repetitive, breaking the immersion. Police AI is particularly flawed, appearing and disappearing seemingly at random.

The impact of player choices is often limited, affecting the journey but not the ultimate destination. The promised Life Paths, while intriguing, have minimal impact on the overall narrative.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Đánh Giá Game

Technical Issues Plague the Experience

Cyberpunk 2077 – Đánh Giá GamePerformance problems plague the game, even on high-end PCs. Frame rate drops are common, especially in crowded areas or during intense combat sequences. Numerous bugs, ranging from graphical glitches to game-breaking crashes, further detract from the experience. While patches have addressed some issues, many remain, tarnishing the game’s reputation.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Đánh Giá Game

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game of immense potential, hampered by technical issues and unfulfilled promises. While the narrative, characters, and world-building are compelling, the flawed AI, limited player agency, and pervasive bugs prevent it from reaching the heights it could have achieved. Hopefully, future updates will address these issues and allow Cyberpunk 2077 to finally realize its full potential.