A Deep Dive into Cyberpunk 2077: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Cyberpunk 2077 is an action role-playing game developed and published by CD Projekt. Set in the dystopian Night City, players take on the role of V, a mercenary outlaw with cybernetic enhancements, as they navigate a dangerous and corrupt world. The game was highly anticipated and had a tumultuous development cycle, but it was finally released on December 10, 2020, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia. It was later released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2021.

The Good: What Makes Cyberpunk 2077 a Great Game?

One of the standout features of Cyberpunk 2077 is its immersive open-world environment. Night City is a sprawling metropolis filled with vibrant districts, each with its own unique atmosphere and culture. From the towering skyscrapers of the corporate center to the gritty streets of the combat zone, the city feels alive and full of detail. Exploring the city on foot or in vehicles is a joy, and there are countless hidden secrets and side quests to discover.

The engaging storyline and well-developed characters are another highlight of Cyberpunk 2077. The main questline is gripping and full of twists and turns, keeping players hooked from start to finish. The side quests are equally compelling, often delving into the personal stories of the inhabitants of Night City. The characters themselves are memorable and well-written, with their own motivations and agendas that add depth to the narrative.

Customization options for the player character, V, are extensive in Cyberpunk 2077. Players can choose V’s gender, appearance, backstory, and even their lifepath, which determines their starting location and background story. This level of customization allows players to truly make V their own and adds to the immersion of the game.

The gameplay mechanics in Cyberpunk 2077 are unique and varied. Players can choose to approach missions with stealth, hacking, or brute force, depending on their playstyle. The game also features a deep leveling and skill system, allowing players to specialize in different areas such as combat, hacking, or engineering. This flexibility gives players the freedom to play the game in a way that suits their preferences.

The Bad: Criticisms and Flaws of Cyberpunk 2077

Despite its many strengths, Cyberpunk 2077 has faced its fair share of criticisms and flaws. One of the most notable issues at launch was the presence of bugs and glitches. Players encountered numerous technical issues, ranging from minor visual glitches to game-breaking bugs that prevented progress. While CD Projekt has released several patches to address these issues, the game’s initial state was far from polished.

Another criticism of Cyberpunk 2077 is the lack of depth in certain areas. While the main storyline and characters are well-developed, some aspects of the game feel shallow or underdeveloped. For example, the choices in dialogue and decision-making often have limited impact on the overall narrative, leading to a lack of meaningful consequences for player actions.

One of the criticisms that Cyberpunk 2077 faced was the overhyped expectations surrounding its release. The game was marketed as a groundbreaking experience with unprecedented levels of player choice and immersion. However, many players felt that the final product did not live up to these lofty promises. This disconnect between expectations and reality led to disappointment and frustration among some players.

The Ugly: Controversies Surrounding Cyberpunk 2077’s Release

The release of Cyberpunk 2077 was marred by several controversies. One of the most significant issues was the game’s delayed release and the reports of crunch culture within CD Projekt. The game was originally scheduled for release in April 2020 but was delayed multiple times, leading to frustration among fans. Additionally, reports emerged of developers being forced to work long hours and weekends to meet deadlines, sparking a debate about the ethics of crunch culture in the gaming industry.

Another controversy surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 was the misleading marketing and broken promises. CD Projekt faced criticism for showcasing features and gameplay mechanics in promotional material that were not present in the final game. This led to accusations of false advertising and further fueled the disappointment felt by players.

The backlash from players was further exacerbated by the issues surrounding refunds. Many players who were dissatisfied with the game’s performance and quality attempted to obtain refunds, only to face difficulties and confusion from CD Projekt and various digital storefronts. This led to a breakdown in trust between the company and its player base, further tarnishing the game’s reputation.

The Storyline: A Look at the Plot and Characters

The main plot of Cyberpunk 2077 revolves around V, a mercenary outlaw who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens the balance of power in Night City. As V navigates the dangerous world of megacorporations, gangs, and cybernetic enhancements, they must make choices that will shape their own destiny and the fate of the city.

The game also features several subplots that delve into the personal stories of the inhabitants of Night City. These side quests often provide a deeper understanding of the world and its characters, allowing players to form connections and make moral choices that impact the outcome of these stories.

The main characters in Cyberpunk 2077 are well-developed and have their own motivations and agendas. Jackie Welles, V’s loyal friend and partner, serves as a moral compass and provides emotional support throughout the game. Johnny Silverhand, a legendary rockerboy played by Keanu Reeves, is a key figure in the game’s narrative and serves as both a mentor and a source of conflict for

The Gameplay: Mechanics and Features of Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a wide range of gameplay mechanics and features that contribute to its immersive and engaging experience. The combat mechanics are fluid and responsive, allowing players to engage in both ranged and melee combat. Players can choose from a variety of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, and melee weapons, each with their own unique attributes and customization options.

Stealth is also a viable option in Cyberpunk 2077, allowing players to silently take down enemies or avoid confrontation altogether. The game features a robust stealth system that includes hacking into security systems, distracting enemies, and using stealth takedowns to eliminate threats.

Hacking is a core gameplay mechanic in Cyberpunk 2077, allowing players to manipulate the environment and gain an advantage in combat. Players can hack into security cameras, disable enemy cyberware, or even take control of enemy robots to turn the tide of battle in their favor.

Cyberware is another key feature of the game, allowing players to enhance their abilities with cybernetic implants. These enhancements can range from simple upgrades like improved reflexes or increased strength to more advanced abilities like cloaking or hacking into enemy systems.

Driving and vehicle customization are also prominent features in Cyberpunk 2077. Players can explore Night City in a variety of vehicles, each with its own handling and performance characteristics. Vehicles can be customized with different paint jobs, modifications, and even weapons, allowing players to personalize their ride.

The game also features a wide range of side quests and activities that provide additional content and opportunities for exploration. These side quests often have their own unique stories and characters, adding depth to the world of Night City.

The Graphics: Visuals and Art Style of Cyberpunk 2077

One of the standout aspects of Cyberpunk 2077 is its detailed world-building and environment design. Night City is a visually stunning and immersive setting, with each district having its own distinct look and feel. The towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and bustling streets create a futuristic and vibrant atmosphere that draws players into the world.

The character models in Cyberpunk 2077 are highly detailed and realistic, with lifelike animations that bring the characters to life. The facial animations, in particular, are impressive, conveying a wide range of emotions and expressions.

The game also makes excellent use of lighting and special effects to enhance the visual experience. The neon lights that illuminate Night City create a striking contrast against the dark and gritty backdrop, while the use of ray tracing technology adds a level of realism to the game’s visuals.

The Soundtrack: Music and Sound Design in Cyberpunk 2077

The soundtrack of Cyberpunk 2077 is a standout feature, with a mix of original score and licensed music that perfectly captures the futuristic and dystopian atmosphere of Night City. The original score, composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, P.T. Adamczyk, and Paul Leonard-Morgan, combines electronic and orchestral elements to create a unique and immersive sound.

In addition to the original score, Cyberpunk 2077 features a wide range of licensed music from various genres, including punk, rock, and electronic. These songs are seamlessly integrated into the game’s world, playing on the radio or in clubs, and add to the overall atmosphere and immersion.

The sound effects in Cyberpunk 2077 are also well-designed and contribute to the immersive experience. From the sounds of gunfire and explosions to the hum of cybernetic enhancements, the game’s audio design adds depth and realism to the gameplay.

Strategies and Tips

For beginners, it is important to take your time and explore Night City. The game offers a vast open world with countless side quests and activities to discover. Take the time to talk to NPCs, explore different districts, and complete side quests to gain experience and improve your character.

When it comes to combat, it is important to experiment with different playstyles and find what works best for you. Whether you prefer stealth, hacking, or brute force, there are multiple ways to approach combat encounters in Cyberpunk 2077. Take advantage of the game’s skill system and upgrade your abilities to suit your preferred playstyle.

For experienced players, it is worth investing in the hacking and cyberware abilities. These abilities can give you a significant advantage in combat and allow you to manipulate the environment to your advantage. Upgrade your hacking skills to unlock more powerful abilities and take control of enemy systems.

When it comes to vehicle customization, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations of modifications and weapons. Customizing your vehicle can not only improve its performance but also give you an edge in combat encounters.

What We Like and What We Dislike

Personally, I found Cyberpunk 2077 to be an incredibly immersive and engaging experience. The open-world environment of Night City is stunning and full of detail, and I enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny of the city. The storyline was gripping, with well-developed characters and intriguing subplots that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I also appreciated the level of customization available for the player character,

Being able to choose V’s appearance, backstory, and lifepath added a level of personalization that made me feel more invested in the game.

However, I did encounter some technical issues and bugs during my playthrough, which did detract from the overall experience. While these issues were not game-breaking, they were noticeable and occasionally frustrating.

We Rate It: 8 out of 10 Stars

Taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of Cyberpunk 2077, I would rate it 8 out of 10 stars. The game offers a highly immersive open-world environment, engaging storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics that make it a standout experience. However, the presence of bugs and glitches, as well as the lack of depth in certain areas, prevent it from achieving a higher rating.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Cyberpunk

In conclusion, Cyberpunk 2077 is a highly ambitious and immersive game that offers a unique and engaging experience. Despite its flaws and controversies, it is still a game that is worth playing for fans of the genre. The detailed world-building, well-developed characters, and varied gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the action role-playing genre. With future updates and potential improvements, Cyberpunk 2077 has the potential to become an even better game in the future.