Cyberpunk 2077, the open-world action RPG from CD Projekt Red (CDPR), took the gaming world by storm in 2020. Boasting a rich cyberpunk universe, a captivating story, and the star power of Keanu Reeves, expectations soared through the stratosphere. However, a rocky launch plagued by bugs and performance issues left many players disappointed.
So, how does Cyberpunk 2077 fare in 2024? Has it clawed its way back from its troubled debut? This review dives into the current state of the game, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and what you can expect if you decide to embark on a journey through Night City.
Night City: A Neon-Drenched Dystopia
Cyberpunk 2077 throws you headfirst into Night City, a sprawling metropolis brimming with towering megacorporations, gritty back alleys, and a populace obsessed with technology and body modification. The world design is phenomenal. Every corner pulsates with life, from the flickering neon signs advertising dubious products to the cybernetically enhanced denizens roaming the streets.
The story follows V, a customizable mercenary caught up in a high-stakes heist gone wrong. The narrative is surprisingly nuanced, exploring themes of transhumanism, corporate greed, and the struggle for survival in a cutthroat world. The characters you meet along the way are well-developed and memorable, from the jaded fixer Jackie Welles to the enigmatic digital ghost Johnny Silverhand, voiced by the one and only Keanu Reeves.
One of Cyberpunk 2077’s biggest strengths is its approach to player agency. Your choices throughout the game, from seemingly insignificant conversations to major story decisions, have a tangible impact on the world around you. This branching narrative structure offers a high level of replayability, encouraging you to experience the story from different angles.
Gameplay: Bullets, Blades, and Bioware
Cyberpunk 2077 offers a versatile combat sandbox. You can approach encounters with a guns-blazing fury, a stealthy approach using hacking and cybernetic enhancements, or a combination of both. The weapon variety is impressive, ranging from standard firearms to experimental prototype weaponry.
The gunplay feels satisfying, with punchy weapon feedback and a well-designed cover system. Character customization allows you to specialize in specific combat styles, further enhancing the gameplay experience.
However, the AI can be inconsistent at times. Enemies often exhibit erratic behavior, and combat encounters can become repetitive, especially during side quests.
Another key aspect of gameplay is the ability to modify your body with cyberware. These augmentations not only enhance your physical capabilities but also unlock new abilities, such as enhanced hacking or the ability to slow down time during combat. This system adds a great layer of depth to character development, allowing you to tailor V to your preferred playstyle.
A City Reborn: Addressing the Bugs and Performance Issues
Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was undeniably rough. The game was plagued by bugs, glitches, and performance issues, especially on last-generation consoles. CDPR has released numerous patches and updates since then, significantly improving the game’s stability and overall performance.
While some bugs might still persist, they are far less frequent and disruptive compared to the launch state. The latest update, Patch 2.1, further refines the experience with additional content, gameplay tweaks, and a visual upgrade for next-generation consoles.
It’s important to note that the ideal Cyberpunk 2077 experience is currently found on PC and next-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S). Last-generation consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) can still run the game, but may experience frame-rate drops and visual downgrades.
Still Relevant in 2024?
While it may not have reached its full potential at release, CDPR’s dedication to improvement has resulted in a significantly more polished and enjoyable experience.
The story remains captivating, the world is brimming with atmosphere, and the core gameplay mechanics offer a good foundation for action RPG fun. If you’re looking for a deep, immersive cyberpunk experience with a focus on player choice and a branching narrative, Cyberpunk 2077 in 2024 is definitely worth considering, especially on PC and next-generation consoles.
FAQ’S
Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth it in 2024?
Absolutely! The game has received significant updates since launch, fixing many bugs and glitches. The story, characters, and world design are still top-notch, offering a captivating cyberpunk experience.
How is the story in Cyberpunk 2077?
The story is praised for being dynamic and impactful. You play as V, a mercenary caught in a high-stakes situation. Your choices influence the narrative, making for multiple playthroughs. However, some players feel the endings lack the weight of the player’s decisions.
What about the gameplay?
Combat is fluid and engaging, with various weapons and cyberware customizations. RPG elements let you develop V’s skills and playstyle. Side quests are plentiful and add depth to the world. Some critics mention unbalanced skills and enemy variety.
How’s Night City, the game’s world?
Night City is a star of the show. It’s a sprawling, detailed metropolis brimming with life, from towering megacorporation buildings to gritty back alleys. Every corner offers something to discover, making exploration truly immersive.
Does Cyberpunk 2077 still have bugs?
The game is in a much better state than launch. While minor glitches might occur, they shouldn’t hinder your enjoyment.
Are the graphics good?
Cyberpunk 2077 is visually stunning, especially on high-end PCs and next-gen consoles. The combination of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and detailed character models creates a believable and atmospheric cyberpunk world.
What about Keanu Reeves?
Yep, Keanu Reeves plays a major character named Johnny Silverhand. His performance is a highlight, adding another layer of star power to the game.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 difficult to run?
The game can be demanding on PCs. To get the best experience, a powerful rig is recommended. However, the game also runs decently on last-gen consoles with the latest updates.
Is there any DLC for Cyberpunk 2077?
Free DLC has been released, adding new content, weapons, and gigs (side quests) to the game. While there haven’t been any major story expansions yet, they might be coming in the future.
Should I wait for a sale before buying Cyberpunk 2077?
The game goes on sale frequently. If you’re unsure, waiting for a price drop might be a good strategy. However, if you’re eager to dive into Night City, the current price offers a good amount of content for your money.
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