The long-anticipated multi-platform videogame from CD Projekt Red is officially here, but what can gamers really expect from Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077 is a massive, dystopian action role-playing game based on the tabletop game Cyberpunk written by Mike Pondsmith and published by R. Talsorian Games. Excitement for the videogame has been building since the first announcement of it back in May 2012. Yes, you read that right, May 2012. This game has been a long time in the making, with plenty of time to have tabletop, PC, and console gamers alike discussing its potential. Fortunately, players can expect this game to live up to its hype.
One of the biggest selling points of Cyberpunk 2077 is the elaborate character customization. After selecting a questline in the game, it’s far too easy to find yourself spending a large majority of your time at the beginning perfecting your protagonist’s appearance, who is just referred to throughout the game as “V”. Players can customize just about anything, including typical looks such as hair, eyes, ears, makeup, and mouths, but then it takes things a bit further, even allowing customization of cyberware, teeth, scars, and even the character’s nipples and genitals. True to its tabletop roots, the player can then choose their V’s attributes, much like one would for a Dungeons and Dragons character. Gamers that have always loved the personalization of their protagonist will have a blast honing the appearance of their game’s lead.
V’s appearance is just the first step in how CD Projekt Red submerses players in the Cyberpunk world. The moment the gameplay is started, players are met with sounds and visuals that allow them to know exactly where they are in the world, whether it’s because of the loud club music and dancing NPCs, or the buzzing of neon signs paired with screeching car tires and shady back alleys. The game doesn’t stop there either. Almost immediately, players are given choices in dialogue that impact the gameplay. Like with most role-playing games, Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to decide how you want things to play out.
The story is compelling in the same way that many dystopian stories are. It still has the feeling of that aftermath of when the world falls apart but is given a futuristic edge. The grim and bleak world is paired with incredible, high-tech hacking and technological advances. The staple of electronics and technology sets it apart from the typical post-apocalyptic videogame. V is a character that is not afraid to get their hands dirty, but that doesn’t always involve blood or murder, sometimes all it requires is hacking… not to say that you can’t take a few lives in the process.
Despite all the pros the game can be given, it’s not without its flaws. Bugs are a pretty big issue with Cyberpunk 2077, but that’s not exactly unexpected with it being so new. Many of the bugs are with animation, such as characters stuck in a repetitive, animated rut, guns floating, and other typical, easily dismissible glitches. The visual and auditory immersion techniques can also be a bit overwhelming at times. Some players may even experience some crashes. Fortunately, that’s what patches are for, and its issues don’t dissolve the true potential of this game. Someone who only relies on the main story might find it a bit lacking, but it can easily be said that if someone is ignoring side quests, not only are they ignoring a large part of the game, but the opportunity to level up their character, unlock interesting features, and miss out on captivating subplots.
Overall, Cyberpunk 2077 is highly recommended to fans of RPGs. Those that have experience with CD Projekt Red’s previous games (such as The Witcher 3) will be able to see some similarities between the games, but it’s also easily comparable to Bethesda’s Fallout and Elder Scrolls franchises. It is early-on issues can be a bit annoying but aren’t enough to completely ruin the gaming experience. A player looking for a game involving decision-based storytelling in a large, futuristic world will most likely be unable to put the game down.
Written by Ashley Laney
