Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, is an ambitious and immersive RPG set in the gritty, neon-lit world of Night City. From the moment you step into this sprawling metropolis, you’re greeted with a dense, richly detailed world filled with unique characters, gripping stories, and endless possibilities for exploration. With an engaging mix of story and side missions, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a narrative depth that few open-world games achieve. Despite a troubled launch, the game has evolved into an experience well worth diving into.
One of Cyberpunk 2077’s greatest strengths is its feel and atmosphere. Night City is brimming with life, from the bustling streets to the towering skyscrapers, each district has its own personality and hidden stories. Walking through the city at night, with neon lights reflecting off rain-slicked streets and the sounds of distant chatter and roaring engines, you’re fully transported into a futuristic dystopia that feels both fascinating and unsettling. This immersive world-building is complemented by the game’s stunning visuals, and it’s clear that CD Projekt Red put immense effort into creating a visually spectacular environment.
The game also offers a robust mix of main story missions and side quests, each carefully crafted to feel meaningful. The main storyline, which follows your character, V, on a quest for survival and identity, is gripping and filled with moral complexities and tough choices. But it’s the side quests that really shine. From taking down notorious gangs to helping unique characters with their own struggles, the side missions are incredibly varied and often as engaging as the main story. These quests offer opportunities to explore the city’s hidden corners and reveal more about the people and conflicts of Night City. It’s one of the rare games where you feel compelled to take on every side quest, not just for rewards, but because each one adds to the richness of the world.
However, it would be remiss to ignore the issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077 at launch. Upon release, the game was infamous for its technical problems, particularly on last-gen consoles, where performance was inconsistent, and bugs were everywhere. Glitches, crashes, and immersion-breaking issues were common, making it difficult for many players to enjoy the experience as intended. CD Projekt Red has since worked hard to release numerous patches and updates, improving stability, performance, and addressing many of the game-breaking issues that frustrated players initially. While Night City is now a much more polished experience, the game’s rocky launch left a mark on its reputation and remains a reminder of how ambition can sometimes overreach.
Despite its initial struggles, Cyberpunk 2077 has ultimately grown into a deeply engaging RPG with an unforgettable setting and compelling stories. With its richly detailed world, complex characters, and nuanced storytelling, the game offers a journey that lingers long after the credits roll. If you’re diving into Night City now, you’re in for an experience that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking, especially with most of the original issues now smoothed out.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Cyberpunk 2077 may have stumbled out of the gate, but it has since found its footing and evolved into a game that is truly worth experiencing. With its fantastic atmosphere, immersive world-building, and memorable mix of main and side missions, Cyberpunk 2077 is a flawed masterpiece—a testament to both the risks of ambitious game development and the rewards of a richly crafted open world. For those willing to dive in, Night City has stories to tell, and it’s a journey worth taking.
The Stroud Score:
Gameplay 4/5
Graphics and Visuals 4/5
Sound and Music 4/5
Story and Narrative 4/5
Fun Level 4/5
Overall Score 20/25