Has Cyberpunk 2077 made significant progress? Many Steam users believe it’s worth playing now, with an impressive 95% positive reviews from nearly 7,000 recent players. Since the development team has shifted focus to other projects, this suggests the game is fully developed. If you’re ready to join in, you can find attractive discounts on Cyberpunk 2077 CDKeys to get started.
The Launch That Shook the Industry
On December 10, 2020, the reputation of CD Projekt Red was significantly altered due to the turbulent launch of Cyberpunk 2077. This release, following three postponements and extensive anticipation, turned out to be one of the most disastrous in gaming history.
What went wrong at release
Behind the scenes, Cyberpunk 2077 wasn’t nearly as far along as management claimed. They insisted the game was “ready to play,” but the actual situation was quite different. The development team found themselves primarily focusing on improving the PC version’s performance and underestimating the hurdles that older consoles posed. As a result, the company compelled their developers to work six-day weeks, going against earlier pledges to avoid crunch time.
The backlash from players and media
2077’s Cyberglitch sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with numerous players posting countless videos tagged #Cyberglitch2077 showcasing bizarre in-game issues such as characters frozen in T-poses, clothing malfunctions exposing private areas, vehicles levitating unexpectedly, and unfinishable quests.
Sony took an unexpected action, withdrawing Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store barely a week following its debut – the most significant setback yet. Shortly after, Microsoft offered full refunds for digital purchases. Within the same period, CD Projekt’s stock value plummeted by nearly half.
CDPR’s initial response and damage control
At CD Projekt Red, the management faced a challenging time during the crisis. In his own words, co-CEO Michał Nowakowski described it as one of the most difficult moments he’s ever experienced. Their swift apologies and promises to issue refunds, however, unveiled further complications since several retailers were not prepared for such a pledge.
During online meetings, it was revealed that the company was facing internal conflicts. Employees openly questioned management regarding unattainable deadlines and deceptive marketing practices. Moreover, a programmer posed an intriguing question about the paradox of creating a game criticizing corporate misconduct while subjecting their own team to similar conditions.
CD Projekt Red acknowledged that they underestimated the complexity of optimizing the game for consoles and released it prematurely following several postponements. This hasty move had significant consequences; a title developed over almost a decade became an industry cautionary tale, causing gamers to question if Cyberpunk 2077 would ultimately meet its lofty expectations.
How Cyberpunk 2077 Was Rebuilt
CD Projekt Red took two years to transform Cyberpunk 2077 from a warning tale into a triumphant return success, silencing the critics who doubted them.
Major patches and updates explained
Initially, small fixes addressed crucial issues, but the September 2023 Update 2.0 revolutionized the game experience entirely. This free upgrade marked the most comprehensive revamp to date, significantly impacting nearly every gameplay feature. Following this, the sole expansion, Phantom Liberty, was introduced with subsequent patches such as 2.1, which incorporated metro systems and opportunities for socializing with romantic interests. The 2.21 update then provided support for DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation specifically for GeForce RTX graphics cards.
Overhaul of skill trees and combat systems
The primary enhancements in the game stemmed from revamped skill systems and perks, as confirmed by Gameplay Design Lead Karol Matyasik. He drew inspiration for this revamp from the classic design of Diablo 2’s skill trees. Now, players can easily trace paths to acquire strong abilities. Additionally, the developers looked to Doom for ideas on its “fast-paced, unforgiving, intense, and aggressive combat”. The new cyberware system is also integrated with armor stats instead of clothing, making interactions with ripperdocs more tactical.
Improved AI, police system, and driving mechanics
In the revamped system, police no longer mysteriously appear next to players. Instead, there are dynamic pursuits, roadblocks at escalated wanted levels leading to intense MaxTac encounters when on maximum heat. Driving has also been enhanced with better brake control reducing understeer, advanced suspension physics, and more authentic jumps. Players now have the ability to fire weapons while driving and even hack enemy vehicles during car chases.
Visual upgrades and mod support
CD Projekt Red embraced modding openly and brought on board several skilled community members to enhance the game further. They offer free REDmod tools which allow players to install modifications effortlessly via specialized clients. Now, gamers can tailor their Night City journey with mods that upgrade textures, lighting, gameplay mechanics, and immersion elements.
What Makes It Worth Playing Now
In the heart of Night City, I find myself immersed like never before. Beyond the technical polish, the game’s essence comes alive, turning Cyberpunk 2077 into an unmissable gaming journey for any enthusiast.
Engaging main story and side quests
In simple terms, Cyberpunk 2077’s tale delivers an impactful emotional resonance that’s hard to find in many other games. The principal narrative typically takes around 15 hours to finish, but the additional content sets it apart. Players often find the game more satisfying when they postpone the main mission and explore the world at their leisure. Some of the most memorable moments come from side quests such as “Sinnerman,” which delves into religious topics through the perspective of a condemned murderer, or “Dream On,” which uncovers political secrets within Night City’s upper echelons.
Character depth and relationship building
CD Projekt Red skillfully weaves compelling character connections into the narrative of Cyberpunk 2077. The primary romantic options – Judy, Panam, River, and Kerry – each offer distinctive storylines that influence the game’s conclusions. With Patch 2.1, these relationships become even richer through features like apartment visits and gift-giving. Each romance choice responds uniquely to your chosen ending, resulting in impactful scenes that mirror your decisions throughout the game.
Flexible playstyles: stealth, hacking, brute force
The revised character system offers players diverse strategies for gameplay. They have the opportunity to assume roles such as a hacker attacking foes, a stealthy assassin wielding monowire garrotes, or a heavyweight character tearing open doors and utilizing turrets as portable weapons. Remarkably, players can also finish the game without killing any non-robot characters, introducing an extra dimension of choice to their gaming experience.
Phantom Liberty and new content
Phantom Liberty introduces Dogtown, a region under militia control, ideal for covert operations. Idris Elba shines in his role as agent Solomon Reed, and the latest Relic skill set offers new gameplay options. The expansion offers approximately 13 hours of primary content, with numerous side activities to discover.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth it on PS4 Pro?
On PlayStation 4 Pro, Cyberpunk performs surprisingly smoothly now. Although it doesn’t reach the performance level of current-generation versions, many players have reported consistent frame rates and fewer visual issues while navigating the city. During intense battles, you might notice some texture delays in loading, but owners of PlayStation 4 Pro can now enjoy a stable gaming experience overall.
What Still Needs Work
Despite Cyberpunk 2077 making a strong return, it’s important to acknowledge that it hasn’t yet reached the level initially promised by CD Projekt Red. Even with numerous updates, the game has yet to fully realize its potential.
Unfulfilled promises and cut features
As an ardent fan, it was quite disappointing to find that several enticing features from the E3 2018 demo didn’t make it to the final version of the game I’ve been eagerly waiting for. For instance, the thrilling wall running and unexpected car ambushes, which were highlighted as significant gameplay elements, were unfortunately scrapped by the team. The intriguing “acid rain” system, where NPCs would seek shelter, was another feature that seemed to vanish without a trace. Regrettably, Night City doesn’t seem to fully emulate a day-night cycle as promised, with NPCs living real lives based on time-based behaviors. Instead, they appear to loop through simple animations regardless of the time of day when I interact with them.
Remaining bugs and performance issues
Despite the numerous updates, the game continues to experience technical issues. The police response system appears artificial as officers seem to materialize next to offenders rather than approaching realistically. Even with moderate PC configurations, players notice a significant drop in frame rates in crowded areas. PS4 Pro gamers face texture delays during high-intensity battles. Furthermore, some users encounter game-halting glitches such as quests failing to start or NPCs obstructing mission progress by appearing in incorrect locations.
Linear quest design and limited choices
The main issue with this role-playing game (RPG) is the way it manages player decisions. The creators aimed to make cosmetic and significant choices indistinguishable, but frequently, dialogue options only alter the short-term discussion without causing noticeable effects. The three career paths meant to provide unique abilities instead offered a handful of extra conversation options that seldom matter. Additionally, early choices like deciding between Evelyn Parker and Dexter DeShawn primarily allowed for better negotiations without any lasting consequences.
As a gamer who’s dived into the neon-lit streets of Night City, I’d say if you’re pondering whether Cyberpunk 2077 is worth the play now, consider these points. The game has seen improvements in performance, but it’s essential to remember that it doesn’t quite deliver the revolutionary gaming experience we were initially anticipating.
Conclusion
The Verdict: A Remarkable Redemption Story
Cyberpunk 2077 represents an extraordinary resurgence in the gaming world, as not many titles have experienced such a tumultuous debut followed by such a remarkable rebound. The team at CD Projekt Red truly deserves recognition and praise for their unwavering commitment to their project amidst the criticism they faced.
The journey from an unpromising state to a finished game hasn’t been a straightforward process. It’s clear that some features as advertised are yet to materialize, and technical glitches persist across various platforms. Despite this, Night City maintains a lively atmosphere, though it might not meet the expectations set by the promotional materials. However, given its current state, you certainly get value for your investment.
As a gamer immersed in the gritty, neon-lit world of Cyberpunk 2077, I can confidently say that the game has moved far beyond just technical improvements. The heart of this experience lies in its moving narrative, profound character interactions, and flexible gameplay mechanics. To top it off, the Phantom Liberty expansion has packed in a wealth of high-quality content that significantly boosts the game’s overall worth.
Is it advisable to delve into Cyberpunk 2077 in 2023? The answer depends on your expectations. If you’re seeking an innovative open-world game, those who were expecting groundbreaking elements might be disappointed. However, if you’re yearning for a gripping story-driven action RPG set in a visually stunning dystopian world, you’ll find it immensely enjoyable.
CD Projekt Red has essentially completed their redemption arc with the successful launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Although they are now focusing on other projects, expect them to continue addressing any lingering issues and bugs. This version of the game is considered the final release – not flawless but captivating, ambitious yet somewhat unpolished. The overwhelming positive feedback from thousands of new players indicates that the game has found its stride.
In Night City, whether you’re a return visitor or newcomer, you’re invited to embark on a journey that has evolved from a mere cautionary notice into an immersive tale. Despite the challenges along the way, the rewarding destination makes every step worthwhile.
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2025-06-12 12:13