Cyberpunk 2077 Review (Version 1.52 – Next-Gen)

Introduction

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most ambitious games ever made. The hype began back in 2012 with its cinematic trailer that left everyone eagerly waiting. Unfortunately, its initial release was plagued with technical issues, especially on old-gen consoles. However, after over a year and the release of update 1.5, the game has been completely revamped. This review focuses on the improved version as if the original troubled release never happened.

The Story

The story is the strongest aspect of Cyberpunk 2077. You play as V, choosing their gender and background (Street Kid, Corpo, or Nomad). Each background slightly affects the early plot and certain dialogues throughout the game. V’s journey begins with a major heist to steal a chip from Yorinobu Arasaka’s mansion. Due to complications, the chip ends up in V’s head, which holds the consciousness of Johnny Silverhand (played by Keanu Reeves). The chip starts taking over V’s mind, leading to a race against time to find a solution. The narrative is unique and offers seven different endings, making it one of the most engaging stories in gaming.

Map and World Design

The world-building in Cyberpunk 2077 is exceptional. From the futuristic buildings to neon advertisements, every detail immerses you in the game’s dystopian setting. Each city district has its unique vibe, from coastal areas to slums and luxury zones. These regions have their own leaders who assign side quests. Vehicles, weapons, and even NPC outfits are designed to reflect the futuristic theme, creating a living, breathing city.

Gameplay and Missions

A few key tips: avoid playing on medium difficulty as the game becomes too easy after the latest update. You’ll collect an abundance of weapons and money, making resource management almost unnecessary. Focus on completing side missions before finishing the main story—they’re deeply connected to the primary characters and are some of the best parts of the game. While Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG, its campaign feels short for the genre.

Skill trees, crafting, and selling mechanics add depth, but the gameplay could have been better suited for a third-person perspective. The gunplay and shooting mechanics, however, are enjoyable. Driving has also improved significantly after the update.

Audio

The audio design in Cyberpunk 2077 is top-notch. The voice acting is exceptional, and even small details like the in-game radio add to the atmosphere. The studio went the extra mile to compose original futuristic tracks, with “Night City” being a standout.

Technical Improvements

This is the most critical part of the review. With version 1.52, Cyberpunk 2077 has matured into a polished game. I played on Xbox Series X, where the game runs at dynamic 4K (mostly 1440p) with 60 FPS. While there are occasional frame drops during fast travel, most bugs and glitches have been fixed. The city feels a bit emptier due to reduced NPC density, but AI reactions and overall performance have improved significantly.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 is an ambitious game that has finally realized its potential with the latest updates. It stands as one of CD Projekt Red’s best games to date.

8/10