Understanding the World of Cyberpunk 2077: A Detailed Review
Get ready to dive into the dark, gritty
world of Cyberpunk 2077, an action-adventure game developed by CD Projekt Red
that has taken the gaming world by storm. Based on Mike Pondsmith's Cyberpunk
tabletop game series, this open-world RPG is set in the futuristic Night City,
where you'll experience a dynamic story, intricate characters, and impactful
choices that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In this detailed review, we'll explore
every aspect of Cyberpunk 2077, from its exceptional soundtrack and graphics
that complement the cyberpunk setting to its gameplay mechanics, narrative, and
technical performance. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer,
this article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of what makes
Cyberpunk 2077 a groundbreaking game that has captured the attention of gamers
worldwide.
Setting and Atmosphere
Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in Night City,
an American megacity in the Free State of North California, controlled by
corporations and unassailed by the laws of both country and state. The plot is
set in this fictional metropolis within the dystopian Cyberpunk universe. Night
City has a population of over five million inhabitants and is known for its
high crime rate and corporate influence.
The game's setting is dominated by powerful
corporations that play a significant role in shaping the game's world . These
corporations became prevalent after the market collapse in the early 90s,
leading to a few megacorps controlling every facet of people's lives . They
control the airwaves, and everything in V's apartment is manufactured from one
of these corporations . Employees of corporations, like Corpo V, often commit
espionage and special operations to gain an advantage over competitors .
Night City is divided into several
districts, each with its own unique characteristics and sub-districts :
1.
City Center
2.
Watson
3.
Westbrook
4.
Heywood
5.
Pacifica
6.
Santo Domingo
The architecture of Night City is highly
detailed, with bizarre shapes and structures that add to the game's atmospheric
journey . Volumetric lights and fog are used to create a dramatic and realistic
night-time atmosphere . The game features organic locations that feel part of
the world, not just set pieces for quests . The setting is dense, diverse, and
consistently beautiful, with a variety of environments to explore, and driving
around Night City is encouraged due to the lack of load screens and the detailed
environments .
Gameplay Mechanics
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Cyberpunk 2077 is an action role-playing
game played from a first-person perspective . Players customize their
character, V, by choosing their voice, face, hairstyle, body type,
modifications, background, and clothing . The attribute/perk system allows for
character customization tailored to individual play styles, with five main
attributes that determine V's characteristics, conversation options, and
proficiency at certain actions: Body, Intelligence, Reflexes, Technical
Ability, and Cool . Each attribute governs specific Perk skill trees within it
.
The game offers three primary play styles:
Netrunner (hacking), Techie (machinery), and Solo (combat) . V has various
maneuvers to reposition in combat, including sprinting, taking cover,
double-jumping, and sliding . Cyberware implants installed by a 'ripperdoc'
enhance V's abilities . Weapons are divided into melee and ranged options, with
three types of ranged weapons (Power, Tech, and Smart) that can be customized
and modified . The game features four types of damage (Physical, Thermal,
Electric, and Chemical) that can be inflicted and resisted .
The 2.0 update brings several changes to
the gameplay mechanics:
·
Reworked Perks System with more
focused perks for crafting builds and a new Relic tree
·
Vehicle combat, allowing
players to shoot from inside their cars and hack enemy vehicles
·
Armor and cyberware changes,
with cyberware now tied to armor and a limit on the number of cyberware
installations based on the player's level
·
Stamina now drains when firing
weapons and dashing/dodging, with a new stamina bar visible in the top left
corner of the screen
·
Upgraded Ripperdoc interactions
with a new UI and animation for surgeries
·
Improved Police AI with dynamic
reactions to the player's actions and an escalation system
The upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion
introduces new weapons, cyberware, romantic moments, dialogues, and a different
difficulty curve . It also features improved UI, UX, vehicle driving, vehicle
combat, physics, fights between factions,random missions, and a variety of
conflicts and activities generated in Night City .
Narrative and Characters
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Cyberpunk 2077 features a compelling cast
of characters and a gripping narrative set in the dystopian world of Night
City. Players assume the role of V, a customizable mercenary whose voice,
appearance, background, and clothing can be tailored to their preferences . V
is accompanied by Johnny Silverhand, a legendary rock star and former terrorist
who now exists as a digitized engram in V's head, serving as an anchor for the
story.
The game's main quest storyline is
relatively short but engaging, with the majority of the content found in
optional side missions that can significantly impact the journey . These side
quests are filled with memorable characters and storylines that help shape the
player's unique version of the story . Some key characters include:
·
Jackie Welles, T-Bug, Viktor
Vector, and Misty Olzewski
·
Dexter "Dex" DeShawn,
Evelyn Parker, and Judy Álvarez
·
The Arasaka family: Saburo,
Yorinobu, and Hanako
·
Goro Takemura, Rogue
Amendiares, Panam Palmer, and Saul Bright
·
Alt Cunningham and Adam Smasher
Companion characters accompany players on
various quests and can become friends or enemies based on the player's choices
. Some of these companions play crucial roles in the central storyline . The
game presents maturity and nuance in its storytelling, particularly in its
romance options, which are handled in a believable and mature manner.
Characters come to life with facial expressions that make them feel more
realistic .
Cyberpunk 2077 explores themes such as the
loss of identity through technology, the consequences of augmenting the body
with cybernetics, and the point at which actions define a person . The game
also features various factions, including the powerful Arasaka corporation and
the Voodoo Boys, a gang specializing in hacking and cyberwarfare . The upcoming
expansion, Phantom Liberty, promises an enjoyable experience with a fantastic
cast of characters that every Cyberpunk fan should experience .
Visual and Audio Design
Cyberpunk 2077's visual and audio design
are key elements that contribute to the game's immersive and engaging
experience. The game's Ray Tracing: Overdrive Mode introduces full ray tracing
(path tracing) for enhanced visuals, simulating light accurately throughout
entire scenes and modeling the properties of light from virtually unlimited
emissive sources . This results in:
·
Physically correct shadows,
reflections, and global illumination on all objects
·
Thousands of objects emitting
ray-traced light, bathing the environment in accurate lighting
·
Upgraded Global Illumination
(GI) using path tracing, replacing Screen Space Reflections, Screen Space
Ambient Occlusion, and existing GI solutions
·
Natural colored lighting
bouncing multiple times throughout the world, creating more realistic indirect
lighting and occlusion
·
Full resolution reflections
incorporating bounced detail, accentuating the cyberpunk aesthetic
CD PROJEKT RED and NVIDIA have introduced
new optimizations for this fully ray-traced pipeline, including NVIDIA Shader
Execution Reordering (SER), NVIDIA Real-Time Denoisers (NRD), and specially
tuned drivers . The game also utilizes advanced lighting effects to create a
realistic and immersive environment, featuring a day-night cycle and dynamic
weather system .
Cyberpunk 2077's sound design is equally
crucial for immersion, using realism and organic sounds to bring Night City to
life . The game features a rich soundscape, including:
·
NPC chatter, nightclub music,
and urban sounds, with a focus on avoiding an overly sci-fi feel
·
Sound guiding players on
quests, ensuring important sounds aren't drowned out by the bustling city
environment
·
Realistic vehicle combustion
engine sounds and various NPC sounds recorded and mixed for a natural feel
·
Gun acoustics tailored to the
player's environment, with real-time adjustments for reverbs and echoes
·
Bullet impacts and flyby sounds
contributing to an engaging gunfight experience
The original soundtrack, composed by Marcin
Przybyłowicz, features heavy and aggressive tracks, as well as soft and ambient
pieces, tailored to fit quests, locations, and narrative themes . The game
takes inspiration from '90s bands like The Prodigy, Nine Inch Nails, and Rage
Against the Machine, and collaborations with various artists resulted in
diverse tracks for the game's numerous radio stations . The Phantom Liberty
Expansion includes a new soundtrack by composers P.A.D. and YK Kovalski .
Technical Performance
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Cyberpunk 2077 has faced criticism for its
buggy release and performance issues, particularly on the PS4 . Players faced a
myriad of game-breaking bugs and performance problems, especially on last-gen
consoles . CD Projekt Red has since apologized and offered refunds for the
game's initial issues . Sony removed the game from the PlayStation Store from
December 2020 to June 2021 while CD Projekt rectified some of the problems .
The game's technical state has improved,
but there are still potential bugs, especially on mid-range systems . CD
Projekt Red has been continuously working on improving the game, releasing
regular updates to fix bugs, improve features, and add new content . The game
has seen a significant improvement in its performance and player experience . The
latest major update for Cyberpunk 2077 is Update 2.01, which has been released
alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion.
Despite the issues, Cyberpunk 2077 features
impressive technical aspects:
·
The game uses a multi-pronged
approach to lighting, including hardware accelerated DirectX ray tracing
features for global illumination, diffuse illumination, ambient occlusion, and
full global illumination .
·
The lighting system is designed
to realistically capture and display color information, even without ray
tracing .
·
Ray traced reflections provide
pin-sharp, physically accurate reflections on reflective surfaces .
·
The first-person perspective,
with fluid animation and full body awareness, contributes to a sense of
immersion .
However, the game is highly demanding,
often compared to Crysis in terms of performance requirements . NVIDIA DLSS and
AMD FidelityFX Contrast Adaptive Sharpening (CAS) are supported to enhance
performance . Gaming performance is demanding, with the RTX 2070 or RX 5700 XT
required for 1080p 60 FPS at Ultra settings . VRAM requirements are high, with
around 6 GB at lower resolutions, 7 GB at 4K, and 10 GB with 4K + raytracing .
CD Projekt is eager to move on from the Red
Engine, which was used for Cyberpunk 2077, to the Unreal Engine . The
transition to Unreal Engine 5 and the strategic partnership with Epic Games
will help reduce risks and improve technology for future Projekts . The
decision to end updates is partly due to a technological decision, as the
studio is moving from the Red Engine to the Unreal Engine .
Community and Reception
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Cyberpunk 2077's release was met with
negative reception, impacting CDPR's reputation . Despite these criticisms,
there are also many players who are enjoying the game, referring to the
complainers as a 'vocal minority' . The game features a detailed and immersive
open world, with a focus on exploration and discovery, and top-notch soundtrack
and visuals .
·
CDPR has faced criticism and
calls for refunds, but the PC version received mostly positive reviews, while
the console versions received negative reviews .
·
CDPR is working on fixes for
the game, and with time, they can recover and continue to create successful
games .
·
Cyberpunk 2077 received praise
from critics for its narrative, setting, and graphics, but some gameplay
elements received mixed responses, and its themes and representation of
transgender characters received criticism .
·
The game's launch was met with
significant criticism, despite generally favorable media previews and an
aggregated score of 86 on Metacritic .
·
The backlash led to refunds,
PlayStation store listings being taken down, and a tarnished reputation for CD
Projekt .
However, Cyberpunk 2077 has seen a
resurgence in popularity following substantial updates and the release of the
Phantom Liberty expansion . The success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has led to a
critical reevaluation of the game . It is being praised for its story,
world-building, and gameplay mechanics . The surge in players is expected to
continue, with the game potentially regaining its lost glory .
·
Cyberpunk 2077 has received
positive reviews and feedback after updates and patches .
·
The game's quest director,
Paweł Sasko, expresses gratitude towards the community for their ongoing
support and for giving the game's expansion, Phantom Liberty, a fair chance .
·
The game's resurgence is
attributed to CD Projekt Red's (CDPR) persistence and dedication, as well as
player feedback, which helped turn the perception around after a rocky launch .
·
Cyberpunk 2077's three-year
redemptive arc is a result of consistent updates, new platforms releases,
crossovers, and the launch of Phantom Liberty .
·
The success of Cyberpunk 2077's
turnaround serves as an example for other developers, demonstrating that it's
possible to change perception and win back trust after a difficult launch .
Updates and Expansions
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Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone numerous
updates since its initial release, with the most significant changes in update
2.0 . This update overhauled the game's progression systems, including changes
to the perk system and cyberware . The game's difficulty can be adjusted with
several difficulty modes, and enemies scale to the player's level . Other
notable changes in the 2.0 Update and Phantom Liberty include:
·
Combat AI, Cyberware, Vehicle
Combat, Airdrops, UI, Ammo, and the Revamped Police System
·
Crafting Specs Overhaul,
Clothing and Armor Overhaul, Cyberware Capacity System
·
New mechanics such as Vehicle
Combat, Airdrops, and Stealth Overhaul
·
Patch 2.0 also brings major
updates to the police system, vehicle combat, improved on-foot firefights,
reworked perk trees, snap car handling, and retooled cyberware and clothing
systems
The game has received several updates, with
the latest being Update 2.1 . This update introduces new features such as a
metro system, car racing, and romantic hangouts . Additional customization options,
such as new selections of lip and eye makeup, are available with update 1.5 .
After the initial character creator screen, thanks to a post-release update
(1.5 or later), you can visit your apartment, inspect the mirror in the
bathroom, and edit your character's appearance .
The highly anticipated Phantom Liberty
expansion is now available, featuring a new map (Dogtown) and a relics system .
The expansion takes place in Dog Town, a rundown area outside Night City, and
features new settlements, nightclubs, casinos, and a substantial new playable
area with side content . Phantom Liberty brings changes to Perks, Cyberware,
and UI . The DLC has garnered high praise from critics, with one stating,
"Phantom Liberty is without a doubt one of the greatest pieces of
expansion done to any game that I've ever played" . CD Projekt Red has
been commended for their passion in making this comeback, despite the rough
start of the base game . The base game, which previously offered a 40% discount
due to its poor performance, is now leading the top seller chart on Steam,
followed by the DLC . The PC version of Phantom Liberty has a Metascore of 89
based on 49 critic reviews, while the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions have
Metascores of 88 and 89, respectively . CD Projekt Red spent approximately $125.9
million to fix the disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077, with $84.3 million
spent on producing and marketing the Phantom Liberty expansion . The successful
Phantom Liberty expansion greatly improved Cyberpunk 2077, enticing lapsed
players to give the game another chance . Phantom Liberty is the first and last
expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, with the company focusing on full-scale
productions moving forward. Update 2.0 and next-gen console compatibility,
along with other enhancements, cost CDPR an additional $40 million .
Cultural Impact
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Cyberpunk 2077 has had a significant impact
on cyberpunk culture, breaking sales records and earning back its development
and marketing costs on the first day of release . The game's success can be
attributed to its unique cyberpunk style and the reputation of its developer,
CD Projekt Red . Cyberpunk culture, which combines high tech and low life,
started as a subgenre of science fiction and has evolved into various forms,
including games, fashion, and artwork . The visual element is a crucial aspect
of cyberpunk culture, with movies and games playing a significant role in its
popularization .
The critically-acclaimed Cyberpunk:
Edgerunners anime, released on Netflix, also contributed to repairing Cyberpunk
2077's public image, leading to an increase in players returning to the game .
In its first week, viewers watched 14,880,000 hours of the show, and the game's
player count surged, making it the eighth most played game on Steam with nearly
100,000 concurrent players at its peak .
Cyberpunk as a genre emerged in the 80s and
90s, reflecting societal changes such as the expansion of the internet, virtual
reality, human body modification, and neoliberalism . The genre provided
critical visions of the future, examining technology, virtual reality,
cyberspace, accelerated capitalism, and the socially marginalized . Cyberpunk
literature became a form of science fiction that anticipated societal changes
as they were happening, blurring the boundary between cultural theory and
science fiction . The genre gave rise to philosophers and cultural theorists
who used it for theoretical purposes, examining culture, politics, art,
metaphysics, and epistemology . Cyberpunk protagonists are often social
outcasts who embrace their differences and organize with others, not based on
some underlying human nature, but through their differences . The genre is
explicitly political, portraying a world dominated by multinational
corporations where people are reduced to commodities . As an attempt at
cognitive mapping, cyberpunk aimed to restore the ability to locate and orient
oneself historically and socially, and inspire people to seek a better world .
The Creation of Night City
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Night City, the sprawling metropolis that
serves as the setting for Cyberpunk 2077, is a character in its own right . The
city is divided into various sections, each controlled by different gangs and
fixers who assign side content to the player . This dynamic creates a living,
breathing world that reacts to the player's actions and choices .
The developers at CD Projekt Red have
crafted Night City with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that it is
dense, diverse, and consistently beautiful . Players are encouraged to explore
the city's various environments, from the neon-lit streets of the city center
to the gritty, industrial outskirts. The lack of load screens and the highly
detailed environments make driving around Night City a seamless and immersive
experience .
Cyberpunk 2077 was initially released for
Windows, PlayStation 4, Stadia, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, allowing
players across multiple platforms to experience the world of Night City . The
game's release on next-gen consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series
X/S, showcases the city's stunning visuals and intricate design in even greater
detail .
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Character Customization and Role-Playing
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Cyberpunk 2077 offers an immersive
role-playing experience with its robust character customization options:
7.
Players assume the role of V, a
mercenary for hire in Night City, with separate voice and body customization
options and three life paths to choose from .
8.
The game follows the story of
V, a hired gun on the rise in Night City, with customizable gender, visual
appearance, and historical background .
9.
Cyberpunk 2077 features a
detailed character customization system, allowing players to choose their
character's appearance, backstory, stats, and key life events . Player choices
will reflect in shaping their life and contacts in the game.
The character creator includes an extensive
array of options:
·
Body type, voice tone, skin
tone, hairstyle, hair color, eyes, eye color, eyebrows, eyebrow color, eyelash
color, nose, mouth, jaw, ears, beard (masculine body type only), cyberware,
facial scars, facial tattoos, piercings, piercing color, teeth, eye makeup, eye
makeup color, lip makeup style, lip makeup, lip makeup color, cheek makeup,
cheek makeup color, blemishes, blemish color, nails, nail color, chest
(feminine body type only), nipples, body tattoos, body scars, genitals, penis
size, and pubic hair style .
·
The genitalia options are not
tied to the character model's gender .
·
Nudity is disabled by default,
but the game will honor your choice if you enable it and then randomize your
character .
After the initial character creation
process, players can further customize their appearance:
·
All appearance aspects except
Body Type, Voice Tone, Facial Tattoos, and Body Tattoos can be changed through
either a mirror at any of V's Apartments or a Ripperdoc .
·
You can see your appearance in
the inventory screen, mirrors (apartment, other locations, key cutscenes),
riding vehicles in third-person, and Photo Mode .
·
The character customization is
primarily for first-person game, but character appearance can be seen in
specific instances .
Groundbreaking Graphics and Visual Effects
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Cyberpunk 2077 showcases a meticulously
crafted and immersive open world that encourages exploration and discovery .
The game's visuals are top-notch, contributing to the overall cyberpunk
aesthetic and atmosphere . Some of the groundbreaking graphics and visual
effects in Cyberpunk 2077 include:
·
Highly detailed environments
with a focus on realism and immersion
·
Advanced lighting techniques,
such as ray tracing, to create realistic shadows and reflections
·
Dynamic weather system that
affects the appearance of the city and its inhabitants
·
Intricate character models with
high-quality textures and animations
CD Projekt Red has announced that the
sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, tentatively named "Orion," is expected to
be developed using Unreal Engine 5 . This move to a more advanced game engine
suggests that the developers are committed to pushing the boundaries of
graphics and visual effects even further in future installments of the
franchise.
Innovations in Gameplay
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CD Projekt Red introduced several
innovative practices during the development of Cyberpunk 2077 to enhance the
game's quality and stability:
10. The "always working game" rule was implemented,
prioritizing game stability and allowing every team member to test the title
throughout the development process .
11. The company shifted towards simultaneous testing for games on all
platforms, moving away from a PC-centered production cycle to ensure a
consistent experience across different devices .
12. Cross-functional strike teams were formed, composed of developers
from various departments and disciplines, to work together on specific sections
of Cyberpunk 2077 . This new production framework allowed for daily
communication, feedback, and support among team members, leading to a more
collaborative and efficient workflow .
Cyberpunk 2077 also introduces innovative
gameplay mechanics that cater to different playstyles:
·
The game features a crafting
system with unique weapons called Iconic weapons that can be upgraded and
replaced with better versions as players progress through the game .
·
Stealth and hacking are viable
options for combat, allowing players to approach encounters in a variety of
ways and tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle .
The Soundtrack of Cyberpunk 2077
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Soundtrack of Cyberpunk 2077" section in markdown format:
The Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack is a
collaborative effort between composers Marcin Przybyłowicz, Paul
Leonard-Morgan, and P.T. Adamczyk, featuring a variety of musical styles,
including Blade Runner-esque synth, loud EDM action, jazz, downtempo, hip-hop,
metal, industrial, and techno. The synthetic and electronic nature of the
soundtrack mirrors the futuristic setting of the game, with the music subtly
shifting to reflect different locations within Night City .
Key aspects of the Cyberpunk 2077
soundtrack include:
13. Vast scope: The album consists of 237 tracks, spanning 37 tracks
across two CDs, reflecting the game's vast and complex world .
14. Intentional repetition: The repetition in the music is intentional,
allowing for seamless transitions during gameplay .
15. Spoiler-free track listing: The track listing doesn't contain any
obvious spoilers .
16. Simultaneous release: The soundtrack was released alongside the game
.
The composers aimed to create a dangerous
and dirty world that doesn't play fair, incorporating an attitude into their
music . The score consists of eight hours of original music, designed to follow
the story of V, the game's customizable character, making it feel more linear
and personalized . The soundtrack is vast, featuring over 150 songs from
various artists like Run The Jewels and Grimes, as well as original
compositions . However, some critics feel that the music doesn't align
particularly well with the advanced technological setting of Night City, and
that the execution of CD Projekt Red's intention for the soundtrack to be a
significant part of worldbuilding and storytelling fell short . Despite this,
the game's soundtrack is considered fantastic, especially during combat .
The Birth of a Phenomenon
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Birth of a Phenomenon" section in markdown format:
Cyberpunk 2077 has become a global
phenomenon, achieving massive success with over 1 million playerbase . The
game's success has surpassed The Witcher 3's peak concurrent players on Steam .
Since its debut in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has sold an estimated 25 million copies
across all platforms .
Several factors contributed to the game's
success:
17. The hype around its predecessor, The Witcher III, which is one of
the highest-rated games of its generation, played a significant role in
generating excitement for Cyberpunk 2077 .
18. CD Projekt Red (CDPR) incorporated a high level of detail in the
game, with each NPC having a unique daily routine, adding to the immersive
experience .
19. Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most anticipated games of 2020, set to
be released around the same time as the new generation consoles .
However, the game's launch was not without
challenges. CDPR spent over $120 million to restore the game's reputation . The
cost of developing the Phantom Liberty DLC was approximately $60 million, with
an additional $21 million spent on marketing . In total, CDPR invested around
$125 million to save Cyberpunk 2077 from oblivion .
Impact on CD Projekt Red
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The disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077 had
significant consequences for CD Projekt Red, including a tarnished reputation,
lost trust of players, and a drop in the studio's stock price . CD Projekt
became subject to investigations and class-action lawsuits for their perceived
attempts at downplaying the severity of the technical problems before release .
However, CD Projekt Red's commitment to
fixing Cyberpunk 2077 has been evident:
20. The studio spent over $120 million to restore the game's reputation
.
21. The cost of developing the Phantom Liberty DLC was approximately $60
million, with an additional $21 million spent on marketing .
22. In total, CDPR invested around $125 million to save Cyberpunk 2077
from oblivion .
CD Projekt Red's dedication to creating
narrative-driven RPGs is showcased in Phantom Liberty, which demonstrates a
more collaborative development approach between departments . The studio hired
real-life city planners to create Night City, adding to the game's immersive
experience . CD Projekt Red's commitment to fixing Cyberpunk 2077 will give the
studio the chance to return to the IP with future Projekts, such as a
live-action Cyberpunk Projekt and a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel .
Expansions and Downloadable Content (DLC)
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CD Projekt Red has released several free
DLCs for Cyberpunk 2077 since its launch, including:
23. Alternative Appearance for Johnny Silverhand (Released: August 18,
2021 - Patch 1.3)
24. V's New Jackets (Released: August 18, 2021 - Patch 1.3)
25. Archer Quartz "Bandit" car (Released: August 18, 2021 -
Patch 1.3)
26. V's New Apartments (Released: February 15, 2022 - Patch 1.5)
27. Budget Arms Guillotine SMG (Released: February 15, 2022 - Patch 1.5)
28. Change V's Appearance (Released: February 15, 2022 - Patch 1.5)
29. Johnny Silverhand Photo Mode poses (Released: February 15, 2022 -
Patch 1.5)
30. Muzzle Brakes for various weapons (Released: February 15, 2022 -
Patch 1.5)
31. Darra Polytechnic Umbra budget weapon (Released: February 15, 2022 -
Patch 1.5)
32. Weapon Scopes (Released: February 15, 2022 - Patch 1.5)
33. Edgerunners Content (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
34. Transmog Customization (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
35. Added Side Missions (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
36. Roach Race arcade mini-game (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch
1.6)
37. New Melee Weapons (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
38. New Firearms (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
39. Photomode Updates, including the ability to add Nibbles to photos
(Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
40. Neon rims for motorcycles (Released: September 6, 2022 - Patch 1.6)
The highly anticipated Phantom Liberty
expansion, set to release in 2023 for PC (Steam), Google Stadia, PlayStation 5,
and Xbox Series X|S, aims to redeem the game and has already contributed to a
surge in sales of the base game. The expansion will feature a new district of
Night City, new jobs, weapons, cyberware, armor, vehicles, and upgrades, as
well as new threats and challenges . Keanu Reeves will return as Johnny
Silverhand in the expansion .
The cost of developing the Phantom Liberty
DLC was approximately $60 million, with an additional $21 million spent on
marketing . CD Projekt Red's significant investment in the expansion
demonstrates their commitment to improving and expanding the Cyberpunk 2077
experience for players.
System Requirements
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"System Requirements" section in markdown format:
Cyberpunk 2077 has varying system
requirements depending on whether you plan to play with or without ray tracing,
and the desired resolution and graphics settings. Here's a breakdown of the
minimum and recommended specifications:
Non-Ray
Tracing Requirements:
Minimum (1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset):
·
OS: 64-bit Windows 10
·
Processor: Core i7-6700 or
Ryzen 5 1600
·
Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 1060
6GB or Radeon RX 580 8GB or Arc A380
·
VRAM: 6 GB
·
RAM: 12 GB
·
Storage: 70 GB SSD
Recommended (1080p, 60 FPS, High Preset):
·
OS: 64-bit Windows 10
·
Processor: Core i7-12700 or
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
·
Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 2060
Super or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770
·
VRAM: 8 GB
·
RAM: 16 GB
·
Storage: 70 GB SSD
Ultra (2160p, 60 FPS, Ultra Preset):
·
OS: 64-bit Windows 10
·
Processor: Core i9-12900 or
Ryzen 9 7900X
·
Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3080
or Radeon RX 7900 XTX
·
VRAM: 12 GB
·
RAM: 20 GB
·
Storage: 70 GB NVMe
Ray
Tracing Requirements:
Minimum (1080p, 30 FPS, Low RT Preset):
·
OS: 64-bit Windows 10
·
Processor: Core i7-9700 or
Ryzen 5 5600
·
Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 2060
or Radeon RX 6800 XT or Arc A750
·
VRAM: 8 GB
·
RAM: 16 GB
·
Storage: 70 GB SSD
Recommended (1080p, 60 FPS, Ultra RT Preset):
·
OS: 64-bit Windows 10
·
Processor: Core i9-12900 or
Ryzen 9 7900X
·
Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3080
Ti or Radeon RX 7900 XTX
·
VRAM: 12 GB
·
RAM: 20 GB
·
Storage: 70 GB NVMe
Overdrive (2160p, 60 FPS, Overdrive RT Preset with DLSS Frame Generation):
·
OS: 64-bit Windows 10
·
Processor: Core i9-12900 or
Ryzen 9 7900X
·
Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4080
·
VRAM: 16 GB
·
RAM: 24 GB
·
Storage: 70 GB NVMe
It's essential to ensure that your system
meets or exceeds these requirements for an optimal gaming experience in Night
City.
Community and Fan Reception
Here is the cited content for the
"Community and Fan Reception" section in markdown format:
Cyberpunk 2077 has experienced a remarkable
resurgence in popularity, with the game receiving positive reviews and feedback
following substantial updates and patches . The game's quest director, Paweł
Sasko, has expressed gratitude towards the community for their ongoing support
and for giving the game's expansion, Phantom Liberty, a fair chance .
The game's turnaround can be attributed to
several factors:
41. CD Projekt Red's (CDPR) persistence and dedication in addressing the
game's issues and incorporating player feedback, which helped change the
perception of the game after its rocky launch .
42. The release of the critically-acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime
on Netflix, which contributed to repairing Cyberpunk 2077's public image and
led to an increase in players returning to the game .
43. Consistent updates, new platform releases, crossovers, and the
launch of the highly-anticipated Phantom Liberty expansion, all of which have
contributed to Cyberpunk 2077's three-year redemptive arc .
The success of Cyberpunk 2077's turnaround
serves as an example for other developers, demonstrating that it is possible to
change perception and win back trust after a difficult launch by listening to
the community, addressing issues, and delivering high-quality content .
The Future of Cyberpunk 2077
Here is the cited content for "The
Future of Cyberpunk 2077" section in markdown format:
The future of Cyberpunk 2077 looks
promising, with the game set in the year 2077 and featuring an open-world RPG
experience that emphasizes player choice and multiple endings . While the main
story's ticking clock can feel at odds with the rest of the game, the overall
experience has seen significant improvements in performance and player
reception.
Looking ahead, CD Projekt Red has several
plans for the Cyberpunk franchise:
44. The sequel, tentatively named "Orion" or "Cyberpunk
2," is in the early stages of development under CD Projekt Red North
America and CD Projekt Red Vancouver .
45. Development on the sequel is expected to start in 2024, with the
team currently focusing on The Witcher 4 .
46. A third-person mode for the sequel has been teased by CD Projekt,
offering a new perspective on the game's world .
47. CD Projekt is taking steps to ensure upcoming games, including
Orion, launch without the same issues as Cyberpunk 2077, aiming for a level of
quality akin to Phantom Liberty .
The success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has
led to a critical reevaluation of Cyberpunk 2077, with the surge in players
expected to continue as the game potentially regains its lost glory . As the
development team shifts focus towards the sequel, fans can look forward to an
even more immersive and polished experience in the world of Cyberpunk .
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cyberpunk 2077 has taken
players on an unforgettable journey through the dark, gritty world of Night
City. Despite a rocky launch, the game has undergone a remarkable
transformation, thanks to the tireless efforts of CD Projekt Red and the
unwavering support of its dedicated community. With the release of the
critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has solidified
its place as a groundbreaking RPG that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay, and visual design.
As the future of the franchise looks
brighter than ever, fans can expect even more thrilling adventures in the world
of Cyberpunk, including the highly anticipated sequel, Orion. Subscribe to know
more latest updates and be among the first to
experience the next chapter in this captivating saga. With its immersive
setting, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking themes, Cyberpunk 2077
has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and will continue
to captivate players for years to come.
FAQs
Q: Should I consider buying the Cyberpunk 2077 book?
A:
Absolutely, the Cyberpunk 2077 book is a must-have for fans. It boasts a
beautiful hardcover design with both glossy and matte finishes, high-quality
thick glossy pages, robust binding, stunning high-resolution photos, exquisite
artwork, and an extensive collection of lore.
Q: How does the world of Cyberpunk 2077 measure up in terms of quality?
A: The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is highly praised, particularly for
its engaging story and exceptional gameplay. Many consider it one of the best
first-person shooter single-player games available. However, some players feel
that Night City could offer a more immersive, lived-in experience.
Q: Can you give an overview of Cyberpunk 2077's plot?
A:
The narrative of Cyberpunk 2077 revolves around a character named V and their
partner Jackie, who are hired by Dexter "Dex" DeShawn, a local fixer,
to steal a valuable biochip, "the Relic," from the dominant Arasaka
Corporation. Their heist takes a dramatic turn when they become witnesses to
the murder of Saburo Arasaka, the corporation's leader, by his own son
Yorinobu, causing their plans to unravel.
Q: Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth purchasing?
A: Cyberpunk 2077 is highly recommended and is often cited as one of the greatest RPGs of its time. With most bugs resolved over the years and significant updates like 2.0 and 2.1 transforming the game, it is definitely considered worth the investment.