Cyberpunk 2077

Off the top of my head I can’t think of another game with a backstory like Cyberpunk 2077. It’s fortunate that CDPR were able to spend the last year-plus continuing development of the game, listening to feedback, adding content, and fixing tons and tons of issues. Many games would simply not have gotten the extra time and money spent that Cyberpunk got, but this time CDPR got it right. Now is the right time to play this game; I’m not saying it’s flawless and perfect, but it’s nearly so, for such an elaborate, massive game. This is the game we were hoping for back in December 2020, but I’m reminded of the adage ‘better late than never.’ And that certainly applies here.

Thanks to its upgrade, Cyberpunk 2077 finally offers a gaming experience on PS5 and Xbox Series at the height of what it should have been at its launch in December 2020. More beautiful, more stable and better optimized than in backward compatibility : those who had waited for the next-gen patch will finally be able to enjoy the adventure in good conditions. But beyond these technical considerations, if patch 1.5 brings some welcome adjustments (more responsive crowd, improved but still perfectible driving and ergonomics...), the title remains globally identical to the PC version despite a less impressive visual rendering. More than a year after its release, Cyberpunk 2077 remains an RPG with a fascinating universe and impeccable writing that remains plagued by immersion-breaking bugs and an artificial intelligence that falls short. Now that CD Projekt has finally honored its promises, we can't wait to see what the Polish studio has in store for the future of its futuristic open-world with new DLCs.

There are plenty of dropped or underexplored threads and lots of bugs still left to fix, but Cyberpunk is finally approaching what was initially promised to its audience. It’s certainly no Witcher 3. Still, for the first time, it feels like it’s crossed into the territory of a game worth getting lost in, with the potential for more polished additions in the future. In another universe, this was the original launch date for a much more feature-complete version. By contrast, in ours, Cyberpunk 2077 may finally be able to stand on its own feet as a solid gaming experience for those willing to give it a chance.

Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 is the game that PlayStation fans should have been playing in 2020. While it still falls short when measured against the immense expectations that surrounded its release, everything that Cyberpunk gets right is so much easier to enjoy when the game isn't crippled by technical issues. The main story's a thrill ride, the combat's a blast, and Night City is an incredible open world setting. And the best part is that CD Projekt Red finally has a stable foundation to build upon. It took 14 months to get here, but the future of Cyberpunk 2077 actually holds a lot of promise.

Despite significant technical and in-play improvements for this PS5 version, much of the game’s core remains unchanged. Quest design and storytelling, though not without their moments on the critical path, too often feel rife with unrealised potential. Cyberpunk 2077’s abrasive personality is still clear as day too, inescapable in its script and blaring out from Night City’s many questionable billboards. If you choose to venture into Night City, we hope you find what you’re looking for. [Issue#12, p.72]