Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone a significant transformation since its rocky launch in 2020, especially with the Phantom Liberty DLC and the 2.0 update, enhancing its gameplay and immersion. Players experience a vibrant Night City filled with engaging narratives and dynamic interactions. However, the game still struggles with ludonarrative dissonance, where gameplay mechanics conflict with the story’s moral undertones. The sequel needs to better integrate side quests with the main narrative to maintain immersion and urgency, aiming for a more cohesive experience.
The Transformation of Cyberpunk 2077
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2020, it faced a storm of criticism, primarily due to its unplayable state. The game required extensive patches over several months to address its numerous issues. However, everything changed with the release of the highly anticipated DLC, Phantom Liberty, alongside the revolutionary 2.0 update. This update rejuvenated the gameplay experience, allowing CD Projekt’s ambitious project to finally shine as the masterpiece it was always meant to be.
An Immersive Experience Like No Other
Cyberpunk 2077 stands as one of the most immersive gaming experiences available. If you haven’t yet ventured into this expansive world, I highly recommend you do so. Although I typically find open-world games less appealing, my initial disappointment with Cyberpunk 2077 transformed into admiration after revisiting it post-update. The breathtaking architecture and vibrant life of Night City captivated me, enabling countless hours of exploration.
Engaging in the main storyline, tackling significant side quests, or completing contracts for various fixers, Cyberpunk 2077 immerses players in a world that feels alive and engaging. The remarkable character writing, combined with the game’s atmospheric design and dynamic NPC interactions, contributes immensely to this sense of immersion. Despite my usual reservations about open-world structures, I believe Night City has become a quintessential example of how to create a captivating environment.
Nevertheless, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 must address the persistent issue of ludonarrative dissonance. While the game excels in many areas, it still grapples with the disconnect between its narrative and gameplay mechanics. This dissonance often occurs when players are led to believe that their character is morally opposed to certain actions, yet game mechanics encourage them to engage in violence against less significant enemies. Although this incongruity doesn’t always detract from the overall experience, it poses challenges in a game as immersive as Cyberpunk 2077.
In the game, players take on the role of a character whose life hangs in the balance due to a dangerous implant. With an urgent quest to find a cure before time runs out, players are also lured into numerous side quests and activities, exacerbating the feeling of immersion being compromised. The game’s day/night cycle highlights this issue; it becomes difficult to maintain a sense of urgency when players spend time solving the problems of random citizens instead of focusing on the main quest.
This juxtaposition presents a significant hurdle that the sequel needs to overcome. Players should not have to choose between immersing themselves in the main story or exploring the rich side content. Possible solutions could include integrating side quests more closely with the main narrative, allowing players to feel that their efforts contribute to story progression. Alternatively, a narrative that is less time-sensitive might allow for a more relaxed exploration of the world without feeling guilty about delaying the primary quest.
Furthermore, ensuring that narrative elements have real weight in both main and side quests will enhance immersion. In Cyberpunk 2077, characters frequently express urgency, yet players often find no compelling reason to follow through. Addressing these temporal details could significantly elevate the gaming experience, drawing players deeper into the storyline.
It’s important to note that this challenge isn’t unique to Cyberpunk 2077; many open-world games struggle with balancing engaging narratives and player freedom. Titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have faced scrutiny for their narratives, yet they effectively allow players to control their pacing without compromising the overall story. Cyberpunk 2077’s dual achievement of delivering a gripping main quest and a sprawling world with exciting side content makes it a challenge to harmonize the two. The sequel must find innovative ways to bridge this gap, and I wish CD Projekt the best of luck in this endeavor.
After four years, Cyberpunk 2077 finally receives the recognition it deserves on Steam, marking one of gaming’s most remarkable redemption stories. This journey highlights the resilience of developers and the potential for growth and improvement in the gaming industry.