Highlights
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty delivers on its promise of a spy-thriller adventure, although it focuses more on thrills than actual spy work.
The DLC delves into the intricate relationships and past of the primary characters, all of whom were united through the Unification War.
Centering on the clash between obligation and individual ethics, the narrative highlights how the characters value honor above their assignment, confronting challenging decisions that result in profound repercussions.
This article contains major spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and its storyline. After a tumultuous start in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 seems to have turned a corner. With the release of update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty, CP 2077 has finally lived up to its original promises, much to the delight of gamers. This is a win-win situation, as CR Projekt Red can now take pride in their product, and players can fully enjoy Cyberpunk 2077 with exciting new content. While Phantom Liberty may be the only DLC for CP 2077, it definitely leaves a lasting impact.
Since its announcement, Phantom Liberty has been marketed as a spy-thriller standalone adventure that can be enjoyed alongside the base game or played independently without completing the main campaign. Now that it's available, it becomes clear that it focuses more on thrilling gameplay rather than espionage, despite the fact that President Rosalind Myers recruits V as an FIA agent for a crucial mission. Instead, the DLC uses its cast of secret agent characters to unravel a complex and intricately realistic story about honor. Each of the allies V collaborates with has personal ties to an event that has tested their loyalty or revealed their true motivations to fight for what they believe in.
What Ties All of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's Cast Together
Solomon Reed, So Mi, President Myers, and Alex share a crucial bond - the Unification War. These characters were brought together by this series of events, despite the changes in allegiances and perspectives that some, like Songbird from CP 2077, have undergone. Despite these shifts, they still unite and honor one another in their mission to protect their own. This unity stems from their shared understanding of what it means to serve in a war and be forgotten afterward.
However, their connection goes beyond their shared war experience and becomes more complex. Solomon, in particular, carries a burden of betrayal that unravels throughout the game, especially concerning Songbird and Alex. Rosalind Myers, in Cyberpunk 2077, may appear as troubled as the others, but she has made questionable choices prioritizing the New United States of America over her personal relationships with Reed, causing strain between them. As the DLC progresses, the intricate nature of this web of connections becomes increasingly clear.
How Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's Story Lets Duty and Personal Morals Collide
The core cast of Cyberpunk 2077's expansion has a strong military background, leading some to believe that the game aims to honor troops. However, this is far from the truth. While the group V creates to rescue Songbird includes former secret agents with war experience, it becomes evident that the characters in Phantom Liberty prioritize honor over duty. Even after discovering that Songbird betrayed Reed to Arasaka, Reed still considers her as one of his own.
The story is captivating as this group of troubled secret agents continues to value each other despite past betrayals. This aspect is crucial to Phantom Liberty's narrative, pulling V into the mix through their association with Reed and Alex, and ultimately presenting a challenging choice. As Songbird attempts to extract the AI, players must decide whether to support Reed or Songbird, with both options leading to disastrous consequences. This demonstrates the extent to which their connections are tested after their time working together as secret agents, even though Phantom Liberty lacks traditional spy elements.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.