Cyberpunk 2077: Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown - Outshining Witcher 3's Heart of Stone and Blood and Wine DLC
CD Projekt Red's exceptional track record in DLC continues with Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty This expansion adds new dimensions to the game, making it a worthy contender to The Witcher 3's Heart of Stone and Blood and Wine DLCs
Highlights
Phantom Liberty, the latest paid DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, raises the bar set by Witcher 3's expansions but falls short in some regards.
CD Projekt Red has a reputation for consistently delivering exceptional DLCs, and Phantom Liberty is no different. This expansion introduces captivating new characters and a truly engaging world. Although it may not offer the same quantity of content as the expansions in Witcher 3, the recent 2.0 update significantly enhances the overall experience of Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077's journey reached a satisfying conclusion with the release of its highly anticipated Phantom Liberty expansion and the accompanying 2.0 update. CD Projekt Red, known for their stellar Witcher 3 expansions, has once again delivered with this paid DLC. While it exceeds expectations in some areas, it does fall short in others.
With Phantom Liberty being the final content release for Cyberpunk 2077, it is evident that CD Projekt Red put their utmost effort into creating a fitting farewell, as they now shift their focus towards the development of their upcoming sequel, Project Orion, and new Witcher titles. The spy-thriller narrative of Phantom Liberty successfully incorporates the classic tropes of the genre, seamlessly blending with V's urgent motivation. The detailed and rundown urban landscape of Dogtown is a stroke of genius in terms of design. Additionally, the 2.0 update brings significant improvements to nearly every aspect of the game, enhancing the overall experience.
CD Projekt Red is No Stranger to World-Class DLCs
Longtime fans of CD Projekt Red should not be surprised by the success of Phantom Liberty. The studio has a track record of excelling at post-launch improvements, starting with the Enhanced Edition of Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. Witcher 3 took this to the next level, offering a remarkable amount of free additional content, which culminated in two exceptional paid expansions.
Heart of Stone introduced a captivating storyline, enhanced by the unforgettable antagonist Gaunter O'Dimm. Blood and Wine brought the stunning city of Beauclair in Toussaint, with its enchanting fairy tale beauty and Arthurian-inspired architecture, quickly becoming a beloved destination in The Witcher's world.
Expansions Boil Down to Additions and Improvements
: Noteworthy Features and Impact of Witcher 3 Expansions
In terms of added content, Phantom Liberty can hold its own against either of Witcher 3's expansions, but not both. Despite this, Witcher 3's post-launch support remains superior overall, considering Cyberpunk 2077's lone large-scale DLC. It is unfortunate that there is a lack of quantity, as the quality is equal to the very best that Cyberpunk 2077 has to offer. The quest structure and pacing, the intricacies of the new characters and their thought-provoking moral choices, as well as the grand spectacle and memorable moments, all excel in Phantom Liberty.
The argument over which zone, Beauclair or Dogtown, is superior, will continue for years. Blood and Wine's expansive capital city and lush surrounding lands offer a striking contrast to Novigrad and Skellige, providing players with a refreshing break from the open-world fatigue. In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077's Dogtown lacks the same advantage, as it feels more like an extension of Night City rather than a completely new environment. Nevertheless, it exudes a distinctive charm, with its warlord-controlled gun-running theme adding character to its rundown streets.
The meticulous care and attention to detail are evident right from the moment players sneak into the area for the first time. Walking down the main street showcases CD Projekt Red's impressive focus on creating an immersive and believable urban setting.
The Witcher 3 Expansions Are Just a Facet of Its Legacy, Phantom Liberty Might Have Saved Cyberpunk 2077's
When it comes to introducing new characters, it's hard to find anyone who surpasses the likes of Gaunter O'Dimm and Regis from Witcher 3. The depth of their desires and the eloquence of their dialogue are unparalleled. The cast of Phantom Liberty also features some charming characters, particularly Reed and Songbird, as their hidden motivations and deceitful natures are revealed throughout the story. However, as V becomes entangled in a treacherous world of espionage, characters like Alex and even President Myers seem to fade into the background. It's not to say that they lack depth, but as the plot intensifies, their roles become less prominent. Anna Henrietta in Blood and Wine also experienced a similar fate, not completely sidelined but arguably underutilized, much like the NUS President. Assessing and comparing game expansions is challenging without considering their respective foundations, even if post-launch matters are currently the focus for Cyberpunk 2077.
Considering the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, it is fair to acknowledge that Witcher 3 has a stronger overall foundation to build upon. Witcher 3's inclusion of two substantial expansions is also a noteworthy advantage. However, nothing in Witcher 3's lifespan compares to the significant transformation brought about by Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 update. If the most crucial factor in evaluating an expansion is how much it enhances the base game, and if we consider the 2.0 update as part of the Phantom Liberty package, it is undeniable that it provides a more significant improvement to Cyberpunk 2077 than Blood and Wine and Heart of Stone ever did for Witcher 3.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is now available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Still Seems to Suffer From the Same Problem as Fallout 4
