Phantom Liberty, the first full expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, is set to bring a multitude of improvements and changes to the game's core mechanics. With a thrilling spy thriller story, it aims to meet the high expectations fans had for the game before its controversial release. CD Projekt Red unveiled the expansion at the Summer Game Fest 2023, showcasing a captivating trailer, a release date of September 26, and a wealth of additional information shared through press releases and interviews. In Phantom Liberty, players will embark on a captivating journey of corporate espionage in Night City's Dogtown district, with acclaimed actor Idris Alba and returning star Keanu Reeves reprising their roles. Beyond the new story and playable area, CD Projekt Red has gone above and beyond to make critical and extensive changes to almost every aspect of the game, enhancing the overall experience.
Cyberpunk 2077 Was a Massive Letdown by Some Accounts
When Cyberpunk 2077 was finally released in December 2020, players were met with a captivating and well-paced story, accompanied by stunning visuals and competent RPG mechanics. However, the game fell short of the high expectations set by the gaming community due to a multitude of bugs and performance issues. These issues were so significant that players on the PlayStation 4 version were offered refunds, and the game was temporarily removed from the PlayStation store.
In addition to these fixable problems, Cyberpunk 2077 suffered from fundamental design flaws that left players feeling disappointed. As players progressed beyond the initial stages of the game, they discovered that many of its systems were shallow, unnecessary, and incomplete. Promised features and elements highlighted in CD Projekt Red's pre-release marketing were noticeably absent, while the AI was flawed and immersion-breaking. Although Night City was visually impressive, it lacked depth and substance. Despite its redeeming qualities in terms of story and quest design, Cyberpunk 2077 did not live up to the impeccable reputation of CD Projekt Red.
CD Projekt Red Appears Determined to Repair its Legacy
CD Projekt Red is not content with Cyberpunk 2077 being just a good value. They are introducing significant changes that have the potential to redefine the genre and exceed expectations. The skill system, Cyberware upgrade system, and Relic skills are all undergoing major overhauls. Vehicle combat, previously a one-off feature, is being added as a core element. The policing system is receiving a complete revamp, and every other aspect of the game, from side quests to loot design to enemy placement to the UI, is being enhanced in meaningful ways. These updates indicate that Cyberpunk 2077 has the potential to not only meet but surpass its initial expectations.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty launches on September 26, 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.