The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 was infamous due to the presence of game-breaking bugs and performance issues across various platforms. However, the release of the 2.0 update alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion marked a significant improvement in the game's fundamental gameplay mechanics.
For those who were disappointed with the original RPG mechanics, the 2.0 update addresses these concerns by completely overhauling the skill trees, enhancing the cyberware system, introducing new elements to vehicular combat, modifying police behavior, and implementing various quality-of-life improvements. After starting a new game and playing for approximately 20 hours, I am pleased to report that Cyberpunk 2077 version 2.0 is now an outstanding RPG in terms of gameplay.
My newfound excitement for Cyberpunk 2077 is fueled by the improved progression system. Although the fundamental attributes (Body, Reflexes, Technical, Intelligence, and Cool) remain, the revamped skill tree now offers branches of perks that have a substantial impact on gameplay. These unique abilities cater to various playstyles, allowing players to create hybrid approaches to combat. Instead of simply choosing incremental stat boosts like in the original version, players are now encouraged to build a versatile set of abilities that continuously evolves as they progress in the game.
To illustrate, I have a particular affinity for blades, so I invested attribute points into Cool and Reflex, unlocking deeper tiers of perks in the skill tree that enhance my movement and blade-handling skills. These perks enable me to deflect bullets, perform swift mid-air dashes, sprint while crouching, and execute devastating dash-slash combinations. Additionally, I am also acquiring valuable perks for submachine guns and rifles, such as Focus and Deadeye, which provide significant buffs when aiming down sights. Along the way, I am also able to obtain perks that make stealth and sneak attacks viable options for me.
That only reflects my personal experience as someone who has a preference for agile and flexible character builds in role-playing games. Taking a closer look at the perks available in the Body, Tech, and Intelligence branches reveals the immense range of possibilities, regardless of your playstyle. Whether you want to obliterate enemies by inundating them with quickhacks using the new Hack Queue mechanic or overpower them with heavy weaponry and sheer resilience, Cyberpunk 2077 accommodates these diverse builds through its revamped progression system in version 2.0. As you ascend to the highest levels of each attribute category, you will be rewarded with exceptional abilities.
If you invest wisely in enhancing your character, a reliable katana is all you need for intense firefights. I consistently anticipated the opportunity to allocate attribute and perk points to acquire the next ability I was eager to unleash, strategically planning my character's development several levels in advance by thoroughly examining the different tiers of perks in each branch. For me, a remarkable RPG instills excitement for the process of leveling up, and the 2.0 update undeniably delivers on that front.
In the new cyberware system, many of the specific advantages that were previously found in the skill tree of the original version have been incorporated. Alongside the revamped perks, cyberware allows players to customize their build and optimize their preferred playstyle. Currently, I am selling loot to accumulate funds so that I can acquire cyberware enhancements that improve sneak attacks and headshots. This way, if I choose to play stealthily, I can maximize my killing potential. Additionally, as I have invested in Intelligence, I am exploring the use of quickhacks. The cyberware system enables me to equip various hacks, reduce cooldown times, and increase RAM capacity.
There is a significant amount of depth to this system. While it hasn't been necessary for me to heavily invest in cyberware to overcome the game's challenges, it is worth visiting a Ripperdoc to see what enhancements they offer and invest money in noticeable improvements for my build. One noteworthy change in the 2.0 update is that armor and different forms of damage mitigation are now associated with cyberware, rather than the clothing worn by my character. This change is thematically fitting in a world where cybernetic modifications, such as subdermal armor and hardened skin, are commonplace. As a result, I can freely choose my attire without it affecting gameplay.
From the early stages of the new skill trees, you gain access to impactful abilities that can change the game. One significant change related to combat is the introduction of the new stamina system. Unlike before, stamina is no longer depleted solely by sprinting, allowing endless sprinting. Instead, stamina is consumed when shooting a gun, swinging or blocking with a melee weapon, or dashing. Additionally, the cooldown timer for health inhalers and injectors refreshes their charges, eliminating the need to stock up on health items to restore HP. Now, you can simply equip your preferred health item. Although these changes may sound unusual, they actively influence your approach in larger battles, encouraging a more strategic and RPG-oriented playstyle.
Let's consider the Sasquatch boss fight in the Grand Imperial Mall during the "I Walk The Line" story mission for the Voodoo Boys. This formidable enemy charges at you with a colossal hammer, dealing heavy damage and knockbacks, and remains unaffected by your attacks. If I were to rely solely on close-range shotgun blasts, I would quickly exhaust my stamina, leaving myself vulnerable with insufficient stamina to dash away from her powerful strikes. Even if I possessed excellent skills, I couldn't simply rely on health stims to survive my mistakes. Therefore, managing both stamina and health becomes crucial in challenging battles, despite their relatively fast cooldown recovery. Moreover, it prevents you from feeling excessively overpowered, where brute force alone would suffice to overcome combat encounters.
The 2.0 update of Cyberpunk 2077 truly enhances the RPG experience, making leveling up more exciting. The game now has two distinct pillars that elevate its gameplay. While you can still rely on shooting your way through fights, there is now a greater need for strategy. With the introduction of new systems, the overall experience feels more personalized and the combat encounters are much more satisfying. It's as if my character now has a stronger identity, reflecting how I built them for my unique playthrough.
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In addition, Version 2.0 brings changes to the police response to crimes committed on the streets. I recall testing the NCPD in a previous playthrough and feeling disappointed with the way they haphazardly swarmed me, only to vanish for periods of time. However, there are peculiar loopholes, such as entering a weapons-free safe zone, which causes the police to completely disregard my existence despite being in plain sight. After some experimentation in Version 2.0, I have noticed that the police appear to be more intelligent and persistent. It is quite thrilling to witness the elite MaxTac units swoop in when you reach a five-star wanted rating.
The other major aspect to mention is vehicular combat, as you now have the ability to wield a one-handed firearm while driving or pull out a sword while riding a bike. I found these options to be less effective in most combat scenarios, except for specific quests that involved shootouts on wheels. Nevertheless, these changes make sense and I'm optimistic about their impact on the campaign content in Phantom Liberty.
Playing on a PC equipped with an Nvidia RTX 3080 and an Intel Core i7-12700k CPU, I've been able to run the game at 4K resolution with quality DLSS and high settings, resulting in exceptional performance. Cyberpunk 2077 remains one of the visually stunning games available today. Of course, given the vast scope of the game, bugs and glitches are inevitable, even with continuous patches. It's not uncommon to come across amusing instances like NPCs clipping into objects or AI struggling to respond in certain situations. Fortunately, I haven't encountered any game-breaking bugs or crashes that detract from the overall experience (unlike my experience with the 1.5 update).
It's a delight to reunite with Judy once more. uwu The gameplay changes in Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 update are truly extraordinary, and I can't help but wish they were present from the beginning, as they would have made a lasting impact. However, these changes do not address the major flaws I encountered in my initial playthrough, as that was not the intention of this update. The original storyline remains intact, showcasing some genuinely powerful moments and exhilarating setpiece battles. Nevertheless, the inconsistent tone and character portrayals, along with the excessively edgy dialogue, persist in my second playthrough. Additionally, the quests themselves continue to have their highs and lows, with the latter becoming more apparent due to the exceptional improvement in the core gameplay.
Comeback stories are increasingly common in the gaming industry, but they require extensive behind-the-scenes work and do not happen overnight. Games evolve, even those that do not follow a live-service model, and Cyberpunk 2077 serves as an exceptional example of the benefits of post-launch support. Admittedly, it should not have been released in its previous state three years ago. However, in its current state, it is truly remarkable, and in 2023, many aspects of Night City are still impressively captivating. With the introduction of the 2.0 update, the game has been rebuilt with an outstanding RPG system, making it absolutely worthwhile to revisit or experience for the first time.