Unlocking Cyberpunk 2077's Hidden Potential: A Gamechanger Beyond Anthem NEXT

Highlights

Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone significant updates and DLC that have greatly improved the game and fixed its initial issues.

Anthem, however, remains unredeemed and all future development has been halted. The recent updates to Cyberpunk 2077 indicate that there was a possibility for Anthem to be repaired and enhanced, but it is highly improbable that this will ever occur, even beyond the scope of BioWare.

In 2020, there was high anticipation for Cyberpunk 2077, but it ultimately ended up being a major disappointment due to numerous bugs and shortcomings. However, CD Projekt Red didn't give up and took the time to improve the game. Now, three years later, players are once again flocking to Cyberpunk 2077, thanks to two significant updates that have greatly enhanced the game. The 2.0 update completely transformed various aspects of the game, and the Phantom Liberty DLC has also added substantial content. It's truly satisfying to see that players can now enjoy this remarkable game with minimal issues. It's unfortunate that not all games receive a similar chance at redemption, especially when they have a strong foundation like Anthem.

Anthem Next Could Have Been on Par With Phantom Liberty

Anthem's launch in 2019 was highly disappointing. Promoted as a groundbreaking multiplayer game developed by the renowned creators of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, the game boasted stunning graphics, an intriguing concept, and decent gameplay. However, it failed to meet expectations in several key aspects.

Players soon discovered that Anthem was lacking in many areas, with its repetitive gameplay and unengaging story. Technical issues plagued the game, and it revolved around an excessively demanding grind. While the flight and combat systems offered some enjoyment, nearly everything else was underwhelming. Consequently, the game failed to resonate with audiences and became a commercial letdown for the studio.

BioWare's plans to completely revamp the game have been scrapped, as all future development for Anthem has been cancelled since February 2021. Unfortunately, players will not have the opportunity to see what Anthem NEXT could have become, despite the game's potential for a more enjoyable experience.

Although Cyberpunk 2077 and Anthem are different games, they both faced similar challenges upon release. Both games suffered from technical issues and lackluster gameplay. However, unlike Anthem, Cyberpunk 2077 had the chance to reinvent itself. Updates like the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty greatly improved the game, expanding the story and resolving major issues. As a result, Cyberpunk 2077 experienced a significant redemption with a revived playerbase. Regrettably, Anthem will never have the same opportunity for resurgence.

Anthem's potential for improvement is evident in Cyberpunk 2077's updates, suggesting that BioWare had remedies in mind for the game's issues. Although the studio never disclosed many details about their plans, there was a possibility for a revival. The concept may resurface in the future, whether through another studio or an entirely new game, but fans should not get their hopes up too high.

You can find Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.