The release of Cyberpunk 2077's paid expansion, titled Phantom Liberty, is drawing nearer. This DLC serves as a chance for CD Projekt Red, the developer, to redeem themselves after the controversial launch of the base game, which was plagued with numerous bugs and performance problems. This expansion is a testament to CD Projekt Red's unwavering dedication to the project, as they have diligently worked on fixing and improving the game over the past few years. The talented Keanu Reeves, a prominent Hollywood actor, will once again take on the role of the enigmatic Johnny Silverhand, leading the cast, with other well-known faces joining in.
Phantom Liberty, set in Dogtown, a new area of Night City absent from the original game, will be the primary setting. Dogtown, under the rule of Colonel Kurt Hansen, is isolated from the rest of Night City and encompasses three distinct subdistricts. As the story unfolds, the protagonist V finds themselves entangled in the conflicts of Dogtown and must collaborate with FIA agent Solomon Reed, portrayed by the esteemed British actor Idris Elba, to undertake a perilous mission. Elba's inclusion in the cast adds further excitement to Cyberpunk 2077 and has reignited fan interest in the IP.
Cyberpunk 2077 Features Some Recognizable Names
Despite the initial criticism surrounding the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and its various issues, it was widely agreed by fans and critics alike that Keanu Reeves delivered an outstanding performance as Johnny Silverhand. The gradual release of Silverhand's unhinged consciousness within protagonist V's mind created a captivating and unique relationship that was a highlight of the game. It is expected that Silverhand's role in the upcoming Phantom Liberty will offer a similarly entertaining experience.
Joining Keanu Reeves in this venture is Idris Elba, renowned for his role in Fast and Furious presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Elba will portray the enigmatic Solomon Reed, an experienced FIA agent known for his strong adherence to duty. A highly skilled individual, Reed excels in extracting information, infiltrating secure locations, and uncovering spies and netrunners. While trailers suggest that he will be working alongside V, speculation has arisen about hidden depths within his character. Elba is no stranger to the video game industry, with his acclaimed portrayal of Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 earning him praise from critics and leading to his reprisal of the character in an upcoming TV series.
Canadian singer Grimes, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, will reprise her role as Lizzy Wizzy, one of Night City's renowned celebrities, in Cyberpunk 2077. Lizzy Wizzy's distinct cybermodified appearance makes her unmistakable. In the game, she encounters the protagonist, V, when she hires them to investigate her boyfriend's suspected infidelity. V can choose to deceive Lizzy for a bribe from her cheating boyfriend or tell her the truth. Opting for the latter results in Lizzy ruthlessly killing her partner before expressing gratitude to V for their honesty and vanishing. While her exact role in Phantom Liberty remains unknown, it will be intriguing to see how she fits into the storyline.
CD Projekt Red has a busy schedule ahead. Alongside various new Witcher projects in the works, the Polish developer is not solely focused on Phantom Liberty. They have also announced a mysterious sequel titled Project Orion. Little information has been disclosed about the project, and its release is likely several years away. Nonetheless, the impending launch of Phantom Liberty presents fans with an immediate opportunity to immerse themselves once again in the captivating world of Night City.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty launches on September 26, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.