Warning: Minor Spoilers Ahead for Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty.
Highlights
In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, players step into the role of undercover agents for the FIA, altering the tone of the base game. This DLC presents a captivating spy-thriller narrative where V delves into classified information, unveiling hidden allegiances within a diverse and unconventional group of FIA operatives.
A mission at Black Sapphire embodies all the classic elements of a spy film, including a 3D map, undercover mingling, and a rendezvous with a character that lives up to the DLC's promises.
As a standalone expansion to the base game, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty takes on a distinct tone. While players can assume the roles of Netrunners and more in Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty casts them as undercover agents for the FIA. Despite this, many players may not notice a substantial shift, as V continues to behave similarly even after being sworn in by President Rosalind Myers herself.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's You Know My Name Quest
Other than the superficial FIA storyline, Phantom Liberty exposes other significant issues that avid fans may notice more prominently, particularly when certain segments of the thrilling spy DLC excel. These include instances where V discovers classified government information and unearths the true allegiances of the people around them, as they become part of a loosely knit group of FIA members struggling to maintain cohesion after failed operations. However, the most noteworthy occurrence revolves around a rendezvous at the illustrious Black Sapphire, culminating in an exhilarating espionage mission akin to a scene straight out of a spy movie.Following Slider's untimely demise during the encounter with Blackwall, a crucial effort to reunite V with Songbird unfolds. Their search leads them to Kurt Hansen, the individual who has their missing Netrunner under his control. With this newfound knowledge, the team resolves that the most effective approach for retrieving Songbird is to execute a stealthy infiltration, avoiding any unwanted attention from Barghest. By completing a series of tasks assigned by Mr. Hands, V and the crew develop an airtight plan to infiltrate the extravagant Black Sapphire, hosting Kurt's prestigious penthouse soiree, evoking an unmistakable sense of intrigue reminiscent of a James Bond adventure.
In fact, if there was a checklist for specific elements that would make an in-game quest evoke the essence of classic spy movies, Phantom Liberty's You Know My Name quest fulfills all the criteria. The mission is introduced to V through a stunning 3D depiction of the layout of the prestigious Black Sapphire venue. It commences with a thrilling entrance via an underwater tunnel, followed by the task of disguising oneself in a guest outfit to seamlessly blend in with the glamorous party attendees. Finally, the quest culminates in a spectacular encounter with Cyberpunk 2077's enchanting Songbird, delivering on the initial promises set out by Phantom Liberty.
How Cyberpunk: Phantom Liberty's Stakes are Raised After the Black Sapphire
Not only is the required quest in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty incredibly enjoyable, but it also serves a purpose beyond just giving V an opportunity to show off their fashion sense. This quest provides Reed, Alex, V, and Songbird with a chance to reconnect and gain a better understanding of the situation at hand. Though it initially appears that the meeting ends with So Mi's decision to stay with Hansen, it actually sets the stage for this group of troubled friends to come together and devise a plan to rescue the captured Netrunner.
The content involves the cloning of two Netrunner twins' identities through a game of Roulette, a classic spy movie element enhanced by futuristic sci-fi technology. These disguises will have a significant impact on V's future decision-making in Phantom Liberty, inadvertently adding weight to the stealth mission.
As Cyberpunk 2077 is an action RPG, the night doesn't end with glamour. Hansen, being knowledgeable about Songbird's FIA connections, discovers the truth. Reed and V engage in a shootout with Kurt's personal army and make their escape. However, now that Songbird's connection to V's Relic has been restored, the FIA can easily reclaim So Mi. The intertwined relationships among the characters suggest that Phantom Liberty continues beyond this mission, contrary to players' perceptions.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.