Cyberpunk 2077 Review: From Rocky Launch to RPG Redemption
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, it was one of the most anticipated games of the decade. CD Projekt Red, the studio behind The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, had promised a futuristic open-world RPG filled with neon skylines, cybernetic implants, and deep player choice. What players got at release, however, was a buggy and often frustrating experience, especially on older hardware. Fast forward to 2025, and the game has gone through a dramatic transformation. With multiple patches, expansions, and quality-of-life updates, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a very different game—arguably one of the best RPGs of its generation.
So, how does Cyberpunk 2077 hold up today? Let’s dive into its story, gameplay, graphics, and overall experience.
A Story Rooted in Choice and Identity
Cyberpunk 2077 puts you in the shoes of V, a mercenary navigating the chaotic streets of Night City. The game’s narrative is heavily shaped by your choices: from V’s background story (Street Kid, Nomad, or Corpo) to the alliances you form, and the endings you unlock.
One of the game’s strongest aspects is its writing and character development. Johnny Silverhand, played brilliantly by Keanu Reeves, adds depth and unpredictability to the story. His constant presence in V’s head makes the narrative unique, blending internal conflict with external danger. The themes of identity, transhumanism, and corporate greed are handled with nuance, making the story not just entertaining but thought-provoking.
Gameplay: More Fluid, More Engaging
At launch, Cyberpunk’s gameplay felt inconsistent—combat was clunky, AI was unresponsive, and mechanics often felt unfinished. Today, thanks to extensive patches and updates, the game plays like a refined RPG-shooter hybrid.
• Combat: Gunplay feels tight and impactful. Each weapon type—from smart guns that track enemies to katanas that slice through foes—feels unique. Melee combat, once criticized, is far more satisfying now.
• Stealth: The hacking system has become one of the game’s highlights. Using quickhacks to blind, disable, or take over enemies and cameras adds depth to infiltration missions.
• Progression: The perk system has been reworked, making character builds more meaningful. You can truly tailor V into a hacker, a brawler, or a gunslinger depending on your playstyle.
The game also includes expansion content like Phantom Liberty, which adds new districts, characters, and missions. These expansions elevate the overall experience and show CD Projekt Red’s commitment to turning Cyberpunk into the game it was always meant to be.
Night City: A Living, Breathing World
The true star of Cyberpunk 2077 is Night City. Even back in 2020, the city’s design was breathtaking—a vertical, sprawling metropolis with neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and grimy back alleys. What was once a beautiful but broken world is now a smooth, immersive environment.
In 2025, performance has improved dramatically, especially with new-generation GPUs and ray tracing technology. On high-end PCs, the game looks nothing short of spectacular. NPCs behave more realistically, the traffic system feels alive, and small details—from rain reflections to holographic billboards—add authenticity to the setting.
Night City isn’t just a backdrop; it feels like a character of its own, full of stories, side missions, and random encounters that make exploration rewarding.
Technical Performance: A Redemption Arc
One of the biggest complaints at launch was the game’s instability—crashes, low frame rates, and endless bugs. On consoles, particularly the PS4 and Xbox One, it was nearly unplayable. CD Projekt Red acknowledged these issues and spent years rolling out massive updates.
Today, Cyberpunk 2077 runs smoothly on both PC and current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S). Bugs still exist, but they’re far less disruptive, and the overall experience is polished. With DLSS, ray tracing, and next-gen optimizations, the game has become a visual showcase for modern hardware.
The Soundtrack: A Cyberpunk Symphony
Music is often overlooked in game reviews, but in Cyberpunk, it plays a critical role. The soundtrack blends electronic, synthwave, and industrial beats, perfectly complementing the dystopian atmosphere. Whether you’re driving through Night City at night or engaged in a high-stakes firefight, the music enhances the immersion. Voice acting, particularly from Keanu Reeves and Cherami Leigh (V’s female voice), adds another layer of quality.
Pros and Cons in 2025
Pros:
• Engaging story with meaningful player choices.
• Vast, immersive world in Night City.
• Refined combat and hacking systems.
• Stunning visuals with next-gen support.
• Strong character development and voice acting.
Cons:
• Some lingering bugs and minor AI quirks.
• Certain side activities still feel repetitive.
• Choices in dialogue don’t always have long-term impact.
Final Verdict
Cyberpunk 2077 is the definition of a redemption story in gaming. From a rocky and disappointing launch, it has grown into a polished, thrilling, and visually stunning RPG. The combination of immersive storytelling, flexible gameplay, and the vibrant world of Night City makes it one of the must-play games in 2025.
If you skipped Cyberpunk 2077 because of its infamous launch, now is the perfect time to jump in. The game not only delivers on its original promise but also sets a high bar for future RPGs.
Score: 9/10 — A flawed masterpiece turned into a cyberpunk legend.
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