Few games in recent memory have sparked as much controversy, adoration, and disappointment as Cyberpunk 2077. Released in December 2020 by Polish developer CD Projekt Red—known for the critically acclaimed Witcher series—this ambitious open-world title promised a revolutionary experience in the cyberpunk genre. Yet, it arrived wrapped in a thick layer of technical issues, unmet expectations, and polarizing opinions.
Often dubbed the “Polish killer GTA” or the “cyberpunk Witcher,” Cyberpunk 2077 aimed to blend the gritty freedom of Grand Theft Auto with the narrative depth of The Witcher 3, all while carving its own niche alongside overhyped peers like Deus Ex, Stray, and Detroit: Become Human. Five years later, as of April 2025, the game has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once a buggy, glitch-ridden mess has evolved into a polished masterpiece, sculpted by time, updates, and a dedicated community.
The Premise: A Mercenary’s Tale in the City of Dreams
Cyberpunk 2077 transports players to Night City, a sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis where corporations reign supreme, and survival is a daily battle. You step into the shoes of V, a customizable mercenary navigating this dystopian jungle. The story kicks off with a heist gone wrong, leaving V implanted with a biochip that’s slowly overwriting their mind with the digital consciousness of Johnny Silverhand, a rebellious rockstar-turned-revolutionary portrayed by Keanu Reeves. What follows is a desperate race against time as V seeks a cure, forging alliances, battling enemies, and climbing Night City’s treacherous social ladder.
The narrative is a rollercoaster of emotion, blending themes of identity, mortality, and corporate greed. It’s a plot that doesn’t waste a moment, delivering twists and character-driven moments that linger long after the credits roll. Night City itself is a character—a cold, unforgiving sprawl of towering skyscrapers, seedy back alleys, and vibrant street life. It’s a world that invites exploration, promising beauty and danger in equal measure.
The Launch: A Diamond Buried in a Heap of Glitches
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, anticipation was sky-high. Massive marketing campaigns, years of hype, and CD Projekt Red’s stellar reputation fueled expectations of a genre-defining masterpiece.
The city dazzled with its neon-lit streets and intricate details, from the hum of flying cars to the chatter of diverse NPCs. The soundtrack, a mix of pulsating synthwave and gritty rock, perfectly complemented the atmosphere. Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand stole the show with his brooding charisma, anchoring the story with a performance that felt both larger-than-life and deeply human. The dialogue was sharp, the graphics impressive, and the plot gripping from start to finish.
But the cracks were impossible to ignore. Gameplay felt flat—driving was clunky, shooting lacked weight, and melee combat was underwhelming. The interface overwhelmed with cluttered menus, and customization options, while extensive, felt cosmetic rather than meaningful. Worst of all were the bugs. Crashes plagued my playthrough every couple of hours, and glitches—like NPCs phasing through walls or cars spawning mid-air—shattered immersion. The balance was off, with enemies either too easy or absurdly tough, and the promised depth of choice seemed shallow outside the main story.
After finishing the game, returned months later to explore overlooked side quests. These additional narratives—tales of love, betrayal, and survival—expanded the lore in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Each mission offered unique emotions, proving the game’s worldbuilding was its true strength. Yet, at launch, Cyberpunk 2077 felt like a rough draft of something extraordinary, buried under a pile of technical missteps.
Pros at Launch:
- A tightly woven, engaging plot with no filler.
- A visually stunning world begging to be explored.
- An unforgettable soundtrack that set the mood perfectly.
- Keanu Reeves’ magnetic performance as Johnny Silverhand.
- Witty, well-written dialogue.
- Solid graphics, even on last-gen consoles like PS4 Pro.
Cons at Launch:
- Lackluster gameplay mechanics (driving, shooting, melee).
- An overloaded, confusing interface.
- Frequent crashes and bugs disrupting the experience.
- Poor balance in combat and progression.
- Superficial character customization with little impact.
Five Years Later: A Game Reborn with Update 2.0 and Beyond
Fast forward to April 2025, and Cyberpunk 2077 is unrecognizable from its 2020 debut. Years of patches, hotfixes, and the transformative Update 2.0 have turned it into the game it always promised to be. Add the Phantom Liberty DLC to the mix, and you have a title that rivals the best in the open-world genre. Replaying it recently, I found myself captivated anew, marveling at how far it’s come. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed:
- A Living, Breathing Night City
At launch, Night City felt eerily empty—sparse crowds and lifeless streets undermined its promise. Now, it teems with life. Pedestrians bustle along sidewalks, traffic jams clog highways, and children (previously rare) add a layer of realism. The city feels alive, immersive in a way it never did before. - Revamped Police and Wanted System
The police were once a joke—spawning awkwardly and posing little threat. Update 2.0 introduced a dynamic wanted system, complete with intense chases and escalating consequences. Reach the maximum wanted level, and you’ll face MaxTac, Night City’s elite enforcers—an encounter as thrilling as it is terrifying. - Driving That Finally Feels Good
Cars and bikes were once a chore to handle, with stiff controls and awkward physics. Now, driving is smooth and responsive, making cruising through Night City a joy rather than a frustration. - Smarter Combat AI
Enemies no longer charge blindly into gunfire. They flank, hack, and strategize, turning fights into tactical battles rather than target practice. As a player, you can hack back, adding depth to every encounter. - Refined Skill System
The skill tree has been overhauled, offering more meaningful progression. Whether you spec into netrunning, cybernetic enhancements, or raw firepower, your choices shape how you play. It’s not perfect, but it’s a vast improvement. - Dynamic Combat Options
Combat now caters to diverse playstyles. Hide behind cover as a stealthy netrunner, go full cyberpsycho with brutal implants, or mix and match for a hybrid approach. Every fight feels fresh and engaging. - Upgraded Implant System
Implants are no longer just stat boosts. Building your cyberware requires strategy—balancing power with the risk of overloading your body. It’s a thoughtful system that rewards experimentation. - Phantom Liberty DLC
This 12-16-hour expansion (excluding side content) introduces a gripping spy-thriller storyline, new characters, and fresh gameplay mechanics. It seamlessly integrates into the base game, enhancing Night City with new districts and secrets.
The result? A game that’s not just playable but exceptional. The open world rivals the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2 in its detail and atmosphere, while the gameplay keeps you hooked with variety and polish. The cold, corporate dystopia of Night City pulls you in, leaving a lasting impression.
Final Verdict: Was It Worth the Wait?
Cyberpunk 2077 is a testament to perseverance. What began as a flawed, overhyped disaster has been refined over five years into a near-masterpiece. The journey wasn’t smooth—CD Projekt Red faced backlash, lawsuits, and a damaged reputation—but their commitment paid off. The game now boasts a captivating story, a breathtaking world, and gameplay that finally matches its ambition.
Is it perfect? No. The long road to redemption leaves a bittersweet taste—some argue it should’ve launched in this state. But as it stands in 2025, Cyberpunk 2077 earns a 9.5/10. It’s tempting to award a perfect score, but the memory of its troubled past and the studio’s initial missteps dock it half a point. For fans of cyberpunk, open-world adventures, or simply great storytelling, this is a must-play. The wait was long, but for those who stuck around, it was worth it.
