When Does Cyberpunk 2077 Get Good?
The first ten or so hours of Cyberpunk 2077 can confuse the average player with a story that isn’t really clear, characters coming in and out of the plot, and (we hate to say it) some unintuitive jumps between gameplay mechanics.
That being said, if by about the 10 hour mark you’re starting to get the hang of it, the game hits a stride that competes with some of the best games of the last decade. Fans suggest any new player give Cyberpunk at least 10 hours to get a feel for the game, and then deciding if they want to continue through the remainder of the story.
What Fans Say
Fans are captivated by Cyberpunk 2077‘s richly detailed world and immersive storytelling. They admire its freedom of choice in customizing characters and exploring different narrative paths. Many appreciate the ambitious scope of Night City and the variety of missions, side quests, and character interactions that make the world feel alive. The ability to influence the story’s outcome through dialogue and gameplay choices also resonates with fans who enjoy RPGs that prioritize narrative depth. Additionally, updates have significantly improved gameplay, allowing players to experience the game as it was intended, further solidifying its appeal.
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What Haters Say
Critics and frustrated players cite the game’s performance issues at launch, especially on older consoles, which led to a heavily criticized release. Many felt the game’s ambitious features, such as AI-driven NPCs and dynamic story elements, fell short of expectations. Some found the world felt less interactive than promised, with limited consequences for player choices. Despite improvements, a portion of the player base still feels Cyberpunk 2077 could have better achieved its initial vision, and lingering bugs and glitches continue to be points of contention.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics acknowledge Cyberpunk 2077 as a flawed yet visionary project. While the game received acclaim for its expansive world-building, complex narrative, and visual design, initial reviews were mixed due to the technical issues that overshadowed its release. As subsequent patches improved gameplay, critics revisited their opinions, often praising CD Projekt Red’s dedication to resolving issues and refining mechanics. For many reviewers, the game represents a glimpse into the potential of next-gen RPGs, with critics noting that its ambition and themes resonate even amid ongoing technical challenges.
Overview of Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, is an open-world action RPG set in the dystopian Night City. Players assume the role of V, a customizable mercenary on a journey through a complex, futuristic world filled with corruption, cybernetic enhancements, and existential challenges. The game blends RPG elements with an action-packed first-person perspective, allowing players to explore an expansive cityscape and make impactful narrative decisions. Released in December 2020, it faced a rocky launch due to bugs and performance issues, but updates have since improved its playability and restored much of its reputation. The game’s blend of story-driven choices, immersive world-building, and cyberpunk themes appeal to fans of the genre and players seeking a highly customizable gameplay experience.
Similar Games to Cyberpunk 2077
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution – A story-driven cyberpunk RPG that explores themes of human augmentation, choice, and morality in a dystopian future.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Another CD Projekt Red masterpiece that emphasizes narrative choice, open-world exploration, and complex characters in a richly detailed fantasy setting.
- Watch Dogs: Legion – A futuristic action-adventure set in a tech-dominated London, with a focus on hacking, open-world exploration, and customizable characters.
- Mass Effect Trilogy – An epic RPG series that combines player choice with a gripping story, emphasizing character relationships and branching narratives.
- The Outer Worlds – A sci-fi RPG with an emphasis on player choice and dark humor, where players navigate corporate control and dystopian themes in a retro-futuristic universe.
If You Like These, You’ll Like Cyberpunk 2077
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – For fans of open-world games with deep storylines and immersive settings.
- Fallout 4 – A post-apocalyptic RPG with complex characters, exploration, and a dark atmosphere, emphasizing both combat and narrative choices.
- GTA V – Known for its detailed world, diverse missions, and character-driven storytelling within a sprawling, immersive setting.
- Prey – An atmospheric sci-fi game that emphasizes exploration, choice, and customization within a unique, suspenseful environment.