The fifth anniversary of the game *Cyberpunk 2077* has prompted a retrospective look at the title’s journey, highlighting its evolution from a troubled launch to a highly polished, acclaimed experience. The game, developed by CDPR, has garnered significant praise for its deep world-building and narrative depth.
From Difficult Launch to Polished Masterpiece
The initial rollout of *Cyberpunk 2077* was widely characterized by significant technical problems. The game faced a disastrous initial release, plagued by technical issues that resulted in it being temporarily delisted from the PlayStation store—a rarity in the industry. While acknowledging early bugs and performance issues, the author of the analysis argues that the core elements of the game remained strong, possessing the potential to be exceptional once technical shortcomings were addressed.
The developer, CDPR, reportedly spent a minimum of two years refining the title. Over the five-year period, the game underwent dramatic overhauls, particularly concerning its skill trees. The release of the expansion *Phantom Liberty* was noted by many as a crowning achievement, solidifying the game’s status.
Strengths in World Design and Character Development
The game is praised for achieving best-in-class quality across multiple areas. *Night City* is highlighted as one of the most well-realized open-world environments in modern gaming, surpassing competitors like *Grand Theft Auto* in terms of its living, vibrant atmosphere. Improvements to civilian and traffic simulations have only enhanced this perception.
The quality of the voice acting is frequently praised. While the appearance of Keanu Reeves was a major feature, the performance of Cherami Leigh as V was specifically lauded as one of the finest first-person narrations in gaming. The excellent voice acting extends to the supporting cast and the writing that brings them to life. Characters such as Judy and Panam were singled out as standout NPCs, with Panam being described as an unforgettable love interest.
Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Depth
The longevity and fun factor of the game were significantly boosted following major skill overhauls. The author noted that dedicating multiple playthroughs (up to four) was not only for exploring different story paths but also for committing to various character builds. Examples of successful builds include pure melee, shotgun-focused run-and-gun, LMG tank, hacking-only, and the final favorite, a throwing knives build.
A notable mechanical improvement involved the throwing knife skill. Initially described as finding a literal, single knife in the inventory, the skill was revamped following the grand skill tree rework patch. It transitioned into a cooldown ability with infinite ammunition, transforming it into a strong and enjoyable build thanks to CDPR’s commitment to its concept.
The narrative impact of the game is underscored by its emotional weight. The author mentioned making their way to a new, “true” ending in *Phantom Liberty*, calling it one of the most emotionally impactful sequences they had experienced in a game.
Themes of Illness and Future Potential
The analysis suggests that the game’s themes resonate deeply with personal experience. The author shared that following a personal diagnosis of epilepsy in their 30s, the game’s depiction of glitches, blackouts, and moments of struggle resonated with their own feelings of pain and confusion, drawing parallels between the narrative and the experience of illness.
While recognizing that the game still holds untapped potential, such as fully realizing three different lifepaths or expanding romance options, it is acknowledged that the title stands up against the greatest works in gaming history. CDPR continues to add small details—such as new outfits, cars, or the addition of an MCART monorail—showing an ongoing dedication to perfection.
Looking ahead, CDPR is reportedly working on *Cyberpunk 2* alongside *The Witcher 4*, indicating an ambitious release schedule. The overall trajectory of the franchise is viewed as having established a model for development recovery, a feat few other major titles have managed.
