In anticipation of Cyberpunk 2077’s upcoming DLC Phantom Liberty, I currently find myself back in Night City once again. Since I last completed CD Projekt Red’s game, numerous bug fixes and patches have been released. Thankfully, the developers have not been idle and have worked hard to address the disastrous initial release (although they recently claimed that the release wasn’t as disastrous as people made it out to be).
The first time I took control of merc V was on the Playstation 4, and I can assure you that it was in fact disastrous. The frame rate was abysmal, the console crashed frequently, and I encountered multiple game-breaking bugs that made any further progress impossible (my ‘Playstation 4 V’ is probably still anxiously waiting for a call from Mr. Hands). Not long after, I managed to get my hands on the Playstation 5, which at least resolved the frame rate issue.
Now, over 2.5 years later, most of the bugs seem to have been fixed. So far, the Main Quests, Side Quests, and Gigs run pretty smoothly. However, my console still crashes regularly, and the NPC animations are often glitchy, completely breaking immersion. Overall, it’s a decent game, and some aspects are fantastically executed. The city’s design is beautiful, the vibrant neon lights reflecting on the streets are stunning, and Night City especially SOUNDS like a bustling metropolis. Yet, I can’t help but be reminded of the untapped potential of the game.
A Window Into What Could Have Been
Cyberpunk 2077 truly shines when you stroll through the streets. The bustling city sounds smoothly blend together in a realistic manner. Voices and various music blasting through the streets seamlessly merge, creating an authentic and vibrant urban atmosphere. However, the too sparse population of NPCs, who also move glitchily and without purpose, quickly detract from this immersive feeling.
But, at certain moments, I truly connect with V. It’s when I’m driven around and gaze out of the passenger window, especially during a rainy night. The raindrops beautifully cascade against the glass, mimicking real-life rain. In reality, everyone would hit the brakes, and you’d end up stuck in traffic, especially in a massive city like Night City. Thankfully, there are also few NPCs on the road, allowing us to drive on without worries (let’s be nice and forgive the small NPC density in this specific scenario).
Whatever you do, do not look at the one driving you around. Whether it’s Panam, Judy, or River taking the wheel; avert your eyes from them if you want to immerse yourself in the higher realms of Night City. Because if you don’t, you’ll catch them gazing blankly ahead, lost in their own world. My old driving instructor would naggingly urge them to keep scanning ahead.
No, don’t look at your partner. Look to your right, out of the window.
Observe how the NPCs pass by at a speed that (kind of) conceals their glitchy behavior. Hear the melodies of bars, clubs, and street vendors emerging and fading away, giving way to something else. Listen to the raindrops tapping on the window, like a background orchestra subtly accompanying your partner’s chosen radio station. Witness how each neighborhood exhales its own identity, and how the taillights of the car in front beautifully reflect on the wet pavement in front of you.
Meanwhile, engage in conversation with your partner. Get to know the troubles and personalities of Panam, Judy, or River while taking in all the city lights around you.
CD Projekt Red’s meticulously designed city shines at its brightest from the passenger seat. It conceals the flaws of the city and its inhabitants, bringing out the best of the urban landscape.
Don’t press that ‘skip ride’ button. Look around and become one with Night City, and one with V. Embrace the experience and immerse yourself in the bustling metropolis. And as always, don’t forget to put your safety belt on, choom.
