Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

A Redemption Arc in Night City

Game Introduction

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is the highly anticipated expansion to CD Projekt Red’s ambitious but controversial RPG, Cyberpunk 2077. Released on September 26, 2023, this DLC aims to address many of the criticisms levied at the base game while delivering a fresh, spy-thriller narrative experience. Set in the neon-drenched, dystopian world of Night City, Phantom Liberty introduces a new storyline, characters, and gameplay enhancements that breathe new life into the game. With the addition of Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, a pivotal character, the expansion promises to be a turning point for the franchise. This review delves into the gameplay, story, graphics, sound, and overall experience of Phantom Liberty, offering a comprehensive look at whether it lives up to the hype.

Gameplay: A Refined Experience

Phantom Liberty builds upon the foundation of Cyberpunk 2077 while introducing significant improvements and new features. The expansion is set in the new district of Dogtown, a lawless zone ruled by warlords and filled with danger at every turn. This area is a playground for exploration, offering verticality, hidden secrets, and dynamic encounters that make it feel alive.

Characters and Missions

The expansion introduces a host of new characters, with Solomon Reed (Idris Elba) taking center stage. Reed is a sleeper agent for the New United States of America (NUSA), and his morally ambiguous nature adds depth to the narrative. Alongside Reed is Song So Mi, a net runner with her own agenda, and Kurt Hansen, the ruthless leader of Dogtown. These characters are intricately woven into the story, with their motivations and actions impacting the player’s journey.

The missions in Phantom Liberty are a blend of espionage, action, and decision-making. Players will engage in high-stakes heists, tense stealth sequences, and explosive combat scenarios. One standout mission involves infiltrating a heavily fortified compound, requiring players to choose between stealth, hacking, or brute force. The expansion also introduces Vehicle Combat, allowing players to engage in high-speed chases and shootouts, adding a new layer of excitement to the gameplay.

Features and Improvements

CD Projekt Red has listened to player feedback, and Phantom Liberty reflects this. The expansion includes a revamped skill tree system, offering more flexibility and customization for builds. The new Relic skill tree ties into the story, granting abilities that enhance combat and exploration. Additionally, the AI has been significantly improved, with enemies displaying more tactical behavior and civilians reacting more realistically to the chaos around them.

The expansion also introduces new weapons, cyberware, and gear, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles. From high-tech sniper rifles to explosive melee weapons, the arsenal is both diverse and satisfying to use. The inclusion of dynamic events in Dogtown ensures that the world feels alive, with random encounters and side activities that reward exploration.

Story Narrative: A Spy-Thriller Masterpiece

The narrative of Phantom Liberty is its crowning achievement. The expansion tells a gripping spy-thriller story that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. The plot revolves around V, the protagonist, being recruited by Solomon Reed to rescue the President of the NUSA, who has been captured in Dogtown. What begins as a straightforward rescue mission quickly spirals into a web of intrigue, with twists and turns that keep players on the edge of their seats.

The writing is top-notch, with dialogue that feels natural and impactful. The choices players make throughout the story have significant consequences, leading to multiple endings that encourage replayability. The relationship between V and Reed is particularly compelling, as their interactions are filled with tension and mutual respect. The expansion also ties into the main story of Cyberpunk 2077, offering new context and closure for V’s journey.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Feast

Phantom Liberty showcases the full potential of Cyberpunk 2077’s engine, with stunning visuals and immersive sound design. The new district of Dogtown is a visual masterpiece, with its crumbling buildings, neon signs, and bustling markets creating a stark contrast to the rest of Night City. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the rain-soaked streets to the flickering holograms that light up the night.

The character models have also received a significant upgrade, with facial animations that convey emotion and nuance. Idris Elba’s performance as Solomon Reed is brought to life through meticulous motion capture, making him one of the most believable characters in the game.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a soundtrack that blends electronic beats with orchestral scores to create a tense and atmospheric experience. The voice acting is superb, with each character delivering their lines with conviction. The ambient sounds of Dogtown, from the chatter of civilians to the distant hum of drones, add to the immersion.

Verdict

Phantom Liberty is a redemption arc for Cyberpunk 2077, delivering a polished and engaging experience that addresses many of the base game’s shortcomings.

Above mentioned Verdict is not based upon any kind of official review, it’s our self-rated verdict.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty System Requirements