Phantom Liberty Expansion: A Cyberpunk 2077 Story Done Right
In the original release of Cyberpunk 2077, players couldn’t walk a few steps in Night City without stumbling upon a lootable dildo. While it added a touch of shock humor, it also highlighted the disconnect between the game’s grand story and its cheap gags. However, the new expansion, Phantom Liberty, rectifies this misalignment by delivering a Cyberpunk 2077 experience that strikes the perfect balance between punk-rock verve and a beautifully crafted spy narrative.
A Deep Dive into Cyberpunk Lore
Phantom Liberty explores the intricate backstories of Dogtown, Night City, and the Cyberpunk tabletop universe. While this can be overwhelming for newcomers, CD Projekt Red ensures that the stakes are clear and accessible. This expansion will likely resonate more with fans of the tabletop game that inspired Cyberpunk 2077.
An Intriguing Plot and Compelling Characters
The expansion kicks off with the President of the NUS crashing in Dogtown, and players are tasked with rescuing her as part of her Secret Service detail. The two main characters, Song So-Mi and Solomon Reed, played by Christine Minji Chang and Idris Elba respectively, breathe life into this new storyline. Elba’s performance as a secret agent who blurs the lines between trust and deception is captivating. Keanu Reeves also returns as Johnny Silverhand, delivering an even more impressive performance than before. The expanded story allows Reeves to explore the mournful side of Silverhand, adding depth to his character.
Astonishing Visuals and Advanced Character Animation
CD Projekt Red excels in bringing the world of Cyberpunk 2077 to life with top-notch visuals and advanced character animations. The performances of Elba, Reeves, and Chang highlight the game’s technical achievements compared to other RPGs. The game truly captures the essence of Night City, its grunge, and metal vibes, and offers a mature storytelling experience.
A Metropolis of Stories
Phantom Liberty embraces the essence of Night City, portraying a metropolis immersed in political intrigue, crime, and a unique sci-fi hacker atmosphere. Unlike other dystopian cyberpunk worlds, this expansion delves into the dour and operatic aspects of the city, offering a refreshing take. The animated Netflix show, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, shares this same wild energy and captures the essence of the tabletop RPG.
Complex Moral Dilemmas and Side Missions
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty introduces make-or-break decisions that add weight to the story. These decisions, along with the thrilling spy missions reminiscent of classic espionage films, make for an engaging gameplay experience. The addition of side missions that are both morally complex and interconnected with the main campaign adds depth and replayability.
The Impeccable Night City
Night City remains one of gaming’s iconic locations, and the sense of awe and admiration for its grandeur hasn’t faded. Phantom Liberty expands the city even further, introducing Dogtown as a new district. Although the lore surrounding Dogtown may be confusing at first, its lawless and paranoid spy-thriller setting adds an exciting dimension to the game.
Multiple Endings and a True Conclusion
Phantom Liberty offers branching storylines with distinct paths and endings based on the player’s decisions. There’s a clear distinction between the “canon” and alternative paths, adding replay value to the expansion. Additionally, a new ending has been added to the base game, serving as a potential true conclusion that aligns with Phantom Liberty’s themes of sacrifice and alienation.
Phantom Liberty is a remarkable expansion that captures the essence of Cyberpunk 2077 while addressing the flaws of the original release. With its mature storytelling, intriguing characters, captivating performances, and stunning visuals, this expansion is a must-play for fans of the game.