“Cyberpunk 2077”: cursed, publicized, and yet it appeared

As in any other genre, there are such games. And “Cyberpunk 2077” from the Polish development studio CD Projekt Red (CDPR) belongs to a special genre. In recent years, hardly any other title has been as expected, cursed, hyped, and debated as the dystopian game from the creators of “The Witcher,” which aims to set new standards in the industry.

Because “Cyberpunk 2077” promises a lot. The mix of RPG and action in the open world principle kidnaps players into a broken and extremely violent society in which competing corporations have left the world in shambles. The setting is the interspersed but bustling megalopolis of Night City, which couldn’t be more divided. The law of the strong and, above all, of the richest applies. This city is all about money, power, and “cyber software” implants that can be used to tune people into super creatures.

With Keanu Reeves through dystopia

Players take on the role of a character named V who goes in search of an implant that promises immortality. You maneuver this through a world full of tasks, where you can pave your way through history with close-range and long-range combat, as well as sneak and hack. You will be accompanied by illustrious figures such as a character named Johnny Silverhand, played by actor Keanu Reeves. The game is based on the pen-and-paper role-playing game of the same name, published in 1988, which in turn is a major component to the dystopian-futuristic genre itself.

The hype in the lead-up to release was unmatched, especially since the suspense of “Cyberpunk 2077” had to be sustained for eight years. During this time, the launch was not only postponed three times this year, the game also became the subject of various controversies. Among other things, he was accused of transphobia and overexualization. The biggest problem now, when things get serious, will be the huge expectations of the audience. Manufacturers are not entirely innocent of this, because they set the bar very high themselves. But can “Cyberpunk 2077” handle that?

Realism does

Because ORF.at, like many other outlets, only had access to review copies at the last minute and detailed proofs and numerical ratings can be found in the industry media, it can and should only give a subjective first impression on this point. And that’s it: “Cyberpunk 2077” should, in the long run and after eliminating the initial problems, keep much of what it has promised for so long.

From minute one, the game grabs you and throws you head first into the neon-colored, broken world of Night City. This is due to the fact that the creators manage to bring an enormous amount of realism to escapism; the characters are primarily responsible for this. In all its depravity, the world is perfectly designed and consistent, no panoramic cameras or dialogue is boring, the first few hours of the game are a celebration of orientation, trying things out, and being amazed. The soundscape is one of a kind.

Many details need power

If you really value optics, you should play on a properly equipped PC or wait for the update for the next generation of consoles. The potential of the current (alluded to on PlayStation 4) no longer does justice to the design of the world. In advance it was feared that the developers had planned too much and ultimately a wooden or empty game world would kill the atmosphere. That is not the case, but there is still room for improvement in the atmosphere of the first open world areas visited, also in terms of interaction with the environment.

At this time, it cannot be assessed if and what elements of the game will (could) be repetitive over the course of the game, which is estimated at 140 hours (including side missions). Nor does it reveal the history and value of repetition. Especially in the first point, the test forays around the game world and meeting the characters gives confidence. Of course, only long-term tests that have not been saved with anticipated praise so far can provide information here. Industry media have given the game mostly glowing ratings so far.

Error problems at the beginning

Reactions on the day of publication were mixed, numerous users seemed to be struggling with bugs and glitches, especially with the console versions. This spells trouble for the paying clientele, for the developers it probably means more overtime: The study has been in negative headlines for months because it is said to have been an extreme “turning point.” It is understood by excessive overtime arranged around the publication of a game to be able to publish it on time and to eliminate bugs.

Industry media reported 100-hour weeks and completely overloaded staff. Because in the ‘games and fun’ branches like the gaming industry, it is often overlooked that despite all the passion, it is also a tough business. Not surprisingly, the former small software company CDPR now employs 850 people and is one of the 20 strongest listed companies in Poland.

Live on the edge, wherever

“Cyberpunk 2077” will likely be a blockbuster either way, the game has already broken several all-time records on the Steam gaming platform. CDPR itself reported eight million pre-orders. We are currently working hard on new updates and bug fixes. Whether you wait to play or not, in the end the trip to Night City is worth it, right now. Because if reality is in the background, at least you can live there on the edge.