“Cyberpunk 2077” was one of the most anticipated games of the decade, but it faced a turbulent launch in 2020. Developed by CD Projekt Red, the game promised to deliver an open-world experience set in a dystopian future, blending RPG elements with fast-paced action. However, its release was marred by numerous technical issues, particularly on last-gen consoles, and a general feeling of unfulfilled potential.

The Good: When it works, “Cyberpunk 2077” is a stunning visual experience. Night City, the game’s sprawling open world, is beautifully designed, full of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant NPC interactions. The narrative is also its strongest suit, offering a rich, branching storyline with memorable characters and morally complex decisions. Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Johnny Silverhand added star power and charm to the plot.

The Bad: The game faced significant performance issues at launch. On older consoles, the game was virtually unplayable, with frame rate drops, crashes, and missing textures. The hype surrounding the game had created incredibly high expectations, and many fans felt that the final product didn’t deliver on its promises. The AI was also often criticized for being lackluster, and the police system seemed underdeveloped, leading to immersion-breaking moments.

The Controversial: While the issues with the game’s launch are widely known, CD Projekt Red’s handling of the situation also generated controversy. The game was released in a poor state, and the company was criticized for not delaying the game further despite repeated pushes back. In response, CD Projekt Red worked on numerous patches and updates, and by now, the game has improved substantially, offering a much better experience on both PC and consoles.

Conclusion: “Cyberpunk 2077” is a game of contrasts. It’s a groundbreaking, beautifully crafted world marred by technical issues and missed opportunities. However, for those willing to give it another shot, the game now offers a much more polished and enjoyable experience.