Review: cyberpunk 2077 is much better with phantom liberty and patch 2. 0!. After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!

REVIEW: Cyberpunk 2077 is MUCH BETTER with Phantom Liberty and Patch 2.0!

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After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!

Launched in 2020 with great anticipation, Cyberpunk 2077 received mixed initial reception, mainly due to its performance and empty promises. Despite the criticism, the developer did not give up on the game. Over three years, several updates, culminating in the excellent 2.0 Patch and Phantom Liberty DLC.

Now, after this long journey of improvements, Cyberpunk 2077 it conveys the feeling of having reached the level it originally promised, although we still notice some wasted potential. O showmetech, produced a review detail of the title. Therefore, we will divide it into two acts: the first will exclusively address the 2.0 Patch and then we will dive into Phantom Liberty DLC, all as spoilers.

Watch the video on the Showmetech channel:

Patch 2.0: Cyberpunk 2077 as we expected!

On November 10, 2020, the community gamer witnessed what may be remembered as one of the most polarizing releases in video game history. With a massive advertising campaign and a rising wave of expectation fueled by CD Project Red — the renowned developer behind the acclaimed The Witcher 3 Cyberpunk 2077 was eagerly awaited, especially after several postponements.

The game presented us with the electrifying journey of V, an ambitious mercenary aiming to rise to the status of legend in that universe, even if he needed to risk his life in different ways.

The engaging plot of Cyberpunk 2077 and the rich urban tapestry of Night City, full of nuances and details, were the game's positive points. However, the feeling that something was missing was undeniable. The narrative did not hide the lack of depth in certain areas of the game, suggesting that certain elements could have been developed with more care or detail, rather than rushed to meet release deadlines.

Gradually, the updates came. Each one dealt with different aspects of the game, from bug fixes to gameplay improvements and graphical optimizations. However, only now, with the arrival of 2.0 Patch, that the game experienced a notable qualitative leap.

This update elevates Cyberpunk 2077 to a new level, bringing profound innovations and refinements. Now, players have the chance to immerse themselves in a revitalized Night City, experiencing a more polished, immersive and captivating universe.

Combat in Patch 2.0

Combat in cyberpunk 2077
New and frenetic, the combat updates in the game are wonderful! Image: Reproduction/CD Projekt Red

I'm a big fan of building melee weapons in every game that gives me that possibility, even if it doesn't make much sense in context. After all, why opt for a blade in universes where I have access to collections of different firearms, all powerful and versatile? In the end, this simple choice ends up being my favorite.

Physical combat

at the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, many players, including myself, felt that the melee combat left something to be desired. The mechanics were functional, but lacked depth. For example, although V delivered devastating blows, the essence and skill of a true Samurai, present in the game's narrative, seemed to be absent.

Fortunately, the arrival of 2.0 Patch brought a revolution. The combat experience with the katana has been taken to a new level. Now, in addition to delivering precise blows, there is the option to activate impactful finishing animations, highlighting V's mastery and command over the weapon. Additionally, the ability to use the blade to deflect projectiles, reflecting them back at the shooters, added a strategic layer to the confrontation.

This defense technique, although it requires some training to get the timing right, has become one of my favorite additions. However, it is worth noting that it is more effective in combat against a limited number of opponents. In confrontations against larger groups, the technique can leave V more vulnerable.

And the news is not limited to the katana. O 2.0 Patch expanded combat options to other melee weapons such as throwing hammers and daggers. I haven't yet explored all of these nuances in their entirety, but it's clear that these enhancements have enriched the gameplay.

armed combat

Review: cyberpunk 2077 is much better with phantom liberty and patch 2. 0!. After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!
REVIEW: Cyberpunk 2077 is MUCH BETTER with Phantom Liberty and Patch 2.0!

In my experience with the recent DLC de Cyberpunk eo novo patch, although my character V was not primarily configured for combat with weapons, I realized the need to have a firearm at my disposal. At times, only the katana proved inadequate to face more challenging opponents. Even with this brief exposure to armed combat, it was clear that the improvements were palpable.

Much of this evolution can be attributed to updates to the CD Project Red in the artificial intelligence of the antagonists. Now, they demonstrate a heightened level of strategy, adopting renewed tactics to surround and challenge V in hostile scenarios. The commitment of these enemies to eliminating your character is impressive and evident, making the combat dynamics more intense and unpredictable.

New skill tree

Review: cyberpunk 2077 is much better with phantom liberty and patch 2. 0!. After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!
REVIEW: Cyberpunk 2077 is MUCH BETTER with Phantom Liberty and Patch 2.0!

Updates in Cyberpunk 2077 are clearly noticeable in the revamped skill tree. The developer has completely revamped this aspect, introducing new and exciting elements. It is true that some features of the original game were maintained in the 2.0 Patch, but the redesign has made skill selection more intuitive and engaging.

A highlight is the ability to shape V into the image of notable characters, such as David Martinez or Rebecca. Additionally, eagle-eyed fans will certainly notice the references to the anime. edgerunners, Netflix. This anime, in fact, played a vital role in the resurgence of the franchise's popularity, once again attracting the attention of many to the universe of Cyberpunk.

The new skills feature icons that refer to the anime's protagonists, a detail that was subtly revealed in the demonstrations. CD Projekt and fans didn't take long to notice. It's a simple but cool detail – and at the same time, it serves as a warning about the dangers of trying to challenge the megacorporations that control Night City.

With so many changes to the skill tree, the game itself now requires players to reassign their skill points. This is because, faced with substantial changes, the most logical approach is to start from scratch.

Therefore, for those who decide to re-enter V's saga in Night City, it is vital to revisit your character's attributes before anything else. Take a moment to rethink and reconfigure your strategy, optimizing V for the new game dynamics.

New stickers for the body

Review: cyberpunk 2077 is much better with phantom liberty and patch 2. 0!. After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!
REVIEW: Cyberpunk 2077 is MUCH BETTER with Phantom Liberty and Patch 2.0!

No 2.0 Patch de Cyberpunk 2077, a landmark innovation was introduced: V no longer has the luxury of filling his body with cybernetic implants without facing serious consequences. The idea of ​​overload, deeply present in the lore of the universe Cyberpunk, illustrates the cost of sacrificing part of humanity for the seduction of cybernetic upgrades.

In the original game, in one of the side missions, V was tasked with chasing and capturing several cyberpsychotics for Regina Jones. However, the intriguing thing was that, no matter how much players customized V with various cybernetic modifications, these did not have a negative impact on him. In essence, it was possible to turn V into a nearly complete cyborg without dealing with the implications of doing so.

Although the 2.0 Patch doesn't directly present a cyberpsychosis mechanic, there is now a set limit to the capacity of V's body, making decisions about which implants to adopt more thoughtful. This becomes even more critical when we consider that, in the game's updates, the character's protection was disconnected from the clothes, and is now associated with the skin and bone modifications that V can receive.

These changes, in my opinion, are very positive additions to the game. Not only do they better align with the established narrative of the universe Cyberpunk, as well as what was portrayed in the anime. This introduced limit puts us in a more vulnerable position in this chaotic world and, at the same time, emphasizes a recurring issue in Cyberpunk: the constant negotiation between our humanity and the seductions of technology.

Vehicular combat and new police

Vehicular combat in cyberpunk 2077
Whether in your car or on your motorcycle, combat on the road in Cyberpunk is very interesting. Image: Reproduction/CD Projekt Red

At the beginning of the last decade, when the first trailers for Cyberpunk 2077 were revealed, it was clear that the CD Project Red I envisioned a world where cars were not just transportation. They would also be instruments of combat and persecution. For some reason, this proposal was postponed during the game's initial development.

Fortunately, with the 2.0 Patch, vehicle dynamics resurface. Now, players can experience exciting chases and vehicle crashes on both the streets of Night City and Dogtown. Each region, with its unique characteristics, offers different challenges and strategies for combat on the move.

And for those who prefer two wheels, the combat dynamics have been enriched even further. Now, when riding a motorcycle, V can draw his katana and engage in high-speed hand-to-hand combat, allowing him to hit nearby enemies with precision and style. A truly cinematic vision, which perfectly matches the aesthetics cyberpunk about the game.

Echoes of GTA

Review: cyberpunk 2077 is much better with phantom liberty and patch 2. 0!. After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!
REVIEW: Cyberpunk 2077 is MUCH BETTER with Phantom Liberty and Patch 2.0!

The vehicular combat mechanics are reminiscent of the series' golden days GTA, where resistance to law enforcement caused wanted stars to increase, indicating the player's level of threat to the city. As they increased, the intensity of the police response also grew, making the chase even more exciting and challenging.

In a similar way, in Cyberpunk 2077, the more audacious and lawless the player's behavior, the more energetic and ruthless the authorities' response will be. Thus, those who opt for a more rebellious approach to Cyberpunk 2077 will have to prepare not only to face common enemies, but also police forces determined to stop their trail of destruction, in a clear parallel with the adrenaline of the chases of GTA. And for Night City's officers, ignoring crimes is no longer an option.

Perks for vehicular combat

One of the most exciting updates is the inclusion of exclusive vehicle perks. These new perks allow players to improve specific skills when behind the wheel, optimizing various aspects of the game. Alongside this new feature, it is also possible to purchase some exclusive weapons for the vehicle, adding considerable firepower to your transport.

Another highlight of this update is the integration with cybernetics already existing in the game. For example, the Sandervistan, a popular implant that allows the player to slow down the perception of time – something like a “bullet time” – can now also be activated while driving. This feature becomes a valuable ally, especially in situations of intense pursuit or vehicular combat, where every fraction of a second can determine success or failure.

Recorders and performance

Cyberpunk 2077, even in the midst of a tumultuous launch, never left anything to be desired in terms of visual presentation and narrative. It would be an injustice to say that the game's graphics or its plot are in any way unsatisfactory.

The aesthetics of Cyberpunk 2077 It is breathtaking. The neon glow that permeates the streets of Night City, along with the detail of each element, creates a unique and immersive atmosphere. The stark contrast between the opulent skyscrapers of the rich and the crowded slums of the less fortunate adds depth to the game's universe, reflecting the social disparities so central to the narrative. This duality not only enriches the plot, but also instills a visual magic that few games can achieve.

The recent update of DLSS-3.5 da Nvidia came to further intensify this aesthetic experience. Thanks to this technology, Cyberpunk 2077 gains more realistic reflections and even more vibrant and precise lighting, without compromising game performance. In my tests, I noticed a notable gain in FPS, which means smoother gameplay and sharper graphics.

What's most exciting is that this isn't an improvement exclusive to RTX newer models, as there are series 20 models compatible with it! So, all with parts capable of supporting the DLSS-3.5 will benefit from these improvements, transforming Cyberpunk 2077 into an even more spectacular and complete experience. Therefore, for those looking to immerse themselves in a richly detailed universe, both in story and graphics, Night City continues to be an undeniably attractive choice.

Phantom Liberty, the Cyberpunk DLC

Songbird in Cyberpunk 2077
DogTown reveals a little more about Night City and its mysteries. Image: Reproduction/CD Projekt Red

V's saga in Night City did not end with the outcome of the game's main story. With the arrival of the new DLC, we are introduced to an additional chapter, full of an atmosphere that differs from that of the original game. The incessant search for revenge and redemption gives way, at least for a while, to a plot full of political intrigue and investigations in the Dogtown district.

But how does this new narrative impact Night City and V's personal journey? We will delve deeper into this discussion about the exclusive content of DLC then, ensuring not to reveal crucial details to preserve the integrity of your game experience.

DogTown, dog-world

Dogtown, an enigmatic enclave located in the heart of Night City, more precisely in Pacifica, stands out notably from the sophisticated and futuristic urban image we associate with Cyberpunk 2077. This is a place where the narrow, labyrinthine streets echo the whispers of those who have been forgotten, those left behind in the technological race of the great metropolis. Every corner, every alley, brings with it a dense atmosphere, where danger is a constant presence.

The DogTown region is the living representation of decay, of the consequences of neglect, transforming into an abandoned zone, where a vigilant militia reigns with an iron fist, always ready to pull the trigger on those who challenge it.

Car chases are common on DogTown's tight roads, making driving not just a skill but a necessity for survival. The peculiarity of this area is that, even though it is integrated into Night City, it functions almost as an independent organism, with its own rules and dynamics.

Fans of CD Project Red, familiar with the vast and expansive world of The Witcher 3, especially those who ventured through the landscapes offered in their DLC, may initially be disappointed by DogTown's comparatively small size. However, it is crucial to understand that the emphasis here is on the density and depth of experience, and not necessarily on vastness.

The quality, however, remains impeccable and meets expectations, reflecting the developer's commitment to delivering rich narratives and immersive environments.

The services and missions offered in DogTown are a highlight in themselves. Especially those broadcast on the channels, especially by the enigmatic Mr. Hands. This character, already known for his role in Pacifica, returns to play a central role, guiding V through intricate missions and revealing more layers of the plot that unfolds in this peculiar region, often related to the main story of the series. DLC de Cyberpunk.

History

A DLC de Cyberpunk 2077 adds a new dimension to the game's universe, but also interacts with and complements its main narrative in a unique way. For those who are eager to embark on this new adventure, the additional content unfolds shortly after the mission involving the voodoo boys in Pacifica. Therefore, players who want to immediately dive into this new content should advance to this phase of the main narrative.

Now, keeping the main story level, phantom liberty presents us with an incredible plot that, even though it is in the universe of Cyberpunk 2077, stands out for its contrasting and unique nature. While the original game immerses players in a saga full of action, revenge and redemption, the DLC takes the narrative along a more subtle and intriguing route: the world of espionage.

Em phantom liberty, the focus is not just on invasions and intense fighting, but on clandestine operations, where every move and decision has profound consequences. Thus, the player finds himself in situations where building invasions are not just for frontal combat, but rather silent infiltrations, full of strategy. The emphasis shifts from simply overcoming opponents to also understanding and manipulating the complex game of alliances and betrayals that permeates DogTown.

More than ever, choosing allies becomes a matter of strategy and intuition. Almost everyone in DogTown has their own agenda and is willing to bend the truth, or even break it, to achieve their goals. In this scenario, trust is a rare and precious asset. At every step, the player is reminded that in this world, everyone is playing a dangerous game of self-interest.

Idris Elba in Cyberpunk 2077
Reed is just one of the great additions to the game's cast of characters. Image: Reproduction/CD Projekt Red

And speaking of charismatic and intriguing characters, we cannot fail to highlight the brilliant performance of Idris Elba like Reed. This complex and multifaceted character adds additional layers of depth to the plot. The choice of Elba for this role follows the tradition of CD Project Red em Cyberpunk 2077 of incorporating great talents from our reality into the game universe. This was evident earlier with the inclusion of Keanu Reeves in the role of the iconic Johnny Silverhand, who left an indelible mark on the plot and the player's experience.

When interacting and relating to these characters, we find ourselves at moral and ethical crossroads, where the choices made have a significant weight in the development of the story. This complexity and narrative depth means that each decision made carries a certain weight for us, creating an immersive and reflective experience.

What was missing?

Dogtown in cyberpunk 2077
Dogtown is a wonderful place, but small. We want more, CD! Image: reproduction/CD Projekt Red

phantom liberty, despite shining with countless qualities and approaching perfection, it presents some areas that could have been improved, which left me with mixed feelings at times. DogTown, for example, has a rich and engaging atmosphere, but its physical extent leaves a little to be desired. A wider area could have provided a more balanced distribution of content, avoiding the feeling of congestion that sometimes plagues the player.

It is possible that the intention was to evoke this feeling of claustrophobia, but, after experiencing the genius of the CD Project Red in the expansions of The Witcher, we naturally expected more expansive territory to explore in his attempt at redemption with phantom liberty.

Additionally, without going into spoilers or deep plot details, I felt the absence of a mission that involved vehicular combat. Considering that this is one of the most notable new developments in 2.0 Patch, it was somewhat disappointing not to see this element integrated into the main narrative of the DLC. At least, according to my decisions and trajectory in the game, I didn't come across such an experience.

However, it must be recognized that DogTown offers a variety of other activities and challenges that can, to some extent, compensate for this shortcoming. There are even several opportunities to battle other vehicles in breathtaking combats and chases.

Hardware Requirement

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty & Update 2.0 PC requirements
In-Game Graphics PresetMinimumRecommendedUltraRay-TracingRay-Tracing Overdrive
Resolution1080p1080p2160p1080p2160p
FPS3060606060
OS64-bit Windows 1064-bit Windows 1064-bit Windows 1064-bit Windows 1064-bit Windows 10
CPUCore i7-6700
Ryzen 5 1600
Core i7-12700
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Core i9-12900
Ryzen 9 7900X
Core i9-12900
Ryzen 9 7900X
Core i9-12900
Ryzen 9 7900X
GPUGeForce GTX 1060 6GB
Radeon RX 580 8GB Arc A380
GeForce RTX 2060 Super
Radeon RX 5700 XT Arc A770
GeForce RTX 3080
Radeon RX 7900 XTX
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
Radeon RX 7900 XTX
GeForce RTX 4080
VRAM6 GB8 GB12 GB12 GB16 GB
RAM12 GB16 GB20 GB20 GB24 GB
Dining Room70 GB SSD70 GB SSD70GB NVME70GB NVME70GB NVME

Price and availability

Review: cyberpunk 2077 is much better with phantom liberty and patch 2. 0!. After three long years, the CD Projekt Red game becomes what fans expected and finally justifies the hype!
Silverhand will continue to torment your head in the expansion! Image: Reproduction/CD Projekt Red

Cyberpunk DLC, Phantom Liberty, will be paid! At Steam e GoG, it costs R$99,99. As for consoles, you can find it by R$159,90 on PlayStation Store, while at Microsoft Store, it is possible to purchase the expansion for R$124,00. Regardless of the platform chosen, the content will be made available on the 26th of this month.

Conclusion: a perfect redemption


After a winding path full of challenges, “Cyberpunk 2077” reemerges triumphantly, proving that passion, dedication and listening to fan feedback can truly transform a game. Over three years, the CD Project Red not only fixed bugs, but also enhanced and expanded the Night City experience in ways players couldn't even imagine.

This journey of redemption recalls, in many ways, the commitment that Hello Games demonstrated with “No Man's Sky“, another title that, despite a tumultuous start, was lovingly rebuilt and became a jewel in the video game industry.

The relentless dedication and resilience of these developers shows that the games industry is driven not just by profits, but also by the love of art and the audience. And, as if emerging from the shadows of its troubled past, Night City, today, shines brighter than ever. It may not represent the original dream of its creators, but the vision that captivated millions of players around the world has finally reached a level close to it. than we expected.

In conclusion, three years may have passed, but Cyberpunk 2077 is more alive than ever. Night City, with its vibrant neons and intertwining stories, has finally achieved its true greatness, and V's in-universe saga Cyberpunk has never been so exciting. Now, more than ever, is the time to immerse yourself in this world and witness splendor at its peak.

LEARN MORE

CD Projekt Red already has future plans for The Witcher and also Cyberpunk!

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim (20 / 09 / 23)

Is it the promised game?

Is it the promised game?
10 10 0 1
10/10
total Score
  • Recorders
    10/10 Excellent
    What's new in DLSS 3.5 is wonderful!
  • Gameplay – Combat
    10/10 Excellent
    The updates to the combat system are massive!
  • Gameplay - Vehicles
    10/10 Excellent
    The game's vehicular combat is very functional and a lot of fun
  • Story - Phantom Liberty
    10/10 Excellent
    It maintained the level of the base game with a wonderful story!
  • Performance
    10/10 Excellent
    Thanks to DLSS technology, the game maintained stable performance throughout the game.

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4 comments
  1. With this update the game became something new with new mechanics and skills that give it a certain complexity, thanks to it I was able to revisit a wonderful game

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