Cyberpunk 2077’s latest expansion, Phantom Liberty, serves as a resounding testament to CD Projekt Red’s dedication to redeeming their oft-lamented action RPG – which had an incredibly rough landing when it launched. Set against the backdrop of Night City, this spy thriller narrative seamlessly integrates with the base game, providing a tight, cohesive experience that tackles themes of loyalty, past reckoning, and self-preservation in a dystopian future. But does it stick the landing this time? We checked out the PS5 version to find out.
The expansion introduces a host of new characters, with standout performances from Idris Elba as the enigmatic Solomon Reed and Christine Minji Chang as the skilled netrunner, Songbird. Their interactions with V, amidst a web of political intrigue and espionage, create a compelling narrative that keeps players on their toes. Keanu Reeves’ reprisal of Johnny Silverhand adds depth to the story, offering a familiar yet nuanced perspective with tons of star power.
Dogtown, the new district, emerges as a distinct and immersive environment within Night City – almost as a character of its own. Its blend of sprawling slums, abandoned buildings, and pockets of humanity struggling to survive paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of total collapse. The expansion leverages Dogtown expertly, embedding missions and side content seamlessly into its streets, offering a diverse range of experiences as you navigate through its story.
The combat system, bolstered by the 2.0 update that launched alongside the expansion, shines in Phantom Liberty. Overhauled RPG mechanics provide more impactful options for character development, allowing for hybrid playstyles that add a layer of depth to engagements, as well as replay value in case you want to play with a completely different style. The further integration of stealth as a viable approach enhances gameplay versatility in that sense, and the introduction of the Relic skill tree and cyberware system further enriches character customization.
Gigs and side missions you can pick up are a highlight, offering not just quantity with generic missions but top quality that would be a shame to skip. Each mission feels carefully crafted, presenting engaging stories and moral dilemmas that reflect the harsh realities of Dogtown. The decision-making process is nuanced, with choices rarely falling into clear-cut categories of right or wrong. Again, this always made us curious about what would happen on a future playthrough, which is a great quality in any game.
One of Phantom Liberty’s most striking narrative achievements lies later on in the expansion. Two mutually exclusive story paths lead to drastically different yet equally impactful conclusions. These endings are complemented by a new conclusion for the original story as well, providing a new way to look at the entire Cyberpunk journey.
In conclusion, Phantom Liberty represents the pinnacle of Cyberpunk 2077’s potential, finally delivering on the promise of those amazing demos we all fell in love with a few years ago. CD Projekt Red’s focused approach results in a thrilling, impactful experience that leaves a lasting impression. The expansion expertly weaves together narrative depth, immersive gameplay, and a meticulously crafted world, highlighting the toll of human life in a cyberpunk future. For those invested in the world of Night City, Phantom Liberty is a must-play, showcasing the best of what the game has to offer and in a way making Cyberpunk 2077 one of the best games of the year – a few years too late.
Score: 9.2/10
Press Play Media 