A Masterstroke Comeback

In an industry where second chances are not only rare but often eyed with suspicion, CD Projekt Red's (CDPR) story of redemption is one that might just go down in gaming folklore.

Close to three years of patches, updates, and soul-searching led the company to this point the release of Update 2.0 alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion for their much-maligned game, Cyberpunk 2077 (read our review here). A fractured launch tarnished its reputation, but this new update aims not just to repair the game but to redefine it. Based on approximately 50 hours of gameplay, here's why I think Phantom Liberty isn't just a saving grace but a masterstroke in game design and narrative storytelling.

Update 2.0 can’t be discussed without talking about Phantom Liberty. The update serves as a backbone to the expansion, transforming the very essence of how the game feels. Imagine buying a car that gets retrofitted with a V12 engine and a luxurious interior – that’s Update 2.0. This isn’t merely about patches or fixes; it’s a complete overhaul that, when combined with Phantom Liberty, justifies my full rating for the expansion.