After almost a decade since its announcement, and not to mention a handful of painful delays, one of the most anticipated video games of all time is finally here. Back in early 2013, developer CD Projekt Red announced its new IP Cyberpunk 2077...giving fans of the genre a taste of what was to come. Not until 2018 did gamers even get a first glimpse at actual in-game cinematics from the neo-noir cyberpunk actioner, and the hype only increased from there.
I've been waiting for this game since it was announced. As a huge fan of the genre, from movies like Blade Runner and Johnny Mnemonic, to other cyberpunk games such as Shadowrun, I knew that this game was going to be one of the best games ever. After finally being able to sink some time into it I can safely say that it lives up to the hype and then some. This is a benchmark for gaming, from story and characters, to the most dense and graphically gorgeous game worlds I've ever been in. Night City is alive with an endless sea of people, androids, and activities to do outside of the main mission. Cars scream by among buildings that tower into the sky. Neon holograms dance on screens, and never before did a video game make you feel like you were actually there as much as this.
Look at that lighting. The fact that this is an in-game environment you can play in still blows me away. The game itself is deeply immersive and has a fantastic story. You are 'V', a cybernetic mercenary for hire, and you can choose 1 of 3 starting lifepaths to determine your character's backstory. As much as a deep RPG as it is first person shooter, Cyberpunk 2077 is balanced throughout...from meeting a vast array of characters, to taking on missions in a variety of ways. Will you be the stealthy netrunner? Hacking your way past security forces to achieve your objective? Or will you go headfirst with guns blazing to get what you want. The possibilities in this sandbox are endless.
I'm only a few hours into the main storyline, but I can already say that this is a game that has many ways to keep you playing, from endless side quests and activities, to a city that's large enough to ensure you'll never really run out of amazing locations to visit and things to check out. Think GTA meets Destiny meets The Matrix and you'll have an idea what you're in for with Cyberpunk 2077. I can't wait to jump back in.
Available now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 4/5, PC, and Google Stadia.
Will you be visiting Night City? Let me know in the comments if you're planning on picking up Cyberpunk 2077 or if you're already enjoying it!