Rating: 9.5/10 (Masterpiece)

Cyberpunk 2077 has achieved one of the greatest redemption arcs in gaming history. It’s a stunning, immersive RPG that delivers on almost every level—but for me, it’s still missing that elusive something to make it a perfect 10.

What I Loved:

Night City is Unmatched:
Night City is the real star of the show. It’s vibrant, chaotic, and alive in a way few game worlds manage to achieve. From the neon-lit alleys of Japantown to the corporate opulence of City Center, every district is meticulously crafted. With improved AI, denser crowds, and enhanced environmental interactions since launch, the city finally feels like the bustling dystopia it was always meant to be.

Deep, Immersive RPG Gameplay:
Cyberpunk 2077 offers incredible freedom in how you approach the game. Whether you prefer hacking your way through systems, stealthily taking down enemies, or going in guns blazing, the gameplay accommodates multiple playstyles. The new updates and DLC bring even more depth to the combat and skill trees, making character builds more engaging than ever.

Phantom Liberty DLC - A Game-Changer:
The Phantom Liberty DLC is not just an expansion—it’s a revitalization. Set in Dogtown, a gritty new district of Night City, it introduces a tense spy-thriller storyline packed with twists, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas. Idris Elba’s performance as Solomon Reed is phenomenal, adding even more gravitas to the stellar voice acting. The DLC also brings significant improvements to the base game, like overhauled perk systems, vehicle combat, and more engaging side quests.

Memorable Characters and Storytelling:
Cyberpunk 2077’s story is rich and emotionally impactful. V and Johnny Silverhand (masterfully voiced by Keanu Reeves) have one of the most compelling dynamics I’ve seen in a game. The game masterfully weaves personal struggles with larger existential questions about identity and humanity. The Phantom Liberty storyline adds even more layers to this narrative brilliance.

Technical Redemption:
At launch, the game was plagued with bugs and performance issues, but it’s now in a state that lives up to its potential. CD Projekt Red has gone above and beyond to address the criticisms, making this one of the best post-launch redemption stories in gaming history.

What’s Still Missing:

Lack of True Player Agency:
As much as the game emphasizes choice, the main narrative often funnels you toward specific outcomes. While there are different endings, your decisions throughout the game don’t always feel as impactful as they could be.

A Sense of Longevity:
While the open world is packed with detail, it sometimes feels like a stage rather than a truly living world. Interactions with NPCs and side activities, though improved, still lack the depth to make Night City feel as reactive as it looks.

Missing That "Perfect 10" Factor:
For all its brilliance, the game still feels like it’s just short of perfection. Maybe it’s the lack of a revolutionary mechanic that changes the genre, or maybe it’s the way some gameplay elements (like crafting or economy systems) feel secondary. It’s hard to pinpoint, but there’s something intangible that stops it from being the definitive RPG experience.

Overall Thoughts:

Cyberpunk 2077 is no longer a cautionary tale—it’s a triumph. The Phantom Liberty DLC and continuous updates have elevated the game to masterpiece status, delivering one of the most immersive RPGs of this generation. The world-building, storytelling, and gameplay systems come together in a way that few games manage. However, as polished and engaging as it is, there’s still something missing—a spark or a layer of depth that could make it truly flawless.

Pros:

Night City is a stunning, immersive open world.
Deep, versatile gameplay with incredible build options.
Masterful storytelling and memorable characters.
Phantom Liberty adds an exceptional new storyline and gameplay features.
A technical redemption that few games have pulled off.

Cons:

Main narrative choices don’t always feel impactful.
Some open-world interactions still feel surface-level.
Missing an ineffable "wow" factor to make it a perfect 10.

Recommendation:
Cyberpunk 2077 is a must-play, especially in its current state. Whether you’re a fan of immersive worlds, gripping narratives, or deep RPG systems, it delivers on almost every front. The Phantom Liberty DLC is the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. It’s not just a game—it’s a world you’ll want to lose yourself in.