When I think about my time spent in Cyberpunk 2077, I reminisce not about the great times i've had, but of the bugs and corrupted save files that pummeled me along the way. The game is a mess from a technical standpoint, with everything from framerate issues to bugs that are at best immersion breaking, but its issues are not simply from a seeming lack of QA testing. The majority of the quests and activities feel like busy work, the weapon "variety" is simple reskins of the same models over and over again, the vehicles aren't terribly satisfying to drive, and the skills/perks feel like an afterthought thrown in only to appease anyone who might have wanted to play an RPG. It's a very shallow experience when all is said and done. There is charm to be found here amongst the heaps of refuse, if you intend to dig around for 80ish hours like I have. The vocal performances are stellar, some of the weapons are fun to use, there are bits and pieces of the story that are a blast to take part in, some of the characters are extremely enjoyable to interact with, and Night City looks pretty stellar. When everything works how it is supposed to, there are some things here to like, but that's just it. Rarely does everything work how it is supposed to. I fear that even if/when all the bugs and technical errors are addressed, this game will still be an altogether forgettable experience. Its issues run much deeper than bugs. There is so much that feels like it has been left out or ignored. The lack of player choice, awful stealth mechanics, lack of non-lethal combat options, shallow interaction with characters, and a world that doesn't truly feel 'alive' are only a few of the deep rooted issues with this game. These are things that won't be fixed with a simple patch. When all is said and done, I am left with no feelings of satisfaction as I close out Cyberpunk 2077. I'm left only with feelings of disappointment and a longing for what could have been.
I did not know what to expect going into Thronebreaker, the concept was a bit confusing to me from the start. I was intrigued at the prospect of spending more time in the world of The Witcher however and so I took the plunge and started my playthrough. I am very glad I did. An amazing journey from start to finish with very few hiccups, I was enthralled the entire time. The RPG/storytelling elements are superb, interacting with the world and its inhabitants through Queen Meve is a deeply satisfying experience. Equally satisfying is the ability to build your army and your camp as you see fit, it might not be a definitive strategy experience, but it does the job. The Gwent gameplay is an interesting twist on the formula, sometimes it worked other times it felt more like a chore, but it never went completely stale. The voice acting is superb and the characters you encounter will stick with you for some time. The art and overall visual style are amazing as well, not to mention the game’s superb soundtrack. The game is not perfect however. I would have liked to see more character interaction, more army and camp customization, and a more varied and in-depth resource system. The gathering of wood, gold, and manpower ends up feeling terribly dull and unnecessary as opposed to a gratifying and worthwhile experience. Some of the puzzles and their rewards, or lack thereof, are incredibly disappointing and tedious as well. These criticisms were not enough to stop me from falling in love with the experience however and as I happily embark on my second playthrough I cannot recommend this game enough. I sincerely hope we get to hear another tale very soon. *Note* - I do not believe any game is truly “flawless” and I understand that 5/5 is quite the statement to make, but I believe this game is deserving of that score.
