I haven't been as emotionally invested in characters or left with such a feeling of emptiness after a games ending since Mass Effect 3. The story and writing in this game is exceptional. The characters and the interactions you have with them feel real and immersive and are up there with BioWare quality. All characters' story arcs are a treat to play through and leave you wanting more. The city is absolutely mind-blowing. 100% the most immersive city I have ever seen in a video game, from the bustling streets filled with crowds to the towering skyscrapers that sprawl out above and around you. The sense of verticality you get from this game is incredible. Multiple moments during my playthrough had me just stop and stare in awe at the surroundings and the cities dazzling neon lights, glistening roads with reflections, the devs have put together a spectacle with the visual design and presentation of Night City. The gameplay was different from what I was expecting, but I really like it. I played as a stealthy netrunner and had a blast hacking my way through all of the numerous encounters and gigs that the game offers you. The AI in this game is a little rough round the edges at times (mainly the police teleporting and pedestrians reactions). The traffic distance LOD could use improvement (2d car sprites are not nice to see). There are plenty more things that could use improvements here but I’m not going to list them all. I have confidence that CDPR will continue to work on this game and improve the experience with time. Despite its faults, I think this is an incredible game. Yes it could have been more. Yes it was likely rushed in its final months and content was cut left and right. But there are some damn good elements in it that truely captivate me and keep pulling me back in. I’ve already got a second playthrough lined up and I no doubt this will be a game that I keep coming back to for future playthroughs in the years to come.
