I was on the hype-train pre-launch and although I didn't experience very many bugs at launch, it was apparent that there was much promised that wasn't delivered. One thing was obvious from the start though: the writing, characters, worldbuilding, and music was incredible, held back by a bungled launch. Now it's nearly 5 years later and CDPR redeemed themselves in making one of the best games I've ever played,probably top 10 if I ever sit down to make a list. The world of Cyberpunk is so perfectly realized , I can't wait to see what's next in the City of Dreams.
Credit where credit is due: this is a game that I will remember for a long time. Night City is beautifully realized, and the cast of characters are some of the best written and acted I've ever experienced. The quiet sadness you can feel from Judy just from the tiniest of facial expressions is something I've never really come across in a game, and it makes her feel like a real person. The parts that will stick with me the longest are the quiet moments, like sitting next to Judy in the bathroom after the dive. Or Goro sharing his childhood in Japan. Sitting with Panam looking up at the stars by the fireside. These are the strongest parts of Cyberpunk 2077, and I really hope that CDPR does more with these characters in future expansions. ENDING SPOILERS AHEAD This takes me to my next point, and my largest beef with the game. The bugs I can forgive. Missing gameplay features are a shame, but can be added later with updates. My biggest complaint is that the ending of V's journey was so damn depressing and lonely. 2020 was hard enough as it is, I didnt sign up for the emotionally draining gutpunch of a conclusion. Learning that every ending is sad also made me not want to play the game anymore. It's as bad as ME3. What was the point of trying to save yourself when the games narrative wasnt going to let you live regardless of what you did? The only silver lining was that every side character ended up positively affected by the friendship I gave them, and all had happy endings. My only hope is that the expansions continue the story so we can get closure. The formula for these types of games where "choices matter" is there is usually a "happily ever after" ending if you really take your time and put effort into the side missions. I put 60+ hours into my playthrough with this in mind. I thought, since V "has never backed down from anything", there would be payoff for investing a lot into the story. All it got me was deeper heartache.
