Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

The best DLC I've ever played in my life. After finishing the main game, I entered a new world with a mission that feels like an entirely new full game, along with new choices you make that shape your progress. CD Projekt truly outdid themselves with this DLC - it's a gift to all fans of the game, expressing their appreciation and loyalty to the community. Thank you to CD Projekt for this DLC.

Phantom Liberty is how you do DLC. It compliments but never erases the base game's experience. In fact, for me, Phantom Liberty's shorter, more concentrated length, themes, lighting, sound design, story, and just about every aspect completely eclipses the base game. Phantom Liberty ditches the petty grudges of mega corps and rebellions and ups the ante to the big leagues with assassination attempts on the President of the New United States of America (NUSA) and undercover operations against the tyrant of Dogtown.

I cannot praise CD Projekt Red enough for just how deftly they weave espionage, thriller, and, surprisingly, horror so effortlessly that other developers should look on and take notes. Stealth, psychology, battles of sheer will, Phantom Liberty showcases newcomers Idris Elba (as Solomon Reed) and Minji Chang (as Songbird) in such spectacularly heartbreaking stories that will have you by the balls (or ovaries, and, ew, I've made myself uncomfortable).

Twists, turns, you'll be exposed to it all, and, just when your nose is pressed right to the screen, CD flips from spy thriller to techno-horror and your expectations for both will never quite be the same (for this, I recommend siding with Reed when it comes, you will not be sorry). Update 2.0 for Cyberpunk 2077 was an apology for the broken state it released in, but Phantom Liberty is a promise to try and avoid those mistakes in the future. If it weren't DLC and 2023 weren't so packed with fantastic gaming experiences, Phantom Liberty would be a serious contender for Game of the Year. Heck, in some places, it still might grab that title.

I, like many people, had a bad experience with Cyberpunk 2077 during it's initial launch, but after these last three years, it's become one of my top favorite games, and Phantom Liberty takes everything I liked, and maxes it out. I can't explain how much I loved it, so try it for yourself if you're interested, there's so much fun to be had. Idris Elba is absolutely fantastic, possibly one of my favorite video game characters that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. He's so multidimensional, and it truly adds to the realistic feelings and relationship V has with him. Phantom Liberty has so much side content as well, but I never felt overwhelmed by it, because it was always so much fun.

While playing "Cyberpunk 2077", I somehow stumbled into "Phantom Liberty". It actually took me a little while to realize I was already deep into the expansion. What stuck with me right away was that fantastic first mission that kicks off this whole new branch of the universe. The adventure starts with a bang - thrilling, cinematic, and most importantly, mysterious. And then comes the introduction to Dogtown, which is when I finally understood: the DLC had officially begun.

Dogtown isn't just another neighborhood of Night City - it's a whole different world with its own laws, vibe, and unwritten rules. Gritty, grim, but full of character. It stands in sharp contrast to the rest of Night City, and that's what makes it so great - fresh and different. Just walking through its streets feels like a mini-adventure.

The story of the DLC genuinely surprised me. It's not just a pack of missions, but a real spy thriller with a sci-fi edge. Conspiracies, double agents, moral dilemmas, and twisty dialogues - it's all here. Idris Elba lends his face and presence to one of the central characters - Solomon Reed, an FIA agent - who comes across as charismatic, layered, and, most importantly, compelling. Every time he shows up, the whole narrative feels weightier. You can almost sense high-stakes political games lurking around every corner. The other leads shine too: Songbird, a netrunner asking the protagonist to help the President, and Alex, a secret agent recruited by Reed. There are plenty of other well-written characters, but in my eyes, these three are the real driving force behind the story.

Tone-wise, if the base game was a kind of cyberpunk tragedy with a philosophical undercurrent, "Phantom Liberty" feels more like a slick spy movie - think Bond or Bourne, but with implants and a futuristic twist. There are tons of atmospheric missions you actually want to do and striking locations you want to explore. The visual design is top-notch, fully on par with the base game.

Graphics? As expected - fantastic. Same engine, same ambition. But what really hooked me was the music. Near the finale, one track hit me so hard I immediately had to look it up. Now it lives in my playlist - probably for a long time.

Gameplay-wise, everything you expect is here: guns, gadgets, dialogue with consequences. Missions are varied and exciting. There's always something to do, see, and think about. The DLC blends seamlessly into the main game, never feeling out of place - and in some moments, it even outshines it. The ending, of course, depends on your choices, and true to "Cyberpunk 2077", those consequences can be rewarding... or pretty heavy to stomach. Either way, the weight of your decisions is real.

"Phantom Liberty" is an expansion with real personality - a great story, its own atmosphere, and its own spark. I enjoyed it a lot, and it's definitely one of those rare DLCs you don't want to just rush through.

8 out of 10.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty stands as a testament to what a game can achieve when developers listen to feedback and strive for perfection. This expansion is nothing short of a revelation, addressing the myriad issues that plagued the original release while introducing a plethora of new features that elevate the overall experience.

Storyline and Immersion (9/10): The narrative in Phantom Liberty is nothing short of gripping. The storylines are immersive, drawing players deeper into the neon-lit world of Night City. The characters are well-developed, and their arcs are both compelling and emotionally resonant. The game successfully immerses players in its dystopian setting, making every decision feel impactful.

Gameplay (9/10): Gone are the days of cheesy and unrealistic gameplay mechanics. Phantom Liberty introduces a revamped combat system that is both fluid and intuitive. The addition of new combat techniques and stealth options adds a layer of strategy that was previously missing. The rush of adrenaline during intense firefights and the satisfaction of executing a perfect stealth takedown are unparalleled.

Graphics and Visuals (10/10): The graphical enhancements in Phantom Liberty are stunning. The photorealistic lighting and enhanced graphics make Night City come alive like never before. Every corner of the city is meticulously detailed, creating a visually breathtaking experience. The improvements in texture quality and environmental design contribute to an incredibly immersive atmosphere.

Voice Acting and Sound Design (9/10): The voice acting in Phantom Liberty is top-notch. The actors deliver their lines with conviction, bringing their characters to life. The sound design, from the ambient noises of the city to the pulse-pounding music during combat, enhances the overall experience, making the world feel alive and dynamic.

Technical Performance (8/10): One of the most significant improvements in Phantom Liberty is the reduction in bugs and technical issues. While the original release was marred by numerous glitches, this expansion runs much smoother. There are still occasional hiccups, but they are few and far between, allowing players to enjoy the game without constant interruptions.

Replayability (8/10): With multiple story paths and a variety of gameplay styles, Phantom Liberty offers considerable replay value. Players can experience different outcomes based on their choices, encouraging multiple playthroughs to see all that the game has to offer.

Attention to Detail (9/10): The developers have packed Phantom Liberty with an abundance of details that enrich the gaming experience. From the intricacies of the environment to the nuances in character interactions, every aspect of the game has been thoughtfully crafted to enhance immersion.

Recommendation (10/10): Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is a must-play for fans of the original game and newcomers alike. It successfully fixes the issues that plagued the initial release and introduces a host of new features that make it one of the standout titles of the year. Whether you're drawn in by the story, the gameplay, or the visuals, Phantom Liberty has something for everyone.

Final Verdict: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is a stellar expansion that demonstrates the potential of what Cyberpunk 2077 was always meant to be. With its immersive storyline, refined gameplay, and stunning visuals, it sets a new standard for what a video game expansion can achieve. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rich and engaging gaming experience.