Introduction

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most controversial and fascinating games in modern gaming history. Developed by CD Projekt, the game launched with enormous hype, suffered a heavily criticized release, and eventually evolved into one of the most immersive RPG experiences available today.

Set in the massive futuristic metropolis of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 combines first-person shooting, open-world exploration, RPG progression systems, narrative choices, and cybernetic customization into an ambitious sci-fi experience.

After years of updates and major improvements, the game now delivers the experience many players originally hoped for.

This review explores Cyberpunk 2077’s gameplay, story, combat, open world, graphics, characters, expansions, and whether the game is worth playing in 2026.

What Is Cyberpunk 2077?

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action RPG set in a dystopian future dominated by megacorporations, cybernetic technology, crime, and social collapse.

Players control V, a mercenary navigating the dangerous streets of Night City while dealing with a digital construct tied to the legendary rocker-terrorist Johnny Silverhand.

The game combines:

• Open-world exploration

• RPG progression systems

• First-person combat

• Dialogue choices

• Hacking mechanics

• Cybernetic upgrades

• Vehicle exploration

• Story-driven missions

Its greatest strength is immersion.

Night City feels dense, alive, and visually unforgettable.

Story Review

A Strong Narrative With Memorable Characters

The story of Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the game’s biggest strengths.

V’s journey through Night City becomes increasingly personal, emotional, and existential as the plot develops.

The game explores themes such as:

• Identity

• Mortality

• Corporate control

• Technology versus humanity

• Isolation

• Ambition

• Survival

One of the standout aspects of the narrative is Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand.

Johnny is more than a celebrity cameo — he becomes one of the most important and complex characters in the game.

The relationship between V and Johnny evolves naturally throughout the story and drives many of the game’s emotional moments.

Side characters are also exceptionally well-written, especially Panam, Judy, River, and Kerry.

Many side quests feel just as meaningful as the main storyline.

Gameplay Review

Open-World Exploration in Night City

Night City is one of the most visually impressive open worlds ever created.

The city feels massive and layered, featuring:

• Neon-lit streets

• Corporate skyscrapers

• Dangerous slums

• Underground clubs

• Industrial districts

• Desert outskirts

• Crowded markets

• Hidden alleyways

Every district has its own atmosphere and identity.

Exploration is constantly rewarding thanks to side missions, random encounters, hidden stories, and environmental storytelling.

The city feels especially immersive at night, when lights, advertisements, rain effects, and traffic combine to create a stunning cyberpunk atmosphere.

Combat and Playstyles

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a huge amount of gameplay freedom.

Players can specialize in:

• Stealth

• Hacking

• Melee combat

• Gun-focused builds

• Sniper gameplay

• Aggressive cybernetic combat

• Hybrid character builds

The combat system feels far stronger after major updates.

Weapons feel impactful, hacking abilities are fun to experiment with, and cybernetic enhancements allow for creative playstyles.

Some of the most enjoyable abilities include:

• Slow-motion combat

• Blade-focused cyberware

• Smart weapons

• Gorilla Arms

• Optical camouflage

• Quickhack enemy manipulation

The RPG progression system encourages experimentation and replayability.

Graphics and Visual Presentation

Night City Looks Incredible

Even years after release, Cyberpunk 2077 remains one of the best-looking games ever made.

The visual presentation is extraordinary, especially on high-end hardware.

Highlights include:

• Ray-traced lighting

• Neon reflections

• Dense urban environments

• Detailed character models

• Dynamic weather effects

• Cinematic animations

• Massive environmental detail

Night City feels alive because nearly every street contains movement, advertisements, NPC activity, and visual storytelling.

The art direction is one of the strongest aspects of the game.

Sound Design and Music

Excellent Audio and Atmosphere

The soundtrack perfectly captures the futuristic and chaotic tone of Night City.

Cyberpunk 2077 mixes:

• Electronic music

• Industrial beats

• Synthwave influences

• Punk-inspired tracks

• Atmospheric ambient audio

Radio stations help give the world personality and immersion.

Voice acting is also excellent across the main cast.

The emotional performances help elevate the story and create stronger attachment to the characters.

Environmental audio — crowded streets, distant sirens, advertisements, and city noise — constantly reinforces the feeling of living inside a futuristic megacity.

Phantom Liberty Expansion

A Massive Improvement for the Game

The Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansion significantly improved the overall experience.

The expansion introduces:

• A new district

• Spy-thriller storytelling

• Additional gameplay mechanics

• New endings

• Improved progression systems

• More polished combat encounters

Idris Elba joins the cast and delivers an outstanding performance.

Many players consider Phantom Liberty one of the best RPG expansions released in recent years.

Performance and Technical Improvements

The Game Has Changed Dramatically

Cyberpunk 2077’s original launch was heavily criticized because of bugs, crashes, AI issues, and poor console performance.

However, years of updates transformed the game significantly.

Modern versions now feature:

• Improved AI systems

• Better police mechanics

• More stable performance

• Reduced bugs

• Improved combat balancing

• Enhanced progression systems

• Better optimization

While occasional glitches still exist, the experience is dramatically better than the original launch version.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Incredible visual presentation

• Deep and immersive world design

• Strong story and characters

• Excellent soundtrack

• Flexible RPG progression systems

• Improved combat after updates

• Memorable side quests

• Phantom Liberty expansion is outstanding

Cons

• Some systems still feel underdeveloped

• NPC behavior can occasionally break immersion

• Driving mechanics are inconsistent

• Certain RPG systems lack depth compared to classic RPGs

• Launch reputation still affects perception

Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth Playing in 2026?

Absolutely.

Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into one of the best open-world RPGs available today.

The game now delivers the immersive sci-fi experience many players expected at launch.

Its world-building, atmosphere, storytelling, and visual presentation are among the strongest in modern gaming.

Players who enjoy futuristic settings, narrative-driven RPGs, and open-world exploration will find a massive amount of content to experience.

Final Verdict

Cyberpunk 2077 is a remarkable comeback story.

Despite its troubled launch, the game eventually became an ambitious, immersive, and emotionally engaging RPG experience.

Night City stands as one of the most visually impressive and atmospheric open worlds ever created, while the story and characters deliver genuine emotional impact.

With years of improvements and the excellent Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 now feels much closer to the masterpiece many players originally imagined.

Score: 9.2/10

Cyberpunk 2077 is now one of the strongest sci-fi RPGs of the modern era and a must-play experience for fans of open-world storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing in 2026?

Yes. The game has improved dramatically through updates and expansions.

Is Phantom Liberty necessary?

No, but it greatly improves the overall experience and is highly recommended.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 open world?

Yes. The game features a massive open-world city filled with side quests, exploration, and dynamic activities.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 an RPG?

Yes. The game includes RPG systems such as skill trees, dialogue choices, character builds, and progression mechanics.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 better now than at launch?

Absolutely. Major updates significantly improved performance, gameplay systems, AI behavior, and overall stability.