Everybody enjoys a happy tale of restoration and atonement. The emotion of inspiring atonement is what matters, regardless of whether the protagonist is a stack of compiled code or a real person. One of the most anticipated games in recent memory was launched three years ago in such a horrible shape that it infuriated a lot of people to no end. Cyberpunk 2077 was a complete disaster that fell short of all expectations. Its protracted and difficult creation was hindered by the infamous illness that afflicted the R&R and metal band scenes in the 1980s: how to top the breakout album?

The Witcher 3 was the Appetite for Destruction and Cyberpunk 2077 was Lies, to use the example of Guns & Roses. To make sense of the spaghetti incident, you had to Use Your Illusion. However, CD Projekt Red came together rather than disbanding and blaming internal divisions for the company's irreversible conflicts. They assured everyone that everything would be fixed. In due course. In quiet, CDPR worked, burning the fuel that came from making too many promises and not living up to them. After almost three years, their redemption tale has finally come to an end.

The stunning Phoenix

The largest and finest update to Cyberpunk 2077 is intricately linked with the first (and final) expansion, The Curious Case of Phantom Liberty. The most recent iteration of CP2077 is 2.0. Its fundamental systems underwent redesigns and, in some situations, whole reconstructions. At last, the game realized its true potential and realized the initial idea. Cyberpunk 2077 was greatly improved with revamped loot and crafting, a whole overhauled advancement system, reworked cyberware, and several other minor adjustments. Similar to how No Man's Sky evolved after its underwhelming debut, CP2077 also seemed as a Phoenix that was gradually coming together. Whether you intend to purchase Phantom Liberty or not, it is now twice or three times worth your time.

You're in for a treat if you do. This extension seamlessly blends in with the primary plot to create a distinctive tale that deftly plays with politics and espionage. It introduces new characters, missions, and a new section of the city: the dystopian Dogtown, ruled by warlords. Idris Elba, a British actor best known for playing Stringer Bell in The Wire, also appears in it. That tiny TV series that is regarded as the greatest in history, you know? Bringing fresh lines and the same anarcho-annoying atmosphere, Keanu Reeves reprises his role as Johnny Silverhand. In the heart of Cyberpunk, I didn't like Johnny, and he didn't make me feel any differently about him now.

A last opportunity to live

In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, the conversation starts with someone other than Johnny prodding your relic chip. Songbird, a young lady, claims to know what's wrong with you and to be able to help, if you help her. Based on the nature of the encounter, you can tell she's serious. Pinging the biochip prototype of Arisaka, which is gradually murdering you, is strictly forbidden for con artists in general. She is the front-runner/confidante for NUSA president Myers, and she is having problems. A covert team downs the presidential jet into enemy territory, much as in Escape from New York. Even though Myers is still alive, Colonel Kurt Hansen's men are rapidly gathering at the accident scene.

Although they have a similar background and a similar balding physical appearance, Colonel Kurt is not at all like Colonel Kurtz from Apocalypse Now. Both of them are bitter ex-patriots gone wild, but Kurt turned into an attractive and successful warlord/businessman hybrid. He transformed Dogtown into a miniature version of Rio de Janeiro, complete with decaying concrete constructions and favelas underneath towering buildings, housing his wealthy associates. Dogtown is physically isolated from the rest of Night City and is a militaristic dystopia. This is not the place for police, and that goes double for any federal authority.

It's good to know the CIA still exists

Dogtown is home to NUSA (New United States of America) sleeper operatives, which is fortunate for both you and the madam president. After a seven-year break, Idris Elba's character Solomon Reed, an FIA (CIA from the future) agent, reactivates and helps with the exfil. The narrative gets off to a blazing start, but as the first mission's aftermath clears, the situation's intricacy becomes clear. Nearly all of the parties involved, including President Rosalind Myers, have a heavy burden of prior transgressions, setbacks, and personal betrayals. It would be a crime to reveal the plot's turnabout, but there are a couple unexpected turns and one really difficult choice. This is the finest tale that CD Projekt Red has ever produced. It's a masterpiece.

Cyberpunk 2077 is enhanced by the main mission in a number of noteworthy ways. In addition to its two drastically different endings, it allows for one more possible conclusion for the main plot, should certain requirements are met. A number of fascinating NPCs may also be found in Dogtown, the most notable of whom being Mr. Hands. He's the businessman/fixer with many goals for Dogtown, some of which he can accomplish with your assistance. Although the optional missions you may do for him have drastically different themes and tones, they are all excellent. The best part, in my opinion, was the undercover tale of two dishonest but utterly incompetent cops.

The largest, last, and first DLC

Offerings in Cyberpunk 2077: Even while Phantom Liberty might easily eat up thirty hours of your time, you won't regret it. For relapse gamers like myself, who finished the game in 2020 and never looked back, I would have appreciated the game to provide some kind of summary. I chose to start a fresh game and installed Phantom Liberty, which sent me to the exact middle of the whole game. I was completely bewildered for the first several hours, unable to distinguish between the old and new or to understand the upgraded systems. Everything fell into place eventually, of course, but I wish I had more time to make a real new start.

This is the ideal moment to play CP2077 if you have been waiting for the promised fixes. Phantom Liberty isn't a must-have to appreciate its magnificence, but if you do, it will elevate the experience beyond belief. Having anything significant like this is a lovely rarity in the DLC-era of shallow fluff.