Cyberpunk 2077, a game that made waves in the gaming industry, is back with its first-ever expansion – Phantom Liberty. This expansion, coupled with the game’s 2.0 update, aims to fulfill the promises made by CD Projekt Red during the game’s initial release. Let’s delve into the details and see what Phantom Liberty has in store for us and how it alters the cyberpunk landscape.
The Setting and Theme
Phantom Liberty takes you on a thrilling journey into Dogtown, a new district in Cyberpunk 2077‘s world. Dogtown, unlike other regions in the game, is self-governed and offers a completely unique experience. The district is packed with details, secrets, and new content, making it a must-visit spot for every Cyberpunk 2077 enthusiast.
The expansion’s theme revolves around patriotism and the exploitation of individuals by corporations, a common thread in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe. Phantom Liberty explores this theme through its intriguing storyline and complex characters, offering gamers a thought-provoking narrative.
The Storyline
Phantom Liberty kicks off with an intriguing plot that involves the President of the New United States of America crash-landing in Dogtown. As V, the game’s protagonist, you are hired by her Secret Service detail to rescue her. This forms the crux of the expansion’s storyline and sets the stage for an engaging narrative. The decisions you make during the game have a direct impact on the storyline, making it an interactive and immersive experience.
The Characters
Phantom Liberty introduces new characters who add depth to the game’s storyline. The most notable ones are Songbird, an NUSA hacker, and Solomon Reed, a sleeper agent who is brought back into commission. These characters are played by Christine Minji Chang and Idris Elba, respectively, who deliver captivating performances and add to the game’s allure.
Additionally, Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves, makes a return in Phantom Liberty. Reeves’ performance in the expansion is arguably better than in the base game, thanks to the superior material he works with in Phantom Liberty.
The Gameplay
Phantom Liberty incorporates some significant changes in terms of gameplay. The expansion, along with the 2.0 update, introduces advanced rendering techniques that enhance the gaming experience. However, these techniques require high-end hardware, making it essential for gamers to have the right systems in place.
The game also introduces new areas with increased prop counts and NPC numbers. This can put a strain on the system, leading to frame rate issues. However, with the right settings and tweaks, these issues can be mitigated, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
The Verdict
The reviews for Phantom Liberty have been overwhelmingly positive. Gamers and critics alike have praised the expansion’s storyline, character development, and gameplay enhancements. The Phantom Liberty expansion, along with the 2.0 update, has been touted as a game-changer for Cyberpunk 2077, finally delivering on the promises made by CD Projekt Red during the game’s initial release.
The Best Settings for Phantom Liberty on Steam Deck
For those who want to enjoy Phantom Liberty on Valve’s handheld console, the Steam Deck, it’s essential to have the right settings. Given the performance enhancements introduced in the expansion and the 2.0 update, the game requires specific tweaks for optimal performance on the Steam Deck. These tweaks ensure good frame pacing and overall stability, making for an immersive gaming experience.
The Takeaway
Phantom Liberty is a significant milestone for Cyberpunk 2077. It not only introduces an engaging storyline and complex characters but also brings about much-needed gameplay enhancements. The expansion, along with the 2.0 update, is a testament to CD Projekt Red’s commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience. It’s safe to say that with Phantom Liberty, Cyberpunk 2077 has finally come of age and is set to take the gaming world by storm.
The Future of Cyberpunk 2077
While Phantom Liberty is reportedly the only expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, the game’s future looks promising. CD Projekt Red has indicated that they have more improvements in store for the game, particularly for the Steam Deck. This suggests that gamers can look forward to more exciting developments in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.
Final Thoughts
The release of Phantom Liberty marks a turning point in the journey of Cyberpunk 2077. The expansion, coupled with the game’s 2.0 update, breathes new life into the game, making it more captivating and immersive than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty is a must-play. So, gear up and dive into the thrilling world of Dogtown for an adventure unlike any other.
