The hibernating netizens of Night City have begun to wake up over the past week after CD Projekt RED injected new life into Cyberpunk 2077 with the release of the game-changing 2.0 patch ahead of the now-just-released DLC, Phantom Liberty.
Now, if you’re someone who’s been engrossed in the dystopian allure of Cyberpunk 2077 since its inception, you’d know that the road has been rocky. But, it feels like we’re on the cusp of something truly transformational.
This premium expansion isn’t just any paid post-launch content. For all intents and purposes, Phantom Liberty is HIM, a term kids these days use. It’s the missing piece that punctuates the official revival and evolution of the entire adventure, giving its players that exhilarating, all-immersive experience they craved. The DLC introduces a brand new storyline – a concoction of espionage, political intrigue, and a daring rescue mission to save the President of the New United States of America. As the all-powerful politician finds herself powerless and in danger in Night City’s most perilous district, Dogtown, after a catastrophic incident, it’s up to V, our charismatic protagonist, to wade through layers of deception, danger, and power plays.
For the avid gamer and fan of the budding multimedia franchise, the highlight remains Solomon Reed, portrayed by an actor whose charisma knows little to no parallels, Idris Elba. With his inclusion and the return of Johnny Silverhand, the rockstar played by the ever enigmatic Keanu Reeves, the expansion promises cinematic brilliance. And the trailer? Oh, it’s a smorgasbord of action-packed sequences, high-octane chase scenes, and a hauntingly beautiful theme song – Phantom Liberty, delivered flawlessly by the Polish sensation, Dawid Podsiadlo. The art of creating a trailer that captures the heart, the grit, and the raw emotion of the story is no small feat. Yet, CD Projekt RED has managed to craft a visual masterpiece that captures every intricate detail and complex emotion tied to the expansion.
Interestingly, it appears the spotlight in this expansion is primarily on the female-presenting protagonist, V, voiced by Cherami Leigh. While there’s been some rumble in the community about the seeming sidelining of the male variant, it’s essential to remember that it’s all about the narrative’s demands and the evolving trajectory of the storyline. Given the past instances where customisable protagonists faced such tug-of-war scenarios, it’s a familiar territory for developers and fans alike.
However, let’s not digress. The trailer serves as a tantalizing teaser, piquing interest and setting the tone for what’s next. Scenes showcasing Solomon Reed’s deep involvement in Dogtown, combined with glimpses of other new characters, amplify the intrigue. With themes of loyalty, freedom, trust, and responsibility punctuating the narrative, this expansion seems poised to redefine Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative experience.
Of course, speculation remains rife. How does this expansion tie into the main story? Does it provide closure or open a new can of worms? Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear. With Phantom Liberty, CD Projekt RED isn’t just expanding a game – the award-winning Polish studio is reshaping an experience.
From the melancholic strains of the game’s theme song to the visually stunning portrayal of Night City and its denizens, it’s a feast for the senses.
With Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty poised to sign the brightest on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, fans now await the release of what’s effectively a new game that bookends the same month that saw the release of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PlayStation 5, Starfield, and Mortal Kombat 11, among others.
If the trailer’s tone and narrative depth are anything to go by, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty won’t have any issue standing out amongst its peers.
