Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: The Review
Overview
Phantom Liberty is Cyberpunk 2077 finally hitting its stride. This expansion throws you into a tense, spy-thriller storyline with major stakes, political drama, and some of the best characters the game has ever had. Dogtown is the star of the show, a gritty, chaotic new district packed with secrets and danger around every corner. And yes, Idris Elba absolutely kills it as Solomon Reed. With the 2.0 update fixing a bunch of the game’s old issues and tightening up the RPG systems, this feels like the version of Cyberpunk we were always meant to get. Sure, it’s not perfect: some pacing dips and minor bugs still show up, but honestly? If you’re into Cyberpunk at all, this is essential.
Score: 9 out of 10
The Positives ✅
Phantom Liberty is straight-up the best thing Cyberpunk 2077’s ever done. The story goes full spy-thriller, with backstabs, shady deals, and choices that actually hit. It’s got that slow-burn tension that keeps building, and yeah, by the end, you’ll be second-guessing everyone.
Idris Elba as Solomon Reed? He kills it. He brings real weight to every scene he’s in. The guy just walks into a room and you feel like stuff’s about to go sideways. Easily one of the best characters in the whole game.
And Dogtown is such a vibe. It’s messy, militarized, full of secrets, and feels nothing like the rest of Night City. You’re dropped into this lawless place and suddenly it’s all desperate factions, risky missions, and sketchy vibes everywhere.
Thanks to the 2.0 update, the gameplay finally feels tight. Combat’s more fun, cyberware actually matters, and the cops don’t act like brainless robots anymore. You also get a ton of new gear, like that Rasetsu sniper that basically deletes people.
Best part? Your choices matter this time. Like, really matter. There are multiple endings and each one feels like it belongs in a totally different movie. It’s not just a reskinned finale, it’s a whole new way the story could end.
If you’ve been sleeping on Cyberpunk, this is the one that makes it all click.
The Negatives ⚠️
As much as Phantom Liberty nails the big stuff, it’s not without its rough edges. Pacing can be a little uneven, there are moments where the story slows down, especially when you're bouncing between main missions and side gigs. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does take the wind out of the momentum sometimes.
Bugs? Yeah, a few still sneak through. It’s miles better than launch-day Cyberpunk, no doubt, but depending on your setup, you might run into the occasional glitch or weird frame drop. It’s mostly smooth, but not totally spotless.
There’s also a bit of missable content sprinkled around. If you’re not paying attention or rush through the main plot, it’s easy to skip past some cool side stuff without realizing it. No big warning signs either, just blink and it’s gone.
And finally, Dogtown kind of loses its magic after the credits roll. The zone feels packed and alive during the story, but once it's over, it doesn’t really evolve or react to what you’ve done. It’s still cool to explore, just not as lively as you'd hope for a place that made such a strong first impression.
The Experience 🎮
"Phantom Liberty" elevates Cyberpunk 2077 to the level fans always wanted, delivering a gripping story, a fully realized new district, and gameplay refinements that make Night City feel alive in ways it never did before. With top-tier performances, morally complex decisions, and an overhaul of core mechanics, this is the ultimate way to experience Cyberpunk 2077. While not entirely flawless, it’s a redemption arc not just for the game, but for the entire Cyberpunk brand. If you’ve been waiting for the definitive Cyberpunk experience, Phantom Liberty is it.
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