Summary
Cyberpunk 2077is fast approaching its release ofPhantom Liberty, and fans of CD Projekt Red’s first-person shooter can expect to see a brand-new gameplay trailer on August 22. Though the launch ofCyberpunk 2077left a bitter taste for many players that bought into the hype, the once-controversial title’s climb on the road to redemption is almost done. Whether it succeeds in rebranding its reputation along the lines ofFinal Fantasy 14orNo Man’s Skyremains to be seen, but it’s hard to deny thatPhantom Liberty’s extensive gameplay overhaulis an ambitious attempt.
From a rebuilt law enforcement system and better NPCs in the open world to completely redesigned skill trees and cybernetics,Phantom Libertyis designed to give players a version ofCyberpunk 2077closer to the original developer vision. Though the patches have managed to fix the technical issues that plaguedCyberpunk 2077on release, as well as offered several quality-of-life features missing from the game,Phantom Libertyis CD Projekt Red’s chance to overhaulCyberpunk 2077’s most-criticized aspects.
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A tweet by Geoff Keighley andCyberpunk 2077’s official account teased the release of a new gameplay trailer on August 22, during the opening night of Gamescom 2023 at 2:00PM ET. Given its release date of September 26, it can be assumed that this will be the last trailer forCyberpunk 2077’s first (and final) expansion pack before launch.Phantom Liberty’s playtesters have praisedthe upcoming overhaul, and expectations have been suitably raised forCyberpunk 2077once again.
However, the gaming landscape is far different in 2023 compared to 2020. Thestaggering success ofBaldur’s Gate 3, coupled with the highly-anticipated release ofStarfieldmeans thatPhantom Libertywill be facing some competition. ThoughCyberpunk 2077frequently enjoyed discounts in the past few months, players interested in the full experience will need to set aside $29.99 to purchase the upcoming expansion. Featuring Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, CD Projekt Red spared no expense in givingPhantom Libertythe same star power that the original game enjoyed.
Regardless of how its launch goes, the developers are confident in their vision forPhantom Liberty, asCyberpunk 2077’s sequelwill be helmed by its director. Given thatPhantom Libertywas allegedly developed without crunch, Gabe Amantangelo has not only altered the direction ofCyberpunk 2077as a franchise but also the work culture of CD Projekt Red as a company. Hopefully,Phantom Libertywill be remembered as a return-to-form for the studio that broughtThe Witcher 3to the gaming world, as players will get one last glimpse into its gameplay on August 22.
Cyberpunk 2077is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.Phantom Libertylaunches on September 26.
