The makers of The Witcher series return with an RPG rich with imagination and limitless possibility.
Game: Cyberpunk 2077
Developer: CD Projekt RED
Genre: RPG
Format: PC, PS4, XBO, PS5, XSX
Release Date: Dec 10
The very best RPGs leave a lasting impact you’ll never forget. You step into a world as nothing and build your character into a force that’s a catalyst for massive change on the world. That act of role-playing, where you make every decision and write your own story, rewards player investment with unparalleled immersion. And few developers are as good at it as CD Projekt RED.
In Cyberpunk 2077 you’ll experience a world unlike any you’ve encountered before. One bustling with life and soul; happy to go about its thing whether you’re in the middle of it or not. The sprawling, dystopian metropolis of Night City, ruled as it is by megacorporations and situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, will blow you away. Whether you’re exploring on foot or tearing it up in a vehicle.
Where Cyberpunk 2077 really shines, however, is in what you can achieve in this world. You play the character V, a wannabe mercenary looking to make a name for themselves in the underground; navigating not only the cracks between the skyscrapers but also the dark recesses of the Net. As you complete jobs, built your reputation and earn coin, you can cybernetically enhance your body, ensuring your character is always levelling up in new and interesting ways.
Ultimately, you are free to become a powerhouse tank or a hacker that relies on stealth and manipulating the connected world to their advantage. But most likely you will end up somewhere in-between. And as every part of the city, every encounter, and even story dialogue and missions, are open-ended, you’re free to combine your skillset with your imagination to solve any situation in your own unique way. That sense of gameplay freedom is exhilarating.
It doesn’t hurt that everything is so perfectly executed. Interactions with characters, driving, exploration, hacking, crafting, entering the Net and combat all work a treat. Combat, in particular, is razer sharp. Gunplay and RPGs have never quite got on well together in the past, but here the combat is as smooth as Call of Duty.
We won’t dive too much into the overarching story here, but it’s a winner. While the story itself isn’t linear, there are several narrative sequences to enjoy, including a starring role for none other than Keanu Reeves. No wonder Cyberpunk 2077 is a contender for best game of 2020. This is genuine, blockbuster, adult gaming. Plug in and lose yourself!
For the full article grab the December 2020 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
