Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, was subject to a tumultuous initial release marked by numerous bugs and incomplete features. However, with the introduction of the significant 2.0 update, the developer now claims that the game was “always good” at its core. This statement has sparked discussions and divisive opinions among players.

The Rocky Start: Removed from PlayStation Store

Upon its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 faced a backlash due to a plethora of bugs, ranging from minor glitches to game-breaking issues. This led to a significant drop in the player count. Further, the game was temporarily removed from the PlayStation Store, calling into question its readiness at the time of launch.

The 2.0 Update: A New Beginning

CD Projekt Red released a 2.0 update on September 21, aiming to correct previous shortcomings. This extensive update introduced a series of changes, including a redesigned skill tree, a more robust cyberware system, and a revamped police system and car combat mechanics. Since then, the game has seen a resurgence in player activity, even competing with new releases like Starfield on Steam Charts.

Michal Zbrzezniak’s Take: Was the Game Always Good?

Cinematic Designer at CD Projekt Red, Michal Zbrzezniak, contributed to the debate on Twitter. His statement suggested that while the game had issues that were “bugged and undercooked,” the core elements like the mood, story, characters, art direction, gameplay, and music were always strong. According to him, these elements needed fixing, not a complete overhaul.

Community Reactions: A Divide in Opinions

The player community is split on the matter. On one hand, there are players who feel that the core story and characters were compelling from the start. These elements were not modified substantially in patches, leading this segment of players to believe that the game was fundamentally sound. On the other hand, some players strongly disagree with Zbrzezniak’s stance. They argue that the game was virtually unplayable at launch, lacking several features that are standard in games of similar genres. According to them, the 2.0 update has merely brought the game to a state where it should have been at launch.

The Latest Update: Well-Received but Not a Panacea

The 2.0 update has generally been well-received, with players praising the new features and gameplay enhancements in Night City. The developers recommend that both new and returning players should initiate a fresh save to fully explore the updated mechanics. However, it is important to note that while the update has improved the game’s standing, it hasn’t resolved all disagreements among players regarding its initial quality.

Looking Forward: Phantom Liberty Expansion

Further improvements and content are on the horizon with the upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion. Scheduled for release on September 26, this addition promises to bring more depth to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, potentially tilting the scales further in favor of the game’s quality.

Conclusion

Whether Cyberpunk 2077 was “always good” remains a point of contention among players and critics alike. While the 2.0 update has made strides in improving the game, it has not fully settled the debates surrounding its quality at launch. As CD Projekt Red continues to invest in updates and expansions, only time will tell if the game can fully recover from its rocky start and live up to its initial hype.

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