Cyberpunk 2077, the highly anticipated RPG from CD Projekt Red, was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised its ambitious scope and immersive world, others, particularly fans of the studio’s previous title, The Witcher 3, found it to be a disappointing experience.
A Departure from The Witcher’s Legacy
One of the main reasons Cyberpunk 2077 fell short for Witcher fans was its stark departure from the series’ beloved formula. The Witcher 3, with its emphasis on character-driven narrative, meaningful choices, and a vast, explorable world steeped in Slavic folklore, had set a high bar for immersive RPG experiences.
Cyberpunk 2077, on the other hand, traded these elements for a more action-oriented approach, focusing on fast-paced combat, a cyberpunk setting, and a protagonist with a predefined backstory. This shift in direction, while appealing to some, left many Witcher fans feeling alienated.
Lack of Choice and Consequence
A defining feature of The Witcher 3 was its intricate web of choices and consequences. Players’ decisions, both big and small, had a tangible impact on the game world and the fates of its characters. This created a sense of agency and immersion that was central to the game’s appeal.
Cyberpunk 2077, however, offered a more linear narrative, with limited opportunities for players to shape the story. While the game boasted multiple endings, the path to reaching them often felt predetermined, diminishing the sense of player agency that Witcher fans had come to expect.
Technical Issues and Unfulfilled Promises
Adding to the disappointment was Cyberpunk 2077’s buggy launch state, particularly on last-gen consoles. Glitches, performance issues, and other technical shortcomings plagued the game, further detracting from the overall experience. While CD Projekt Red has since released numerous patches to address these problems, the initial negative impression lingered.
Furthermore, pre-release marketing for Cyberpunk 2077 had promised a level of player freedom and choice that the final product failed to deliver. This discrepancy between expectation and reality contributed to a sense of disillusionment among Witcher fans.
Was Cyberpunk 2077 a Complete Letdown?
Despite its shortcomings, Cyberpunk 2077 wasn’t without its merits. The game’s world, while flawed, was still a marvel of environmental storytelling, and its cast of characters, though not as memorable as those in The Witcher 3, still offered moments of depth and intrigue.
However, for many Witcher fans, Cyberpunk 2077 represented a missed opportunity. It failed to capture the magic that made The Witcher 3 such a landmark title, leaving players with a sense of what could have been.
Conclusion
Cyberpunk 2077’s release was undeniably a disappointment for many Witcher fans. The game’s departure from the series’ core tenets, its lack of meaningful choice and consequence, and its technical shortcomings all contributed to a sense of unfulfilled potential.
While Cyberpunk 2077 offered glimpses of brilliance, it ultimately fell short of the high bar set by its predecessor, leaving many to wonder if CD Projekt Red could ever recapture the magic that made The Witcher 3 such a beloved and enduring classic.