Videogame Review: Cyberpunk 2077
[originally written December 2020]
The fundamental challenge of human technological progress is software. One could argue that software is in a way the last human invention. Machine Learning and AI will power all of the simulation needed for coming revolutions in robotics, autonomous vehicles, clean energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and beyond. We have the compute power to do much of this now and we’re still getting better at hardware every day. Software, however, is much more challenging, bottlenecked by human creativity and our capacity for managing ever more code complexity. In light of this, Cyberpunk 2077 is a delightfully meta experience.
In terms of the software, we simply aren’t there yet. The hardware is, given how gorgeously the game runs on PC. Consumers do not appreciate just how much more exponentially complicated game software has become in terms of lines of code and the range of user interactions. It is impossible to discover every game-breaking bug before release because we cannot yet simulate all possible player interactions. This is why so many modern games feel like they are still in alpha at release, and it is particularly bad for RPG’s that try to grant players freedom. It is no shock that somewhere along the line during Cyberpunk 2077’s 8 year long odyssey of development the game pivoted from RPG to open world adventure game.
The numerous trailers tell the story of that shift, culminating in the appearance of Keanu Reeves at E3 in 2019. You don’t include an expensive A-lister like that without a plan to get your money’s worth, which means a far more constrained narrative. Cyberpunk 2077 ultimately is more akin to Ghost of Tsushima or Grand Theft Auto than Fallout or Deus Ex. You get a big sandbox to play in, but not much actual role-playing..
This became apparent in the first ten minutes of the game where it turns out your starting class (corporate/nomad/streetkid) actually doesn’t matter; the story shoehorns you into a generic merc identity right at the start and aside from a few inconsequential dialog options, your initial class is totally forgotten. This is frustrating because even action RPG’s like the Souls games at least make starting classes affect stats, gear, and abilities. They could have implemented that here at least giving your character some unique gear or vehicles so that you can feel like you are defining your own protagonist. Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with missed opportunities like this.
And yet in spite of myself I have hope for this game. The combat is fun. The world is immense and gorgeous. The hacking/crafting/loot is engaging. The overall atmosphere and feel is really great in spite of a few anachronisms. (manually driving non-flying cars? lame). The raw material is there for an incredible game. A year from now after patches, updates, mods, and DLC flesh out the experience, Cyberpunk 2077 could be something amazing. I am rooting for this game just as in my career I am rooting for humanity to solve the great dilemma of software. I am young enough to hope to play Cyberpunk 2077 IRL someday.
Grade: B-
