Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty cover image

Links

Steam

Epic

MONSTER

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Item: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Crime, Open World, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 26, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperCD Projekt Red Studio

Overview

Phantom Liberty is a spy-thriller expansion for the open-world action-adventure RPG Cyberpunk 2077. When the orbital shuttle of the President of the New United States of America is shot down over the deadliest district of Night City, there’s only one person who can save her — you. Become V, a cyberpunk for hire, and dive deep into a tangled web of espionage and political intrigue, unraveling a story that connects the highest echelons of power with the brutal world of black-market mercenaries. Infiltrate Dogtown, a city-within-a-city run by a trigger-happy militia and ruled by a leader with an iron fist. With the help of NUSA sleeper agent Solomon Reed (Idris Elba) and the support of Johnny Silverhand (Keanu Reeves), unravel a web of shattered loyalties and use your every skill to survive in a fractured world of desperate hustlers, shadowy netrunners, and ruthless mercenaries. Built with the power of next-gen hardware in mind, Phantom Liberty offers brand-new gameplay mechanics, nail-biting courier jobs, gigs, and missions — and a thrilling main quest where freedom and loyalty always come at a price.

Elsewhere

9.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and intriguing plot twists. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Impulsegamer highlighted the spy-thriller elements, with Cultured Vultures mentioning the twists and turns reminiscent of Nolan's style, while Impulsegamer praised the storyline for its tough choices and memorable set pieces. Characters were a standout feature, with Game Informer noting a great cast of personalities and TrueAchievements appreciating the deep, complicated, and well-written new characters introduced in the expansion. The narrative was commended for seamlessly integrating with the base game, providing additional content and impactful choices, as noted by Hey Poor Player. On the flip side, some critics found issues with the predictability and lack of impactful choices in the storyline of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. PC Invasion criticized the narrative for feeling linear and lacking meaningful choices, likening the gameplay to a text adventure with limited impact on the story. PC Gamer mentioned conflicting feelings about a 'bad' ending, indicating that not all narrative choices resonated positively with every critic. Additionally, PCMag highlighted the importance of choice and consequence in the expansion but did not delve into specific shortcomings in this area. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The expansion was praised for delivering a gripping narrative filled with emotional moments, intense character interactions, and impactful decisions that added depth to the game world. Critics appreciated the spy-thriller motif, complex characters, and the expansion's ability to offer a fresh and engaging experience while seamlessly integrating with the base game. Despite some criticisms regarding predictability and lack of impactful choices, the majority of reviewers found the story to be a significant improvement over the base game, with Game Rant even suggesting that it surpassed the original in some instances. The narrative of Phantom Liberty was celebrated for its depth, nuance, and ability to immerse players in a cyberpunk world filled with espionage, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for its engaging spy-thriller narrative, complex characters, and impactful decisions. While some critics found issues with predictability and lack of meaningful choices, the majority lauded the expansion for its gripping story, emotional moments, and seamless integration with the base game. Overall, it's hailed as a significant improvement, offering a fresh and immersive experience filled with espionage, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, highlighting various positive aspects. COGconnected appreciated the complete overhaul of the skill system, providing a more purposeful experience and allowing for different playstyles. Cultured Vultures mentioned how the game enhances action gameplay with new abilities and quickhacks, offering a power trip experience with compelling combat flow. GameGrin and GameSpew both noted the addition of new gameplay tweaks and additions, such as a Relic skill tree, redesigned perks, vehicular combat, and rewarding side quests, which enriched the overall gameplay experience. However, some critics did point out certain negatives in the gameplay of Phantom Liberty. Gamepressure mentioned that the gameplay lacked epic fights or unique puzzles, while PC Invasion noted the overwhelming number of weapons and lack of challenge in missions. Press Start Australia highlighted that firing from a moving car didn't feel great, indicating some issues with the vehicular combat mechanics. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay remained positive among the majority of reviewers. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The game's improvements in combat mechanics, skill trees, mission structures, and the addition of new elements like vehicular combat and diverse choices were widely appreciated. Critics like INVEN, who mentioned significant improvements in gameplay mechanics, and IGN Brasil, who praised the dynamic and creative combat, contributed to the overall positive reception. While there were some minor drawbacks highlighted by a few critics, the general sentiment leans towards a highly enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience in the Phantom Liberty DLC of Cyberpunk 2077.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's gameplay enhancements like revamped skill systems and exciting combat flow, with new abilities and side quests enriching the experience. Despite some minor criticisms about lack of epic battles and challenging missions, overall sentiment remains positive. Reviewers praise the game for its dynamic combat and diverse choices, making it a highly enjoyable addition to Cyberpunk 2077.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of positives, the critics generally praised the graphics and visual design of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Many highlighted the stunning visuals, with IGN mentioning the best-in-class visuals and advanced character animations. PCMag specifically commended the eye-catching new location of Dogtown, which juxtaposes lavish wealth and poverty in a dystopian setting, enhancing the overall visual experience. PLAY! Zine also noted that the game looks stunning and rivals photorealism, with new graphical updates like path-tracing for more realistic lighting effects. The setting was described as evoking a noir atmosphere reminiscent of Blade Runner films, adding to the immersive visual experience. On the negative side, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. COGconnected pointed out various visual bugs that negatively impacted the overall experience, such as NPCs walking through objects and lip sync issues. PC Invasion mentioned that the new area, Dogtown, offered little visual enhancement to the base game and failed to address underlying visual issues. PC Gamer also expressed disappointment in the lack of integration of Dogtown with Night City and limited interactivity, which hindered the overall visual experience for some critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the graphics and visual design of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Critics like GAMINGbible and GamesHub appreciated the improved visuals and the transformation of formerly flat areas into visually captivating environments drenched in neon. Despite some technical issues and lack of integration in certain areas, the majority of critics praised the detailed and immersive world design, with IGN Brasil highlighting the enhanced visuals with DLSS 3.5 for NVIDIA GPUs. The visual storytelling, unique districts like Dogtown, and the overall atmosphere of Night City were widely praised, making Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty a visually impressive experience for many players and critics alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praised the stunning graphics and visual design of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, highlighting its best-in-class visuals, advanced character animations, and immersive noir atmosphere reminiscent of Blade Runner. However, some pointed out visual bugs and lack of integration in certain areas like Dogtown. Overall, the majority of critics appreciated the improved visuals, detailed world design, and unique districts, making it a visually impressive experience despite some issues.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics unanimously highlight the exceptional quality of the Sound Design and Music in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Digital Trends and Twinfinite both praise the top-notch performances and sound design that immerse players in the espionage thriller setting. XboxEra commends the writing, which is enhanced by excellent voice acting and incredible music. Gamepressure emphasizes the immersive experience, stating that Dogtown feels alive through the audio elements. VideoGamer and WellPlayed specifically mention the solid voice acting performances, emotional depth, and impressive musical performances by Grimes' character. Overall, the majority of critics appreciate the attention to detail and the immersive atmosphere created by the sound design and music, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While the critics overwhelmingly praise the Sound Design and Music of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, there are no significant negative opinions mentioned in the reviews provided. It appears that the game excels in this aspect, with no major flaws or shortcomings noted by the critics. The absence of negative feedback regarding the sound design and music indicates a high level of consistency and quality throughout the game, contributing positively to the overall experience. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The majority of reviewers, including Digital Trends, Twinfinite, XboxEra, Gamepressure, VideoGamer, and WellPlayed, highlight the exceptional quality of the sound design, voice acting, and music in the game. The immersive atmosphere, top-notch performances, and emotional depth delivered through the audio elements are widely appreciated. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty succeeds in creating a captivating and engaging auditory experience that significantly enhances the overall gameplay, earning high praise from critics across different platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for its exceptional Sound Design and Music, creating an immersive espionage thriller setting. No major flaws noted, highlighting top-notch performances, voice acting, and music that enhance the overall gameplay experience. The game's attention to detail and immersive atmosphere receive high acclaim, with critics commending the consistency and quality of the audio elements. Overall, reviewers from various platforms laud the game for its captivating auditory experience, emotional depth, and solid voice acting performances by Grimes' character.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers highlighted the standout performances of renowned actors such as Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves, who brought depth and emotion to their respective characters. COGconnected praised Idris Elba's portrayal of Solomon Reed as "fantastic" and "the finest acting in the game," while Checkpoint Gaming commended the strong vocal performances that elevated the tense sci-fi political thriller tale. Cultured Vultures and Digital Trends also lauded the contributions of Elba and Reeves to the immersive experience, with Gaming Nexus mentioning how Elba's tone and gravitas suited his role as a covert spy. Despite the overall positive reception, a few critics did point out some drawbacks in the voice acting of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. PC Invasion mentioned that while the inclusion of Idris Elba added a celebrity selling point, the excessive dialogue and poor pacing hindered the gameplay experience. They also noted that new characters lacked depth and came across as one-dimensional. VGC humorously commented on Elba's American accent occasionally taking a "transatlantic holiday," suggesting some inconsistencies in the voice performances. These criticisms indicate that while the majority of critics found the voice acting to be very good, there were some minor issues that affected the overall experience for a few reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Reviewers such as IGN and IGN Brasil praised the performances of Elba, Reeves, and Christine Minji Chang for bringing depth and emotion to the characters, enhancing the storytelling experience. Push Square highlighted Elba's charismatic performance as Solomon Reed, while Game Rant emphasized how Elba's portrayal added depth to the characters and enhanced the storytelling. The general sentiment is that the voice acting, particularly the contributions of talented actors like Elba and Reeves, significantly elevated the overall quality of the game and contributed to its immersive and engaging narrative.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty has been widely praised by critics, with standout performances from Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves adding depth and emotion to the characters. While some critics noted drawbacks such as excessive dialogue and inconsistent accents, the majority found the voice acting to be very good. Overall, reviewers agree that the talented actors elevated the game's quality and contributed to its immersive storytelling experience.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, several critics noted improvements in stability and performance compared to the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Critics like Digital Trends and Hardcore Gamer highlighted enhanced stability in frame rate, physics, and AI, with fewer technical issues experienced overall. However, some reviewers, such as Hey Poor Player and Meristation, mentioned occasional frame drops, gameplay-impacting bugs, and framerate issues during high-speed chases, indicating that the game still has room for optimization on the PS5 platform. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Press Start Australia and XboxEra praised the game for being in its best shape ever, with no major issues encountered during the main questline. However, TrueAchievements pointed out that the game had a difficult launch with game-breaking bugs, raising concerns about whether these issues have been fully resolved in the DLC. XboxEra specifically highlighted fantastic performance on the Xbox Series X and PC, with constant 60fps at max settings and high ray tracing, showcasing a positive experience on this platform. Across all platforms, the overall consensus among critics indicates a mixed bag of technical performance for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. While some reviewers like Slant Magazine and Gamepressure noted minimal to no major technical issues on PC, others like COGconnected and Hey Poor Player highlighted occasional crashes, visual bugs, and gameplay disruptions on various platforms. Despite improvements post-launch and with updates, there still seems to be a divide in opinions regarding the game's technical stability and performance, with some critics praising the enhancements made over time, while others point out lingering issues that affect the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise PS5 improvements in stability for Cyberpunk 2077 but note some frame drops. Xbox Series X sees a smoother experience, though launch bugs raise concerns. Mixed reviews on technical performance overall, with some platforms showing better optimization than others.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, the critics generally praise the Replay Value of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for offering a significant amount of additional content that enhances the gameplay experience. Cultured Vultures highlights the tough decisions and branching paths in the DLC that showcase CD Projekt Red's narrative depth, while GameSpew mentions the rewards and items that can be carried over to the main game, adding longevity to the overall experience. Gamereactor UK and INVEN appreciate the new missions and storylines that provide hours of gameplay, giving the game a second life for players who have already explored Night City. Additionally, XboxEra and IGN commend the multiple endings and choices that deeply impact the story, encouraging players to replay the game to explore different outcomes and character builds. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the Replay Value of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Impulsegamer criticizes the side quests for feeling rushed and padded, potentially diluting the overall quality of the content. PC Invasion notes the linear storyline and limited player agency in the expansion, which may hinder the replayability for some players. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers a wealth of content, there are aspects of the gameplay experience that may not fully deliver on the promises of a truly engaging and diverse replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Replay Value of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Critics like Digital Trends, GamesHub, and Noisy Pixel emphasize the difficult choices, consequences, and emotional impact of the story that make replaying the game worthwhile. Game Rant and Screen Rant highlight the different endings and unique gameplay hours that add to the replayability factor. Despite some criticisms from Impulsegamer and PC Invasion, the majority of critics appreciate the additional content, branching paths, and narrative depth that the expansion offers, making it a compelling reason for players to revisit Night City and explore new possibilities within the game world.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for its rich replay value with additional content, tough decisions, and branching paths that enhance gameplay. While some express concerns about rushed side quests and limited player agency, overall consensus is positive, citing new missions, multiple endings, and engaging narrative as reasons to revisit Night City for a fresh experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for its numerous positives. Critics like Cultured Vultures and INVEN highlighted the game's engaging storytelling, improved gameplay mechanics, and compelling narrative, making it a must-play for fans of the cyberpunk genre. Game Informer and Push Square commended the expansion for showcasing significant improvements to the base game, providing a strong experience for both experienced players and newcomers. Additionally, critics such as Game Rant and IGN Brasil appreciated the well-developed characters, impactful narrative elements, and impressive visuals, making Phantom Liberty a standout addition to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe. On the other hand, a few critics expressed some negative aspects of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. PC Invasion felt that the expansion fell short of expectations and did not provide a compelling reason to revisit the game. However, this sentiment was in the minority, with the vast majority of critics overwhelmingly positive about the DLC. It's worth noting that different critics may have varying opinions based on personal preferences and experiences with the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The expansion is praised for breathing new life into the game, solidifying its position as one of the best games of the generation. Critics like Hey Poor Player and PCMag lauded the DLC for delivering a memorable and satisfying experience, with rich story beats, gameplay improvements, and additional zones. The general sentiment is that Phantom Liberty not only enhances the Cyberpunk 2077 experience significantly but also marks a significant improvement and completion of the game, showcasing CD Projekt Red's dedication to the franchise. The overwhelmingly positive reception from the majority of critics indicates that Phantom Liberty is a must-play expansion that successfully revitalizes the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, praising its engaging storytelling, improved gameplay, and compelling narrative. The expansion showcases significant improvements and well-developed characters, impressing critics like Game Informer and IGN Brasil. While some critics had minor negative feedback, the majority agree that Phantom Liberty breathes new life into the game, solidifying its status as a standout addition to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.

MONSTER

Reviews

187 reviews found

100

Press Start Australia

Xbox Series X

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Cyberpunk 2077, along with the Phantom Liberty expansion and the 2.0 upgrade, delivers the promised Cyberpunk experience and stands out as a must-play for role-playing fans. It praises the team's persistence in course correcting and transforming the game.

100

WellPlayed

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The expansion, Phantom Liberty, is highly recommended as it enhances the Cyberpunk 2077 experience significantly, with improved gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and impressive performances, making it a must-play for both newcomers and existing players.

Read full review

100

PC Games

PlayStation 5

Sep 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is praised for its exceptional story and integration with the main game, offering a compelling espionage thriller experience with moral dilemmas and shifting allegiances.

Read full review

IGN Brasil

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Liberty is a great continuation of Cyberpunk 2077's main story, arriving at a strong technical and creative point in the game's lifecycle. The DLC introduces well-developed characters and impactful narrative elements, making it a must-play for fans of the RPG genre.

Read full review

Gamepressure

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic storyline with plenty of feels, entertainment, joy, and technical bells and whistles.

Read full review

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is described as a must-play expansion that is a far cry from the game's tumultuous launch. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to dive back into Night City.

Read full review

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Sep 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

"Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty" is a standout title in the cyberpunk genre, destined to become a classic. Despite some framerate issues, it excels in narrative, main missions, and side activities.

Read full review

XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, along with Patch 2.0, finishes off the game's miraculous comeback story. It is now considered a true masterpiece.

Read full review

Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Liberty praised for breathing new life into Cyberpunk 2077 and solidifying its position as one of the best games of the generation. Final verdict of 4.5/5, recommending the experience to all players.

Read full review

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Sep 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The expansion is praised for effectively re-launching the game and improving the base game, with outstanding content and improvements that should grab the attention of even the harshest critics.

Read full review