When a game has a lot of hype surrounding its launch, it can often mean that its debut courts controversy and player disappointment. In any instance when player expectation is particularly high, like before the release of Cyberpunk 2077, meeting that level of anticipation can be almost impossible. For games like No Man's Sky, whose launch was nothing short of disastrous given the build-up it received pre-launch, developers were able to turn the tables and actually resurrect the title's reputation after several updates and patches. Other games fail to win back the fans, despite continuing support from developers.

With a long development cycle and years between its first showing and any significant look at gameplay, fans were clamoring to get their hands on Cyberpunk 2077 when it launched towards the end of 2020. Thanks to some game-breaking bugs and fewer features than players were initially promised, the reception of CD Projekt Red's sci-fi shooter was disappointing. Gamers felt shortchanged, with some even going so far as to demand refunds and the game being temporarily pulled from PlayStation's store. Now, over a year since its release, the developers have delivered on some of the things that fans expected from the game in the first place, making Cyberpunk 2077 a much more elevated, enjoyable, and finely-tuned experience compared to its state at launch.

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What's Included In The Latest Patch

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It's undeniable that Cyberpunk 2077 was a less than perfect game when it came out in 2020. There were severe graphical problems, issues with balance, and a litany of bugs that were either minor annoyances or game-breaking. After years of delays and hype, it was too much for a lot of players, and many condemned the game as a broken mess. But Cyberpunk 2077 did have some things going for it, like its expansive open-world setting, cool customization options, intriguing story, and a vast array of great side quests. Some fans stuck with the game, and by now they might be happy they did, thanks to the release of patch 1.5 for Cyberpunk 2077.

The recent patch has provided some much-needed fixes for several bugs and balance issues, as well as added some more cosmetic updates. The aim of patch 1.5 is mostly to fix Cyberpunk 2077's problems with the UI, core mechanics, and other functions that will make it much more playable and hopefully as bug-free as possible. Enemy AI has been vastly improved, providing more challenging and realistic combat to help make the game feel more rewarding.

NPC AI, in general, has been a particular focus, and pedestrians will no longer be personality-less pushovers if the player provokes them. For a setting as populated as Night City, this will have a huge impact on the game and will help to make the areas feel more authentic.

In addition to these fixes, driving has been extensively redesigned to help improve vehicle mechanics and drivability. In-game romances have also been refreshed, and Cyberpunk 2077 players are now able to sleep at their paramour's apartment. New interactions and message options have also been introduced to add depth to these important connections.

Why Gamers Should Give Cyberpunk 2077 Another Shot

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When players have waited so long for something and expected so much (especially if developers have promised a lot), the reality of it being less than perfect can be a huge disappointment, just like in Cyberpunk 2077's case. Nowadays, for better or worse, video games at launch aren't usually the finished product. Although in a perfect world, players would be able to purchase a game and that would be it, except for DLC content that is purposefully designed to come post-launch. Almost all games no longer work this way, and players have come to expect occasional updates and patches to improve gameplay and other features.

Even if players have been burned before, it seems the developer has been as good as its word in providing the continued support that Cyberpunk 2077 so desperately needs. While admittedly a lot of these fixes should have been present at launch, Cyberpunk 2077 was still a great game despite the bugs. Now that a lot of the major problems are being addressed, Cyberpunk 2077 has the potential to be an amazing game. Players shouldn't let their disappointment, or their prejudices from second-hand reports of problems, stop them from seeing what the game is now: An engrossing, original, bizarre, and at times truly beautiful experience.

Cyberpunk 2077 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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