The initial feedback for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is overwhelmingly positive, indicating a significant turnaround for CD Projekt Red following the bumpy launch of the base game.
The expansion has achieved an impressive average score of 88 on both Metacritic and Opencritic, based on 37 and 64 critic reviews respectively. This marks a substantial improvement from the base game's average of 76, which was adversely affected by scores of 61 on Xbox One and 57 on PS4—platforms that faced severe technical issues.
Forbes provided the highest praise, granting the expansion a perfect 10. They described it as an excellent development in the turbulent story of Cyberpunk 2077, generating excitement for the upcoming sequel. GameSpot echoed this sentiment, lauding the story and deeming it a culmination of the best aspects of Cyberpunk.
The majority of other reviewers reached similar conclusions. While not all deemed it flawless, they rated the new DLC highly and often emphasized its complete transformation from its initial state. They also noted that it was an opportune moment for those who were disheartened by the original release to give it another go.
However, not all shared the same level of enthusiasm. PC Invasion rated it a four out of ten, acknowledging some improvements but asserting it fell short of the hype due to a lack of substantial RPG choices. Attack of the Fanboy concurred, giving it a more lenient three and a half out of five while highlighting the same shortcomings.
Despite a few dissenting voices, the overwhelming sentiment from reviews is positive. They indicate that the expansion has elevated Cyberpunk 2077 to the exceptional standard CD Projekt Red initially envisioned.
Since its release, the game has come a long way, and it appears that the Phantom Liberty expansion is the crowning achievement for Cyberpunk 2077.
The official release is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 26, and fans are eagerly anticipating it.
