CD Projekt Red has rolled out Update 2.2 for Cyberpunk 2077, stirring a blend of excitement and skepticism among the community. While it’s difficult to complain about free content, this update seems to bring a mix of features that might not have been high on everyone’s priority list.

New Features and Additions

1. Character Customization: Players now have more options for personalizing V, including new makeup styles, tattoos, and cyberware enhancements. While these additions enhance the player’s ability to express their unique vision of V, their relevance outside of photo mode is debatable especially given the game’s lack of 3rd person mode.
2. Vehicle Customization: The update introduces expanded CrystalCoat technology, allowing for new paint jobs on more car brands. This feature caters to those who enjoy the aesthetics of their ride, but for others, it may seem more like window dressing. Customizable cars have been a thing since the PSOne era and possibly earlier.
3. Photo Mode Enhancements: Improvements to the photo mode include better camera controls, new lighting options, and the ability to spawn NPCs. These tweaks certainly make capturing the vibrant world of Night City more engaging, but they might not address more pressing gameplay issues that players hoped for.
4. Johnny Silverhand: A quirky yet charming addition, Johnny will occasionally join V in the passenger seat during drives, adding a bit more flavor to the overall experience. It’s a nice touch, but again, it feels like an extra rather than a core improvement.

The Community’s Reaction

The reaction to these updates has been mixed. On one hand, the introduction of new content—especially free content—is always a welcome gesture from developers. It shows ongoing support and a desire to keep the game evolving. On the other hand, some players feel that these features, while nice to have, don’t necessarily address more fundamental issues or add substantial new content that enhances the core gameplay experience.

Balancing Substance and Style

It’s clear that the update focuses heavily on cosmetic and aesthetic improvements. For players deeply invested in photo mode or those who love customizing their avatars and vehicles, these updates might hit the mark. However, for others, it seems like these additions were lower on the priority list, perhaps leftover content that didn’t make it into earlier patches.

Looking Forward

As Cyberpunk 2077 continues to evolve, it’s crucial for CD Projekt Red to balance these cosmetic updates with more substantive changes that enhance gameplay, fix lingering bugs, and add meaningful content. The game has come a long way since its rocky launch, but the journey towards realizing its full potential continues.

Conclusion

While Update 2.2 brings some interesting and visually appealing features to Cyberpunk 2077, its focus on cosmetic additions may not satisfy all players. As always, the hope is that future updates will strike a better balance between aesthetics and gameplay improvements, ultimately enriching the experience for everyone exploring Night City.