"Blaze of Glory": Exploring Cyberpunk 2077's Best Level

Introduction

CD Projekt Red’s headline-grabbing and breathtaking game, Cyberpunk 2077, has created a truly special story within the gaming world. Upon release, the game fell victim to the collective hatred and disgust of an entire industry: plagued with game-breaking bugs and countless performance issues, the outcry that stemmed from its release was deafening. In all honesty, I found the game more than tolerable, even in this admittedly less than stellar state. The exceptional world, characters, and narrative kept me invested through the entirety of its runtime while the core gameplay offered compelling although underutilized systems. To me, the hope and love the developers had for the game was undeniable, despite some glaring issues.

Unfortunately, not everyone shared my sympathetic optimism. Public outrage erupted and the game was labeled as broken and unplayable: a sad, disappointing fate for one of 2021’s most anticipated titles. Yet the story doesn’t end there. After years of support, continuous improvements, an unbelievably remarkable anime, and an ambitious expansion, the once tragic Cyberpunk 2077 completed an inspiring redemption. Before continuing, I feel that this outstanding dedication of the team at CD Projekt Red should be endlessly applauded, choosing to deliver the unforgettable experience they dreamed of rather than simply moving on.

With the game’s return to headlines amidst the recent launch of Phantom Liberty, I decided to return to the neon-lit streets and technologically infused world of Night City. After reintroducing myself to the gameplay and familiarizing myself with the recent changes, I worked through the first few “main jobs”, as the game defines them. It wasn’t long until I reached one of the best missions in the game, where players embark on a daring heist that kicks off the game’s main conflict in spectacular fashion. The penultimate mission of Act One treats the player to an unforgettable set-piece, nearly unrivaled by anything else in the expansive game, showcasing exceptional design on every level.

Summary

For those unfamiliar with the game, "The Heist" follows the player character V and a small team as they attempt to steal the mysterious “relic” from the corporate fortress that is Konpeki Plaza. The mission represents the main through-point and foreseeable goal of the first act, as prior missions have tasked players with preparing for the Heist in various ways. The structure of this act continuously builds up to "The Heist", creating a palpable atmosphere of anticipation, nervousness, and importance. Following a final briefing going over the details of the heist, the mission opens with V and their closest companion, Jackie Welles, as they take an automated taxi to Konpeki Plaza.

The crew navigates through the hotel, eventually reaching the penthouse. From here, the operation explodes into chaos when the Arasaka patriarch is murdered by his son in an attempted coup. The pair attempt to hastily exit the building in a series of gunfights and stealth sections. Ultimately, when the integrity of the relic is compromised and Jackie meets an unfortunate end, V is forced to slot the relic in his own head, luckily saving himself after a brutal final betrayal.

The level’s intricate and winding plot creates an unforgettable experience, concluding the introduction in spectacular fashion and setting up the grand conflict of the remainder of the game. The pacing of this section is impeccable: balancing the slow, introspective scenes with invigorating action perfectly. Tension slowly rises, using character-driven scenes to build up a compelling conflict, making the eventual climax far more engaging.

Design

The design of the level is similarly impeccable and serves as a perfect example of how to intertwine visual and physical design. Although the gorgeous graphics of the game certainly elevate the experience, designers use architecture and scenery to convey narrative and emotion. At its earliest moments, the game shows the player the lively, colorful, but admittedly grimy Afterlife, a bar that perfectly encapsulates the crime-filled streets of Night City. The bar and the characters in it serve as staples for the rest of the game, so ensuring the player's first impression is a compelling one was essential for designers.

This environment is immediately juxtaposed by the imposing grandeur of Konpeki Plaza. The sleek, modern design seems lifeless despite an overwhelming focus on hospitality, which comes across as awkward and forced. The location's physical distance from the city as well as the distant, vibrant view of it further separates the hotel from V and the player’s comfort zone. This disconnect resonates in the characters as they enter the hotel, with each interaction demonstrating how out of place the pair are. The ground floor of the hotel mainly consists of a towering and undeniably intimidating room, where the extravagant and modern features clash with the traditional cultural fixtures scattered thoughtlessly.

The characters shown in the hotel reflect the aggressive and unforgiving corpo culture that lies at the core of many of the game's conflicts. Conversations can be heard reflecting various levels of the city’s moral degradation: ranging from the apathetic and abusive to horrifying crimes and complete political corruption. Behind the hotel’s spotless exterior hides a complex web of surveillance, demonstrating Arasaka’s unrivaled technical prowess and control. This establishes the corporation as a formidable but shapeless antagonist that is clearly greater than what V can handle.

The penthouse reflects many of these same values, but the most interesting aspect of the environment is how it is used as the conflict erupts. When V and Jackie are placed in a helpless, grave situation, they have no choice but to hide and watch a grisly scene unfold. By taking control out of the player’s hand in a diegetic way, V’s helplessness and the gravity of the situation are conveyed far more effectively.

From here, the level follows V’s fall into chaos and ruin in a literal descent through the indestructible entity that players just trembled through. From a gameplay perspective, this action is separated into distinct encounters, allowing players to switch between various playstyles as they wish. The layout of each encounter accommodates this, providing cover which serves fast-paced gunfights as well as methodical stealth. A combination of human enemies and weaponized technology provides a good variety and allows net running players to use their skills. While the mission inevitably leads to an intense firefight regardless of player choice, this does not come off as restrictive but rather a natural escalation and reflection of the severity of the situation. "The Heist" is a masterclass of technical art and level design which permeates through every stage of the level.

Characters

While I wouldn’t be the first to praise the characters of Cyberpunk 2077, "The Heist" offers an early look at some major players while subverting expectations and permanently altering the game’s narrative dynamics. As mentioned above, the game has spent its entire runtime up to this point building up The Heist and establishing a few key characters on V’s team. This structure seems to indicate the continued importance of these characters as they are used to help players familiarize themselves with the world, serving as a place of comfort in a new setting.

Of course, the disastrous heist leads to the deaths of nearly everyone involved: taking away V’s only allies, isolating the player and allowing players to prioritize future companions as they wish. Despite their limited time in the story, these characters have deep impacts throughout the player’s experience. The shady Dexter DeShawn, who ultimately betrays V and ignites the game’s main conflict, will create some cynicism in even the most altruistic players, teaching them the repercussions of trust in the dangerous streets of Night City. The enigmatic Evelyn Parker, whose undeniable charm and intelligence is rivalled only by her cunning, displays surprising depth as players uncover her true motivations and vulnerabilities.

But most notable is Jackie Welles, full of heart and charisma as he provides players with much-needed support and guidance in their early hours. It’s nearly impossible to tire of Jackie’s company due to his magnetic personality and relatable principles as he strives to ascend as a Night City Legend alongside V. It’s this depth and instrumentality to the opening act that makes Jackie’s death so impactful leaving players in the same state as V: feeling lost, overwhelmed, and robbed of more time with such an exceptional character. The impact of these characters can't be understated, as their presence draws in players and reinforce the beliefs and values at the heart of the city and game itself.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a truly engaging experience, bringing players into the unique world of Night City filled with compelling characters, exceptional visuals, and expressive gameplay. "The Heist" is a perfect encapsulation of the game at its best, where each pillar of design is used to its fullest potential. A perfect marriage of level design and technical art solidifies the environments as some of the game's best. Meanwhile the colourful cast of characters and unravelling plot reflect the impressive skill of CD Projekt Red's narrative team. This unforgettable level is a staple of V’s journey and serves as the perfect launching point for the intricate story ahead.