Bilgesu Erdem
In the realm of futuristic first-person RPGs, two giants emerge: Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield. While both immerse players in sprawling open-world universes, their gameplay experiences diverge. Cyberpunk 2077 invites players into a filmic narrative, emphasizing the unfolding story. Starfield, on the other hand, leans into its sandbox mechanics, giving players the freedom to roam and dictate their adventures.
Starfield boasts a fragmented universe with multiple worlds separated by loading screens, making it less fluid than Cyberpunk’s cohesive map. Yet, its liberty in gameplay and rich side activities such as planetary exploration and ship construction are undeniably engaging. Despite this, Cyberpunk 2077, drawing parallels with The Witcher 3, creates a world where every corner, every NPC, and every dialogue option serves the story, making choices feel monumental.
Mastery of Story and Combat
Narrative-wise, Cyberpunk 2077 takes the lead, crafting a world rich in detail and lore. Post its Update 2.0, the game has also enhanced its combat, making it more dynamic and action-packed than Starfield. Yet, when it comes to player agency and freedom, Starfield stands unparalleled. Every decision, every path taken, molds the story uniquely, delivering a personalized gameplay experience.
Technically speaking, the strides made by Cyberpunk 2077 since its inception are evident. What started as a game plagued with glitches and issues has now transformed into a visual spectacle. Meanwhile, Starfield’s technology, though expansive, sometimes feels outdated, with clunky animations and loading sequences that interrupt immersion.
Expansion Beyond the Horizon
Venturing beyond the main game, Cyberpunk 2077 presents “Phantom Liberty.” Set in Dogtown, this expansion trails characters V and Johnny Silverhand on a quest of high stakes. This addition to the Cyberpunk saga introduces new characters, missions, and thrilling activities, intensifying the core gameplay. Within its initial release week, Phantom Liberty marked an impressive feat by selling three million copies, echoing its success and acclaim.
With this achievement under their belt, CD Projekt RED sets its sights on their next venture, Project Orion, the sequel to the Cyberpunk saga.
Embracing Personalized Play
In choosing between Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield, player preference emerges as the ultimate decider. For those craving a rich storyline and refined gameplay, Cyberpunk 2077 awaits. However, for those yearning for unbridled freedom and a sandbox of opportunities, Starfield beckons. Regardless of choice, the future of RPGs looks promising, with each game carving its own niche in the expansive universe of gaming.
