Cyberpunk 2077 is expected on December 10, 2020; if there won’t be any more delays, that is. When it is finally released, the game will be available for almost every platform, including Google Stadia and your 7-years-old PS4. But how will it look on the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X?
A new Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay video emphasizes the difference between console generations.
In a recent investor call, Cyberpunk 2077’s developer CD Projekt RED explained that the latest delay was caused by issues arising from optimizing the game for last-gen consoles. Since the title will be released on Xbox One and the PS4, which don’t possess the power of PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, CD Projekt RED treats the optimization process as a great responsibility.
The video compares last-gen’s most powerful console, the Xbox One X, and its next-gen counterpart, the Xbox Series X. The goal is to show us that the game is playable on both console generations, which it clearly is.
But after watching the new gameplay video a few times, I’ve concluded that as of now, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t run smoothly on either console. At this point, however, I believe most players will let it slide.
Last-gen’s Last Fight
The first issue I found in the Xbox One X footage is the low framerate (which might result from streaming issues). It might not bother people if it occurs seldomly, but if it happens during a thrilling car chase, an intense gunfight, or any combination of the two, it will be more than noticeable.
Another performance issue I noticed is a graphics glitch later in the demo. You can see that spaces between buildings aren’t loading fast enough and appear as glowing white lines. I don’t know whether it is only on Xbox One X or even if this glitch will repeat itself, but it’s in the video.
Other than those two issues, it looks like the Xbox One X can run Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly. That is, of course, if your expectations are realistic and you know that this one game will not change the world’s perception of video games (or maybe it will? we’ll wait and see). The video also shows us reflective water puddles, mist, and some gunfights, which the console runs pretty well.
The Dark Future Through Next-gen Eyes
However, if you got your hands on a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a PC that can signal alien spaceships with its RGB lights, last gen’s problems shouldn’t concern you. On the other hand, even the new consoles are not problem-proof.
The Xbox Series X version runs much better. However, if I’m allowed to be a little petty for a second, I did notice some less-than-impressive draw distance. You can see distant towers in the background popping into existence as you drive around Night City, which isn’t very “next-gen.”
I’m certain that if CD Projekt RED had released Cyberpunk 2077 this week, no one would’ve screamed bloody murder over such a minor detail (although you can never know). From the same investors’ call I mentioned earlier, it’s clear CD Projekt RED is aiming for a 90+ Metacritic score on every available platform. It isn’t easy to pull off, but it seems CPR has complete faith the game will deliver the best experience it can in December.
The rest of the demo, by the way, shows a lot of gameplay. Some of it is interesting, while some just shows dark and dirty corridors. One thing is for sure: Night City’s streets look fantastic, like an amusement park for sci-fi fans. I think the driving alone is something worth getting excited over.
If you worry about how Cyberpunk 2077 will look on Sony’s consoles, rest assured: CD Projekt RED confirmed that a similar video for PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 should be available soon.
Cyberpunk 2077 will be released (hopefully) on December 10, 2020, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Google Stadia, and PC. Until then, here are some pretty screenshots:
