Has CDPR Peaked??

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As for what genre CP2077 falls into, I'd argue it's difficult to say, because Cyberpunk itself doesn't seem to know what genre it is/wants to be
At it's core, it's a combination of four different "games" : rpg, open world, Immersive sim, and "looter".
But spreads itself too thin, not being outstanding at any, while different elements of it clash against one another, and make it feel less than sum of it's parts.
Worst, by a galactic mile, is the looter. Every aspect of it is shallow and poorly designed, and it makes looting feel like a chore instead of addictive activity. At the same time it makes all other aspects of the game outside of main narrative worse. -10/10.
As an open world, Cyberpunk highlights CDPR's strengths and weaknesses to the extreme. The world shines in it's visual and audio ambience, it's art department, but it's simulation systems are poor and there is not much content. It also feels uninspired and outdated in how it connects player to it exclusively through UI, like a generic Ubisoft game from 2010s. Massive level of disparity in skill/talent between different departments.
As Immersive sim, it offers good amount of freedom in how to approach most missions and level design is generally good. But it lacks more "tight" and interactive gameplay systems ( with mission design) that promote player decision making, while looter elements go against it.
And as an rpg, progression mechanics are shallow and dull, there are few dialogue options, and some light c&c. Emphasis on task-oriented gigs and reading shards, also takes away interaction with npcs and emotional involvement into quests, as well as some decision making ( I think this what separates it from Witcher III, as this was one of it's best features). Looter also cripples every rpg and gameplay system.
Some parts of the game are outstanding: character/emotional moments, cinematic direction, several quests, music, ambiance.
Game would be a lot better off if "looter" was completely replaced with classic rpg itemization that complements lore/worldbuilding, while having more character and dialogue driven quests.
In that case, when hate cycle and initial disapointment has died out, most people would accept it as great game in it's own right, even if it didn't turn out to be Ultimate open world rpg that takes all the best elements of similar games and does them better.

CDPR's management loves to say:

"Our main goal is to be in the Top 3 video game developers in the world."

But you'll never achieve that by copying design of other games without having coherent, unique, strong design direction of your own.

Those that really make it big are the Trailblazers, developers that create their own genres, and others imitate them.
 
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