Cyberpunk: Edgerunners — No Bugs or Glitches… Just Awesomeness
It makes a better impression than the game, that’s for sure.
Almost two years ago, the notorious launch of Cyberpunk 2077 happened. I could go on and on about all the facets and prerequisites that led to that travesty, but it’s over and left in the past now, and I have no idea if the game fixed some or most of its major problems, let alone make the game better. Regardless, that didn’t stop them from working on a tie-in anime released about a month ago named Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. How was it? Great! Exceptionally better than the game; I can say that much.
At first glance, I wasn’t too interested in this supposed “anime,” which, for some reason, has an abundance of Western influences in its design (meaning that it’s not entirely an anime). But realizing how bored I am and desperate for something new, it was an excellent opportunity to write about something other than a game. With nothing better to do, I decided to check out this new Netflix anime, and lo and behold — it’s surprisingly good. Even though I started watching the first episode from a cynical point of view, I was immediately captivated by the worldbuilding and animation, so much so that I wanted to continue watching the series. What started as a project that was supposed to be just three episodes, for research purposes only, ended with a binge-watch, leaving me with only two final episodes to watch to finish the series. I liked it that much…
The universe of Cyberpunk 2077, and by extension the franchise, started as a tabletop role-playing game in the 80s (similar to Dungeons & Dragons, but set in the future). So, if there’s one thing that remains true to the franchise’s media, it’s the world in which it happens, and there’s a lot to say about it…
Too much reliance on technology
The story of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners chronicles the evolution of David Guttierez, who transforms from a typical teen in the year 2076 to a renowned gangster in the dystopian streets of Night City. I initially didn’t care too much for his character since there seemed nothing too out of the ordinary about him, as all I wondered was what it would be like if everyone were 76% machine, almost as if they don’t care for the good ol’ body composition of flesh and blood. But once the shit hits the fan, David takes action and shows what it truly means to be a tenacious gangster. Also, there’s quite a bit of romance, but I won’t spoil too much.
The animation was excellent, courtesy of Studio Trigger. I haven’t watched any of their previous works, but they have made a name for themselves with anime such as Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia. Not that it matters if one is familiar with them because you don’t need to know who made it to realize that this anime is keen on animation. Although I will say that when I watched one of the trailers, I assumed there would be more gore in the show… I had guessed wrong even though the montage of rapid images shown in the trailer had one too many sights that it was safe to assume that this show would be violent, just not with the specific details I had anticipated. Still, this show is not only violent but also high on sexual content, enough to make you realize that this show is not for children… obviously.
But most fascinating is the world in which Cyberpunk takes place. It is the 2070s, and life couldn’t be more challenging with so much corruption and crime that it makes you think, “how do you keep the children safe?” when you realize that “safe” is a place that no longer exists. But apparently, the residents of Night City don’t mind too much because they are too distracted by their overreliance on technology, especially the kind that replaces and enhances your body parts. Are they even human anymore?
The language has developed its own neologisms, and everything seems so convenient because of this culture of robotic arms and a police force that can’t do shit against the various gangs that control the streets. Despite all the misery, they somehow still manage to thrive, and there’s so much more to learn about this world and the potential to expand upon it. Now all that’s left to do is wait for the next season… even though I’m still two episodes short of finishing the series, I don’t know what will actually happen in the finale.
Did you like Edgerunners?
I’m still astonished by how good it was; it exceeded my expectations. Still, I wonder what the future holds for the franchise, whether it is a second season or a new miniseries. But how did you like the show? If you fancied it at all, that is… I assume. Anyways, be sure to voice your opinion!
In Conclusion…
So… Cyberpunk: Edgerunners… is good. Other than that, I have nothing more to add about the series. If you haven’t watched it, you’d probably want to start now.
Now all that’s left is to finish these last two episodes and then… wait for the next big thing.
