Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

I had mixed feelings going into this anime, because of the bitter taste Cyberpunk 2077 had left me with. I liked the game, I was fortunate enough to be able to play the game, but I couldn't help but feel cheated , because the game I played, was not the one I had been promised for 8 years, and definitely not the one I thought I would play.

So I got into this anime with low expectations. I am glad I've been proven wrong.

This anime is almost everything the game should have been, but wasn't.

Striking animation and visuals : check. Compelling story and interesting characters: check. Riveting on-theme music: check. Fast paced and entertaining: check. True to the Cyberpunk sub-genre: check.

It takes place in Nightcity, as envisioned by Mike Pondsmith and CDPR , only without the bugs and crashes hehe. People who have played the game, will undoubtedly recognize many of Nightcity's neighborhoods, streets, bars etc, which is a plus, because regardless of the status of the game, Nightcity was very striking, and in the anime, it is even better.

It is a very well made, entertaining anime, and the best part is that you don't have to be a Cyberpunk fan to enjoy it, I believe it can be enjoyed by everyone, because it is so well made. A solid 8/10 from me.

Basically expected CP: 2077 at its release state, but somehow got one of greatest anime of all time, which, funny enough, is like exact opposite of how CP: 2077 release went.

I originally didn't like the visual style (like vivid version of Cowboy Bebop) but grew fond of it after an episode or two. Because it turns out that over the top colorful visuals and much darker story underneath makes a great combination, reminiscent of the Nigh City itself... with its sins hidden under pretty colorful neon lights. It also got thrilling scores playing non-stop and these were on point making the overall scene better - not a single moment I thought music is off. And characters are also well constructed and believable in the world they reside, with some developments simply poetic. Overall just great... very easy and pleasant to hold suspension of disbelief until the very end.

The only thing I didn't like is the pacing. There were simply too much story and character development clamped into 10 episodes. Things were developing in such a quick pace and I don't think it gave audiences enough time to bond with the characters. With that being said, presentation is still solid in a rushed pacing so had no problem enjoying it... but can't stop thinking how much better the show would've been if it was a 2 season 24 episodes run.

Oh and a side note... there were also tons of source material and game references like Afterlife, Old Net, Basilisk, Adam Smasher, and gangs etc, but these were self contained so people who're not familiar with the game or universe can also enjoy it.

Everything just went too fast in my opinion.

Normally with a show I would say 3 seasons could have fitted into 1 season. But with this show it's the opposite.

The characters didn't get any time to develop before they were killed off.

When they die you wanted to be sad about it because it felt like it was a big moment. But because it all happened too fast and you barely knew the character you just don't feel anything, which is a shame.

Don't get me wrong it's a fantastic anime. The world building is awesome and overall is just a great watch.

I was just left not longing for more story but having the story spread out more, giving the show a chance to really shine.

Missed opportunity but still a great watch.

I went into this show expecting a cool sci-fi experience! Instead i got a rollercoaster ride that i wont soon forget! They really did a great job of creating a vibe and atmosphere that you wont get anywhere else!

Oh and NO.. YOU dont need to be familiar with the game to enjoy or understand this show! I knew zero about the game and i love this show! A shame we only got 10 episodes, because you never want this show to end!

Animation and visuals in particular was the highlights, but so was the story and characters! Even soundtrack was strangely good! Gonna listen to some of the songs!

At this point i see a show that has yet to get the attention it deserves!

I'm keeping this spoiler free and sticking to the Netflix show, you're not here to get a review of the game. I'm a huge lover of the game (pre-ordered it and played it on my Ps4 and once I got a Ps5 played it again with a console that could actually run the game) so if you are like me you will love the show. The show is easily the best anime I've ever seen, the characters are all well written, the original dubbing is good and the animation style is amazing. What grants it a crown, other than the plot, it's how it shows a well know world (the Cyberpunk world) and it managez to introduce people that have never heard of the game to this amazing world. Seen it with my girlfriend that had never seen the game and she loved it aswell. Give it a try, you won't regret it.