"Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" More Than Just a Spinoff

 

    One by one the perception of video game based media is changing, and for the better. I'm not too sure where it began, and when, but it's safe to say that video game media is not only getting better, but impressing fans, even those who aren't fans of the game. While shows like Halo on Paramount+ exist, there are absolute standouts like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Arcane absolutely blowing it out of the water. From the music, to the characters, to the visuals, understands what it is, and there's not much Cyberpunk: Edgerunners does wrong.

    I think what's most striking about Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, is the futuristic aesthetic employed throughout, and the way the show is able to master it, without question. From the grimy streets to the ultra elite, everyone and everything in Night City looks like it belongs, and it almost makes you want to install some implants of your own, almost. From the first episode, its very clear what vision the producers set out to make, and with people of all shades and shapes, everyone feels distinct.  Accompanying the stunning visuals is a soundtrack that is a perfect compliment to the violent gory mess that the show aims to be. From the slick theme song that is This Fire by Franz Ferdinand, to the final track I Really Want to Stay at Your House, every song is placed in a way that never takes away from a scene, only enhancing it. Lastly, the characters are well done, and even with how short this series is, each character offers something for everyone, even if some might find the wrong things likeable in certain characters.

     If I had to have some critiques of the show I think it would be slightly nitpicky. First of all, when my friend was pitching it to me, he claimed it had a commentary on how late-stage capitalism enables a society where anything is available to the highest bidder, and while I do see what he's talking about, I do wish it was a bit more explicit. After all, the reason David turns to edgerunners, is not only for the money, but because he felt powerless, and illegal activity was the only way for him to attain his goals. Frankly, I also would have liked it if David's moms activities were explained a bit further, as I felt that it was a plot point that was glossed over fairly quickly. I mean he figures out his mom is selling illegal items to edgerunners, and he just quickly accepts it, and never even asks Maine or the others to elaborate any further on it? I felt that the shattering of this perception he had of his mom would have made a stronger argument to why he felt he had to become an edgerunner. After all, his mom tried her best and couldn't do it clean, why should he?

    Lastly, why was the final fight so short? I understand that it takes place in the Cyberpunk universe, and Adam Smasher is a character that is heavily featured throughout the game, but surely David could have done a bit more damage to him? I do think David dying was the right move, after all he flew too close to the sun, but I would have liked him to go out with more of a bang, especially after he became a shell of himself with the exoskeleton. I suppose part of the reason why it ended so quickly and anticlimactically was to show that none of the characters could really escape the cycle of violence and money that consumes night city. Furthermore, the show is also super short, clocking in at 10 episodes that are roughly 25 minutes a piece, so a lengthy fight scene was simply impossible to fit in.

Final Score: 87/100

    Ultimately, I do think that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is one of the best anime I've seen this year. While I don't think its groundbreaking, or one of the best I've seen ever, I would be lying if I said I didn't wish for more content. Luckily, I don't think Netflix can exactly make a season two and tarnish the reputation of the show, so I won't have its memory ruined in any way. It understands its limitations as a relatively short show, and doesn't attempt to be too ambitious, and rush important moments in the story, and I always respect working within limitations. Overall, I would definitely recommend this show to anyone looking to dip their toes in an anime that is simple, short, but absolutely mesmerizing.

    

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