Cyberpunk Edgerunners is an anime released in 2022 to promote the game developed by CD Projekt Red, in hopes that the viewers of this anime will buy the game and enjoy their latest AAA game.
The series was animated by Japanese animation Studio Trigger under the supervision of CD Projekt and premiered on Netflix in September 2022.
Overview
The story revolves around a boy named David Martinez, who survives in Night City, barely making ends meet as his mom tirelessly works to send him to Arasaka Academy.
Set in a futuristic dystopian world where cybernetic enhancements are as common as taking lives, David Martinez becomes an Edgerunner, commonly known as cyberpunks—people who take on dangerous gigs to survive in the ruthless Night City.
Together with his team, David Martinez takes on dangerous missions, pushing the boundaries of their humanity as they struggle against corrupt systems and powerful enemies. The anime explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the cost of human augmentation, with visually stunning animation and a gripping soundtrack that immerses viewers in the vibrant yet brutal world of Cyberpunk.
Why watch Cyberpunk Edgerunners?
Studio Trigger’s presence in the world of animation is in characters and movements where it is most intense, where the most active visual storytelling gives Cyberpunk: Edgerunners its positive energy. The usage of animation and the fast-moving gritty scenes immerses the viewers into the cyberpunk world of Night City, full of technology, vice, and bright light.
David Martinez is not only fighting for survival in an anime increasingly focused on technology but also for peace of mind and further exploration of the world, whether driven by ambition or the quest for answers that come with moral and ethical repercussions. The plot of David Martinez draws attention even more thanks to his transformation from a normal teenager into a blood-soaked mercenary, while also learning about friendship, love, and humanity in a city where everything is at risk, including these values.
Not only is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners captivating due to its compelling storyline and attractive animation, but it also features excellent soundtracks. This is the kind of animation that makes everyone develop a liking for it just within the first episode, irrespective of whether they enjoy action, sci-fi, or character-driven stories.
Critical ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes:
Critics Score: 100%
Audience Score: 97%
Metacritic:
Metascore: 85/100
User Score: 8.9/10