Catching criminals to reduce your own sentence is a scenario that's going to lead to some fireworks, and fits right into the Cyperpunk world of Cyber City Oedo. A 3-episode OVA, each episode focuses on a different character (all of whom are former criminals). The highlights of this short show are the solid animation and surprisingly good production values. If the character design wasn't so early 90's, it'd be tough to tell it was made 30 odd years ago, although I suppose the cell animation makes it a bit more obvious. The soundtrack is surprisingly minimalist, and it works. There’re two different soundtracks, but I think anything other than the original Japanese version wouldn't suit the mood.

The first episode was probably my favourite. It’s a basic heist scenario but it was a good introduction to the characters, the Cyberpunk dystopian world, and was a showcase for the great art design. There was also some great over the top action scenes and kick-ass character moments. I thought the second episode on the other hand was a bit weak. Not bad, but a bit cliché and I didn't find it nearly as interesting as the first episode. There are still some solid action scenes throughout so it wasn't a bore, still worth the watch of course. I think they tried to bring in some political intrigue with how the different factions of the government work against each other, but the plot was too basic to get me involved. I also did not like how it introduced someone from the main characters past just to kill them off straight away (aka a 'Sacrificial lamb' as described by TvTropes). This happens in the next episode as well, and it doesn't work there either.

The third episode was thankfully an improvement on episode two. More of a low-key story, I honestly thought I was watching Vampire Hunter D at times. Hard to put into words exactly why, but if you watch it you'll immediately understand what I mean. It also featured probably the most interesting character in the show which is Benten. It would have been great to get more information on his character and backstory. Unfortunately, this didn't happen because... there's no resolution.

I don't know if there was more OVA's or a TV series planned, but it just ends abruptly with a lot of questions unanswered, we never know the characters fates. The last episode ends on a poignant note and it’s a good ending to the episode, but not the show itself. It’s a challenge to recommend something that doesn't really have an ending, but if you take the show as just a series of individual stories it’s not so bad. Cyberpunk fans should check this one out regardless, definitely one of the better Anime in the genre.