CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS is an anime that was able to set up an incredibly overpowering atmosphere from just the first episode. For those that are unaware, this is an anime based within the world of a video game called Cyberpunk 2077 released in 2020. However, there is a tabletop role-playing game first published in 1988 titled Cyberpunk that this world was invented from. Needless to say, Cyberpunk's world is one with extensive history.

And yet, CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS clearly has it's roots planted firmly in the video game. The grimy streets of Night City and the sweltering dessert of a drought-stricken northern California are nearly identical to the point that hardcore fans of the game will recognize more than just a few locations.
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Atmosphere. Set in the imaginary place of Night City decades into the future, mega-corporations wage wars above the drug and crime-filled streets. Cybernetic upgrades that trade your own flesh for metal can grant you unimaginable strength and even make you bullet proof. Within this cesspit of a city, cyber punks (A.K.A. edge runners) will do anything to earn money and have their names written down as legends. This dark dystopian world was something that the anime was able to convey brilliantly. From paywalls on your own washing machine to being denied healthcare and left to die if you're poor. You're constantly left deeply disturbed by the scenes that unfold around you. Many a time I found myself pausing and rewinding when I saw something I didn't believe would be real. Ultimately, the world and atmosphere is the strongest part of this show.

The characters. Excluding the main character, the rest of the cast can each be labeled by simple archetypes. But, it doesn't mean they're unlikeable. I actually loved each and every one of them even though they weren't the most well-written or deep characters. And frankly, I think it boils down to the fact that these are the kind of people you would expect in this world. A large-muscled arrogant team leader. A foul-mouthed creep. A battle loli. The scummy backstabbing guy who you knew was a villain from the first second you saw him. The outlier is ultimately David, the main character. He grew up poor with his mother who worked tirelessly to get him into an expensive academy and out of the slums, that's his mom's dream, not David's. David never knew what he wanted and even though he's rebellious at every turn, he's never truly acting for himself. He doesn't have dreams, he just wants to make others come true. The story sees him transform incredibly to the point that he's nearly unrecognizable at the end. Even with a few flaws and generic people, I enjoyed every interaction between the cast.

I'm not going to talk much about the story, as I want to avoid major spoilers, but it's a rather non-linear one. There's not an overarching goal and there's never only one enemy to fight. Instead, the story is more about the world itself and what happens when you take a look too far into it's depths. The main character lives life the way he wants, and we're just along for the ride. What this means is that you may not be the most satisfied person when you finish the series since there isn't a lot of closure. No demon king was slain, no world takeover or revolutionary uprising, the world just continues moving forward and the stories we witness are left to wither away in the dust. Nonetheless, I was on the edge of my seat as the story came to it's end and I enjoyed the way it ultimately unfolded.

Lastly, I'm going to talk about the production. The art, animation, and sound design are all stellar. Every piece of this world has an incredibly unique feel and there's something at every corner that draws you in, not to mention each character's unique designs. I thought Trigger did a great job, especially with the lighting and moods of different environments. The animation itself was great. There are a plethora of action scenes and none of them unfold like the other when it comes to camera angles and imagery. The sound design was also pretty spot on. They stick to their guns and borrow as much as they can from the game, borrowing the exact sounds and giving any one who's played the game immediate nostalgia when you hear a phone call. The guns sound meaty and every voice actor (In Japanese, I did not watch it dubbed in English) had an incredible performance, and I felt they matched with their characters very well. My only gripe was that sometimes I felt that the score being played didn't match certain scenes, although I only felt this in the beginning and not later on.

Overall, I think this is an anime well worth a watch, even if you haven't played the game or know anything about the franchise. You may feel bombarded by the weird lingo and technology that isn't always explained, but I still think this is a great standalone show about a character's personal struggles and how he overcomes the harsh world around him. If you're looking for something unique to watch with a boundless world that you can binge in one day, do yourself a favor and pick this up.