Have you noticed how many video games get turned into shows and movies these days? It seems like every other week a new adaptation hits the small or big screen. Usually, they range from not bad to downright awful, giving games an unfair reputation for cheesy stories and one-dimensional characters.
Then Netflix dropped Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. If you haven’t watched it yet, drop everything and do so now. This animated series, based on the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, is a masterclass in storytelling that will change how you think about video game narratives. With its complex characters, philosophical musings on transhumanism, and hyper-stylized visuals that pull you into its neon-lit world, Edgerunners proves video games deserve more respect as an art form. It’s a show made for gamers by people who deeply understand what makes the medium so compelling. So log in, jack in, and experience Night City like never before. This is the adaptation that will make you a believer.
How Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Saved Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough launch, to say the least. The open-world sci-fi game was plagued by bugs, glitches and performance issues that made it nearly unplayable for many. As a result, the game’s reputation took a major hit.
Enter Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. This Netflix anime series, set in the same universe as the game, has given Cyberpunk 2077 a much-needed boost. By fleshing out the world and showcasing what makes it so compelling, Edgerunners has revived interest in Night City and inspired players to give the game another shot.
With the game’s next major patch, things are looking up. Many of the most annoying bugs have been squashed, and the overall experience is smoother. For those who were turned off by the game’s initial problems, now is the perfect time to take the plunge into this sprawling, neon-lit world.
Between the fixes to the game itself and the buzz around Edgerunners, Cyberpunk 2077’s future is bright. The deep lore, unforgettable characters, and themes of transhumanism at the heart of both the show and the game shine through when given a chance.
For any cyberpunk fans who wrote off 2077 at launch, do yourself a favor and revisit Night City. Drive through the rain-slicked streets, chat with the locals at dive bars, and make a name for yourself edgerunning the city’s seedy underbelly. Things have changed, and you just might find the adventure you were looking for.
With a second wind at its back, Cyberpunk 2077 can finally become the immersive sim so many hoped for at launch. And it’s all thanks to a plucky little anime series on Netflix. Who would have thought?
The Anime’s Faithful Adaptation of Night City
Night City comes alive in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The anime adaptation faithfully recreates the massive open world from the video game, from the towering skyscrapers of City Center to the gritty streets of Heywood.
As you explore the city through the eyes of protagonist David Martinez, every detail feels familiar yet new. The bustling crowds, holographic billboards, and retro-futuristic technology are rendered in a fresh anime style that captures the essence of Cyberpunk 2077.
One of the most memorable locations is David’s home in Santo Domingo, a poor district where makeshift shelters and market stalls line the streets. His tiny apartment with peeling yellow wallpaper is a poignant reminder of his struggling upbringing and desire to escape poverty.
Other notable places include the Afterlife, a popular bar where edgerunners and criminals hang out to find their next job. With dark lighting, hazy air, and a killer soundtrack, the Afterlife oozes cool and danger. You’ll also glimpse Arasaka Tower, the headquarters of the ruthless Arasaka Corporation that controls Night City.
From the Badlands surrounding the city to Pacifica beach, Edgerunners brings Night City to life with stunning visuals and environments ripped straight from the game. The creators clearly poured their love for Cyberpunk 2077 into every frame, crafting an anime that both newcomers and hardcore fans can enjoy. If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the world of Cyberpunk, this is your chance. The city awaits, choomba!
A Renewed Interest in the Video Game
Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has breathed new life into Cyberpunk 2077. The 10-episode anime series, set in the same universe as the video game, has reignited interest in Night City’s dangerous dystopia.
A Renewed Curiosity
The Cyberpunk 2077 video game was a commercial flop at launch, but Edgerunners’ popularity has led many gamers to give the open world RPG another shot. Viewers who love the show’s characters and setting now want to explore them firsthand. This renewed curiosity has boosted Cyberpunk 2077’s player numbers, sales, and overall reputation.
Developer CD Projekt Red has also released substantial updates that fix bugs, improve gameplay, and add new features like apartments and romance options. These patches, combined with the show’s hype, have transformed Cyberpunk 2077 into the immersive experience players originally wanted. The game and anime now enrich each other, letting fans dive deeper into the cyberpunk universe.
Edgerunners’ well-written characters and relationships add heart to the franchise. Protagonist David Martinez is likable yet flawed, and his quest for purpose resonates with viewers. His found family crew of fellow edgerunners are equally complex and endearing. The show makes Night City’s unforgiving world more poignant by giving us people to care about.
The anime also expands on concepts only touched on in the game, like how cyberware implants both augment and alienate people. Edgerunners thoughtfully explores themes of identity, morality and what it means to be human in a high-tech future. This philosophical bent, combined with lovable characters and stylish action, gives the series widespread appeal beyond typical cyberpunk fans.
In highlighting the franchise’s strengths while patching up its weaknesses, Edgerunners and the revamped game have salvaged Cyberpunk 2077’s reputation. Together they tap into what players found most compelling about Night City in the first place – the chance to navigate a harsh yet hypnotic world filled with unforgettable souls.
The Future of Cyberpunk 2077 and Possible DLC
The future of Cyberpunk 2077 looks bright after the release of Edgerunners. While the game had a rocky launch, the anime series helped revive interest in Night City and its lore. CD Projekt Red has already announced the first major expansion, but what else could be in store for V and friends?
Possible DLC and Updates
Free DLCs adding weapons, apartments, and missions are likely to continue for some time. However, CDPR will probably release one or two large paid expansions, similar to The Witcher 3’s Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These could explore new areas of the city, continue V’s story, or follow a different character.
Multiplayer is still planned but may be a separate mode rather than an expansion. This could allow co-op missions or PvP combat between players. A next-gen upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X is also in the works, improving graphics, loading times, and stability.
New game plus, a way to restart the story while keeping your gear and stats, seems inevitable. This gives players a reason to return to Night City and try different life paths and choices. Additional apartments, vehicles, joytoys, and minigames were cut from launch, so some of these missing features may return.
Story DLCs are uncertain after Edgerunners’ success. While fans would love more tales set in this world, CDPR may want to focus on polishing the core game first. If DLC continues V’s story, it needs to account for the multiple endings. Still, Edgerunners proves there are many untold stories in Night City left to explore.
The future of Cyberpunk 2077 depends on CDPR’s support and fans’ interest. While launch issues damaged trust in the studio, free updates, expansions, and media like Edgerunners are rebuilding goodwill. Night City has the potential to become a long-lasting franchise if CDPR plays their cards right. The game’s rocky start may even fade into memory if enough high-quality content keeps players jacked in for years to come.
