Cyberpunk Edge Runners is easily my favorite new anime series. It encapsulates everything that was awesome about anime in the late 80’s and 90’s. Set in the world of the Cyberpunk video game. It does an amazing job at paying homage to the game while also allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in a storyline so while written that you forget it was ever based off a video game to begin with. The environments, characters and scenes are integrated in such a way that get you excited to see and hear notable queues from the game. While also not deterring you from enjoying it as a show or becoming to campy.
The characters were so well designed. With back stories that were as beautiful as they were tragic. Even placed across the backdrop of the futuristic cyberpunk world they all seem like someone you might know in real life. Following the stories of some the “go nowhere people” in night city. You know the one kind of people who didn’t win the birth lottery in life? It highlights the dark side of trying to get ahead in a world where the only leg ups are often crime.
It felt like a mash-up of the best classics like Battle Angel, Akira and Gurren Lagann. All with an ending that could pull on the heart strings of the toughest anime fans. It’s hard to explain a show so good it will ruin your week.
If you’re someone who really enjoys anime I would strongly suggest checking it out. It’s worth it. I heard they have an update for the game with some of these characters which I’m defiantly going to check out tonight.