Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Review

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on October 20th. The series, like its predecessor, offers a compelling adaptation of the video game's universe, featuring original narratives and memorable characters. It boasts a phenomenal soundtrack and Hiroyuki Imaishi's distinctive visual style. The sequel expands on the Night City saga, tying into key elements from the first series and the main story of Cyberpunk 2077, even though prior knowledge of these is not mandatory for enjoying the new story.

Edgerunners 2 distinguishes itself from its predecessor by following multiple characters and storylines, rather than focusing on a single protagonist. It introduces us to Weak Kingsley, an edgerunner who has turned cyberpsycho and is trying to adjust to his new reality, and Roman Carax, a 12-year-old aspiring filmmaker with a penchant for old-school cinema.

Kingsley becomes entangled in the story when he agrees to rescue a young girl named Talia from the Maelstrom, a cult obsessed with body modifications and humanity. Meanwhile, Roman gets involved when he takes up a job documenting the Maelstrom for a 35mm camera, which he hopes to acquire. This provides the sequel with a ’90s anime aesthetic, often featuring a moody and gritty tone that complements the story's darkness and violence.

Director Kai Ikarashi maintains the first series' expressionistic aesthetic, bright colors, and sharp angles while adding his own unique touch. The constant change in art style, reflecting characters' psyches and technology's impact on their perception of the world, is particularly striking. This sequel also shifts focus from class warfare themes, which were central in the first series, to corporations exploiting people's lives and working with gangs to destroy communities.

While this approach offers a different perspective, it may take time for the larger picture to become clear, and some storylines can feel convoluted due to their sprawling nature. The characters initially appear less relatable and fully developed as their development is treated as a mystery. However, this series is still filled with unforgettable individuals striving to survive in Night City's harsh environment.

Studio Trigger continues to impress with their ability to create visually explosive action scenes without relying on repetition. The way they weave the story of the Relic and Soulkiller from Cyberpunk 2077 into the narrative greatly expands the world of Edgerunners, making the story feel like a small part of a larger saga. As the storylines converge, witnessing the culmination of this seemingly small chapter in Night City's larger narrative is satisfying.

The violence remains a highlight of the sequel, but it's still surprising to see Studio Trigger come up with new ways to depict body horror on screen without losing their distinctive touch.