Cyberpunk: Edge Runners is one of the best pieces of cyberpunk fiction to come out in quite some time. Studio Trigger’s great work is appreciated by many for the series’ captivating emotional core, a brutal look into Night City’s seedy underbelly and how people have become accustomed to living in this dystopian urban landscape.
Edgerunners is pretty self-contained, and folks who haven’t played Cyberpunk 2077 won’t miss a thing of watching this incredible anime. However, fans of the video game will notice several connections to the anime that make this show even more memorable.
8/8 The functionality of the Sandevistan
There are several cybernetics you can use in Cyberpunk 2077 to make battles more engaging. One is the Sandevistan which is quite brilliant as it essentially slows down time for everyone while allowing you to move at a normal pace.
The Sandevistan has a big focus in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, with David essentially relying on this mod for most of the anime. It’s great to see an animated rendering of one of the best cybernetic mods in the game.
7/8 Seeing Rogue in the Afterlife
Rogue Close Cyberpunk 2077
One of Johnny’s oldest friends, Rogue eventually takes over the afterlife and serves as one of Night City’s hottest fixers. She doesn’t really have a role in the anime, although she still makes a brief appearance.
This happens when David goes to the afterlife and prevents Rebecca from getting too violent with his bouncers. They share an appreciative nod to Rogue, whose appearance would no doubt be a treat for video game fans.
6/8 Claire Russell still barts in the afterlife
Claire Russell is quite a legendary bartender in the afterlife and with whom V can have some meaningful interactions. She is also a central figure in The Beast in Me, a quest that requires you to complete a series of races before helping Claire take revenge on the man who killed her husband.
In Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, you can see this character in the background as David and his group go to the afterlife. It’s a subtle nod to this character in an anime where she doesn’t really have a big part to play.
5/8 The legend that is Adam Smasher
Perhaps the biggest connection between Edgerunnners and Cyberpunk 2077 is the existence of one of Night City’s most legendary figures, Adam Smasher. This character is one of the most powerful mercenaries in the entire game and somehow comes fully equipped with cybernetics without radically changing his personality. He has been hired by high profile clients like Arasaka to protect their valuable clients.
At the end of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, David sacrifices himself to buy some time and help Lucy and the rest escape Adam Smasher’s immense power. He proved to be no match for this absolute beast, which David quickly decimated… although the main character still had a smile on his face before he got the final blow.
4/8 Wakako Okada for a brief moment hear
There are many fixers scattered around Night City who provide V with a litany of contracts to complete so they can get a ton of swirls. One of these fixers that you will interact with a lot is Wakako Okada, one of the more popular characters in the game.
Okada also appears in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. While it may be more of a vocal cameo than anything else, it’s still a fun treat that video game fans can enjoy quite a bit.
3/8 A look at Lizzie’s bar
Lizzie’s Bar is where the Mox is stationed. There you meet Evelyn Parker for the first time and also meet Judy Alvarez. It’s a pretty memorable bar that also gets a cameo in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Taking a look at this braindance club makes for a great time, especially considering its importance in the events of Cyberpunk 2077. It’s one of the many reasons why so many people consider Edgerunners such a great adaptation.
2/8 The look of all the big gangs
There are several gangs present in Night City, all of which have their own characteristics and control areas. Watching the Animals, Maelstrom, Tyger Claws and other similar gangs make for a great time as Cyberpunk 2077 players recognize the iconic aesthetic of these gang members.
Meanwhile, people who saw Edgerunners as their very first glimpse into the world of Cyberpunk 2077 got to see just how violent Night City really is. Gang members have no problem carrying out horrific violence in the streets, killing innocent civilians in the process.
1/8 The incredible attention to detail when it comes to game aesthetics
The sheer number of little ways Cyberpunk: Edgerunners refers to the game is indeed quite astounding. Everything from the sound of a phone call to the layout of someone’s HUD is strikingly similar to the game, which makes this anime more believable as an adaptation.
Additionally, the various locations in and around Night City shown in the game show incredible attention to detail. They really look like 1:1 recreations, while also having a distinct visual flair of their own, taking Cyberpunk: Edgerunners to a whole new level.
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