Back in 2020, before the release of Cyberpunk 2077, developer CD Projekt Red announced Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, an anime series with Netflix that would expand on the lore of Night City. Durnig Geeked Week, we got our first look at it. And unlike the initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077, this trailer doesn't disappoint.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was animated by acclaimed Japan-animation company Studio Trigger. Hiroyuki Imaishi (Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, Promare) directed the series along with assistant director Masahiko Otsuka (Gurren Lagann, Promare). Production was led by a star-studded team that includes creative director Hiromi Wakabayashi (Kill la Kill), character designer Yoh Yoshinari (Little Witch Academia, BNA: Brand New Animal) and Yuto Kaneko (Little Witch Academia). Yoshiki Usa (SSSS.GRIDMAN, Promare) and Masahiko Otsuka (Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, Promare) adapted the screenplay while Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill) composed the original score.
As for the trailer, it's brief but effective in showcasing Studio Trigger's signature, vibrant style. It's colorful and flashy as several chaotic clips show off gruesome events depicting just how dangerous the bright lights of Night City can be.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners tells a standalone, 10-episode story about a street kid trying to survive in Night City — a technology and body modification-obsessed city of the future. Having everything to lose, he stays alive by becoming an edgerunner — a mercenary outlaw also known as a cyberpunk.
In addition to the teaser, Netflix shared an exclusive clip from the series that appears to be an anime adaptation of The Pickup mission in Cyberpunk 2077. In the game, V and Jackie pick up a robot spy-spider from the Maelstrom gang. The difference here is that it appears to be a human girl instead of a robo. Weapons are drawn, blood is spilled, and chaos ensues.
Although Cyberpunk 2077 disappointed at launch as it was riddled with glitches and bugs. It's poor performance, specifically on last-gen systems, rendered it virtually unplayable. But for the next couple of years, CD Projekt Red worked to iron them out and delivered a more stable product in 2022. It's updated release on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S garnered much more favorable reviews as it was praised for its story, immersive setting and visual quality. With the freshness of the cyberpunk setting creating an intriguing world to explore, I can't wait to see the story that unfolds in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is expected to premiere on Netflix this September 2022.