What Only Gamers Know About Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Critics have praised “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” for making use of the game’s rich world and characters while crafting a unique, intriguing story that doesn’t let up. Dubbed by Paul Tassi of Forbes as “absolutely incredible,” the writer described “Edgerunners” as “a beautiful, haunting realization of Night City” that captures the authenticity of the CD Projekt Red game. Indeed, one of the highlights of the Netflix anime is how it recreates the world of Night City for the small screen. The series follows David Martinez, a youth from the streets of Night City who ends up at a charter school run by the nefarious Arasaka Corporation. After becoming an orphan, Martinez implants himself with cybertech, becoming an Edgerunner, a mercenary for hire.

“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is set before “Cyberpunk 2077,” though the Netflix series isn’t specific as to how much time takes place between the two. Seeing as the Studio Trigger anime is a prequel to “Cyberpunk 2077,” one might assume that the series might feature a cheeky cameo from V, Johnny Silverhands, Jackie, Panam, or any of the game’s beloved characters. Unfortunately, main characters don’t pop up in “Edgerunners,” solidifying the Netflix series’ standalone nature. Similarly, Martinez isn’t seen in “Cyberpunk 2077,” though that could change as CD Projekt Red continues to work hard on paid expansions. The studio most recently released a “Cyberpunk 2077″ update that features items from the Netflix anime series. While it may be disappointing to some to know that V won’t pop up, the anime makes great use of the already established Night City, drawing from the fictional city’s various locales and hangouts, which occasionally feature some familiar characters.