Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Review | A High-Stakes Risk

Four years have already passed since the debut of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners – an unforgettable masterpiece crafted by Studio Trigger and CD PROJEKT RED. It was a show that captivated the entire internet while single-handedly breathing second life into Cyberpunk 2077. In what feels like a blink of an eye, the show gifted us with now-iconic characters, unforgettable scenes, and an indelible soundtrack. Living up to a global phenomenon is never a simple task, particularly when the original defined a new era for anime adaptations and left fans begging for more!

Today, on October 20th, the highly anticipated follow-up, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, finally hits the screens. But can a second entry cement its legacy as profoundly as the original? Here’s my spoiler-free review of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. Welcome back to Night City!

Four Paths in One Narrow City

While the original series focused squarely on David Martinez’s journey from the ground up, Edgerunners 2 takes a distinctly different path. Here, viewers are thrown directly into the beating heart of Night City without a single central protagonist to anchor the entire narrative. Instead, the story unfolds across four distinct perspectives: Roman the cameraman, the enigmatic D.; a former mercenary known as Weak, and the heavily cyberized Talia – exploring the tragic chain of events that inevitably forces their paths to cross.

David Martinez’s crew left massive shoes to fill, but this new chapter manages to deliver even more fleshed-out backstories. The production places a far stronger emphasis on exploring every angle of its cast – an element that was somewhat lacking in the first Edgerunners. This multi-perspective narrative allows us to forge a much deeper emotional connection with the characters, making their underlying motives and desperate choices crystal clear. In my own viewing experience, it was the storylines of Weak and Talia that resonated the most.

When it comes to storytelling, Edgerunners 2 hits emotional vulnerabilities far more intensely than its predecessor. By weaving together a wider array of themes, the narrative crafts moments that are genuinely heartwarming and heartbreaking alike, depending on what each viewer values most. Understanding precisely why these four lives were destined to collide feels remarkably fresh, especially since the overall pacing is significantly improved – giving every character ample time to truly breathe and present themselves to the audience.

It is an exceptionally unique approach to storytelling that, in my opinion, surpasses the original series. While many factors contribute to this verdict, the single most decisive element is that the creators took a massive risk – one that will certainly surprise many fans, as it genuinely surprised me.

Chaos framed to Perfection

Another pivotal aspect that has seen substantial improvement in this second installment is the art style – or rather, the clever interplay of distinct artistic styles present throughout the episodes. Alongside the classic, high-octane Edgerunners aesthetic, the show introduces a unique visual lens for Roman’s camera footage, as well as raw, sketch-like experimental segments that feel more like energetic concepts than finished, rigid renders. Together, these elements form a rich and unconventional visual package that gives the second entry an even more singular identity.

On a technical level, the enhanced fidelity is immediately noticeable in the fine details – from character face designs and intricate clothing textures to the environmental depth of Night City. While some viewers might debate the stylistic shifts, the animation itself undeniably leaves the first installment behind. Everything feels remarkably more fluid and dynamic, elevated by superior camera work and imaginative framing that gives every scene a stronger sense of perspective.

While action sequences are admittedly fewer in number compared to the original – a logical choice given the different nature of this story – they lose none of their impact. When the violence does erupt, it remains just as visceral, bloody, and thoroughly satisfying as before.

A Different Audio Frequency

If there is one area where Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 falls somewhat short of expectations, it is undoubtedly its soundtrack. The musical score, unfortunately, fails to reach the iconic heights or deliver unforgettable anthems on the level of “I Really Want to Stay At Your House” by Rose Walton from Edgerunners. While there are certainly pleasant tracks throughout – with a particular melody standing out and lingering after the credits roll – it lacks that undeniable “wow factor” that defined its predecessor. The soundtrack remains serviceably solid, but fans expecting a playlist of equal caliber may find summer underwhelmed. That said, the music is integrated thoughtfully into the narrative. Tracks are executed well enough to complement the atmospheric beats of individual scenes, elevating their intended emotional weight even if the standalone tracks are less memorable.

Where the audio department truly shines and maintains the benchmark set by the original is in its meticulous sound design. The sound effects are punchy, tactile, and deeply immersive – a standout example being the sound design accompanying Talia’s cybernetic movements, which gives her physical presence a wonderfully rendered weight. Ultimately, while the music alone may not shatter expectations, the combination of score and sound design creates a cohesive and highly effective audio layer.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 exceeded my expectations. While I had no predefined script in mind for how this continuation ought to unfold, the series delivered on every element I hoped to see – sharper character focus, a deeply moving narrative, and an audacious willingness to take narrative and artistic risks I never saw coming. In many ways, this second installment forged a far stronger, more visceral connection between myself and the tragic world of Night City than its predecessor did.

That said, Edgerunners remains an intensely personal experience; every viewer must decide for themselves what they value most within this breathtaking reality – a world defined by overwhelming melancholy, violent splendor, and rare moments of fleeting happiness.

I whole-heartedly recommend Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. Go in without rigid expectations, surrender to its rhythm, and let yourself be completely swept away by this unforgettable journey through Night City.