With the premiere of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season two approaching on October 20, fans may be enticed to return to Night City, the sprawling metropolis featured in CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077.
The first season of the anime, produced by Studio Trigger in collaboration with CD Projekt Red, was praised for its faithful recreation of the game's environment. Trailers for the new season have already allowed players to pinpoint specific locations from the game within the anime's scenes, further blurring the lines between the two experiences.
While the anime doesn't follow the game's protagonist, V, its narrative and visual style often evoke a sense of familiarity and connection to the dystopian setting. For many, the first season of Edgerunners is credited with contributing to Cyberpunk 2077's redemption arc following its troubled 2020 launch. With subsequent updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game has found a more stable footing, and CD Projekt Red is now developing a sequel.
For players who invested significant time in Cyberpunk 2077 at launch and through its expansions, the anticipation for the second season of Edgerunners may bring back memories of their experiences in Night City. The anime's ability to capture the city's blend of allure and despair offers a potent hit of its atmosphere, even without direct gameplay.
Night City, despite its grim depiction of late-stage capitalism, maintains an alluring quality. The upcoming season is expected to continue exploring this theme, likely leading its new characters through tragic arcs. However, for those who have fond memories of exploring its streets, the prospect of seeing new scenes animated by Trigger may serve as a catalyst to reinstall Cyberpunk 2077 and revisit the city themselves.