By Jack Davis · Contributing Writer
No one gets a happy ending in Night City, but Season Two of “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” had an unsatisfying one.
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” season two has plenty of strengths: great voice acting, dynamic animation style and smooth worldbuilding. But none of that was enough to change that the finale was a rushed and anticlimactic conclusion that paled in comparison to the first season.
“Edgerunners” follows two different plotlines. The first is about a boy documenting a vigilante getting revenge for his clan being slaughtered. The second is an aging mercenary trying to save a girl’s life. Each plot crosses with the other and ends up centering around the mysterious Project Capricorn. While this season doesn’t follow any of the first season plotlines, it references events and characters from it.
One of the highlights of this season is the voice acting. Each actor gives a fantastic performance, most notably Clancy Brown as Weak “King” Kingsly.
The animation is on par with the acting. This season moved between different animation styles flawlessly and creatively, even blending styles in some scenes. While the quality is consistent, this animation really shines in the action sequences and flashbacks. These sequences have a unique design that manages to be both gritty and polished.
Like the season before it, “Edgerunners” expands the world of Night City in fascinating ways while making sure newcomers aren’t lost in the universe. It explores overlooked parts of the lore in the original game and first season, such as Kang Tao and the Braindance Industry, while seamlessly introducing new characters and events. References to other parts of the “Cyberpunk” world are also brought in smoothly, and they should excite fans. They never feel out of place, overstay their welcome or leave new fans lost.
The lackluster finale dampens these positives. The plot started promisingly, with compelling character hooks and an intriguing mystery that goes in directions the audience doesn’t expect. For most of the season, the plot balances each storyline while expanding them into a complex, captivating mystery.
Yet the final episode loses that momentum. The climax was rushed and anticlimactic. Likewise, the character beats didn’t hit as hard as they should have.
There is plenty to love about “Edgerunners 2.” It’s a well-crafted balancing act, from its animation and lore. But this balancing act comes crashing down in a rushed finale that delivers an underwhelming ending.
