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After about 70 hours immersed in 'Cyberpunk 2077,' I explored the anime 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,' set a year before the game. The series follows David Martinez, initially a student at Arasaka Academy. Transitioning from a student to a skilled mercenary, David's journey from academia to the ruthless streets of Night City captures transformation and survival in a dystopian future.

The series excels in character development, notably through David's interactions with characters like Lucy, a mysterious netrunner aiming to escape Night City, and Maine, the leader of the mercenary group David joins. Each character is deeply integrated into the narrative, enriching the story with their unique backgrounds.

Action scenes ... in 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' are particularly striking, blending intense combat with the series' unique animation style. One memorable scene involves a raid on a Maelstrom base, rendered with detailed animation that highlights the brutality and skill of the characters involved.

The romantic subplot between David and Lucy provides a significant narrative drive, depicted with intensity and depth, contrasting with other relationships in the series which play more subtle roles, like the poignant climax between Maine and Dorio, stirring emotions unexpectedly. This adept handling of romance in 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' challenges my usual reservations, showcasing the potential for romantic elements to deeply enrich a story.

The series' soundtrack, featuring compositions by Akira Yamaoka and Marcin Przybyłowicz, enhances the storytelling and emotional impact, with Yamaoka's up-tempo tunes and Przybyłowicz’s deeper tones complementing the series' dramatic scenes.

However, the series suffers from pacing issues, especially in the final episodes where events seem rushed, designed more for shock value than meaningful development. A more measured pacing or additional episodes could have allowed for a fuller exploration of the themes and character arcs.

Overall, 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' offers a rich narrative experience, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and revenge across its 10 episodes. Despite its pacing flaws, it remains a must-watch for fans of the 'Cyberpunk 2077' universe, enriching the game's narrative and standing solidly on its own as a piece of adult animation.