Key Takeaways
- Arcane is an exceptional show with stunning visuals, stellar voice acting, and a deeply emotional story, making it one of Netflix’s best originals and a top animated show.
- While Arcane is the better overall show, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is the superior video game adaptation due to its faithfulness to the source material.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners perfectly captures the tone, themes, and setting of Cyberpunk 2077, resulting in a more authentic adaptation.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ haunting ending reinforces its status as one of the greatest video game adaptations of all time.
- Netflix is solidifying its position as the king of video game adaptations with upcoming sequels and spin-offs of Arcane and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Arcane has returned for its second and final season after a three-year hiatus. It has successfully maintained its quality and reaffirmed its position as one of Netflix’s best original series. The animated show, based on the popular video game League of Legends, brings the world of Runeterra to life, with locations like Piltover and Zaun. All episodes of Arcane are highly rated, with the lowest scoring 8.5 on IMDb. Despite some feeling that Season 2’s ending was somewhat rushed, Arcane is still considered to be one of the best video game adaptations.
While Arcane is generally considered the better show, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is considered a superior video game adaptation. Arcane brilliantly adapted a multiplayer online game, giving its characters and plot depth that resonated with audiences. Many League of Legends fans were surprised by the personalities and complex story. However, some characters in Arcane differ significantly from their video game counterparts, and the story doesn’t fully reflect the experience of playing League of Legends.
In contrast, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a faithful adaptation of Cyberpunk 2077. Night City is accurately depicted, with locations taken directly from the source material. The use of sounds and music from the game, recognizable to players, creates a familiar experience. The tone and themes of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners are consistent with the somber atmosphere of Cyberpunk 2077.
The unforgiving nature of the franchise is reflected in both the game and the show’s bittersweet narratives. Capturing this essence helped establish Cyberpunk: Edgerunners as one of the best sci-fi anime. Although Arcane deserves praise for its creativity and vision, it doesn’t mirror its source material as closely as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is known for its haunting ending, which aligns with the concept of no happy endings in Night City, similar to Cyberpunk 2077. David succumbs to cyberpsychosis and fights Adam Smasher, a notorious mercenary. Most of David’s crew are killed, and Lucy, his girlfriend, brings him back to reality momentarily with a kiss. David loses the fight but allows Lucy to survive and achieve her dream of traveling to the moon, although without him.
The powerful conclusion, accompanied by "I Really Want to Stay at Your House," evokes a strong emotional response from viewers. In just one season, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners tells a beautiful yet tragic love story. The decision to end the series was strategic, and although there is a sequel planned for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, it will follow different characters. This helps ensure that the original show’s legacy remains untouched, further solidifying its status as one of the greatest video game adaptations.
Video game adaptations continue to improve year after year, creating competition. Netflix remains the leader in these productions, expanding its library with the upcoming Arcane and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners spin-offs. With a new series following new characters and an Arcane season 2 setting up more League of Legends spin-offs. Netflix is poised to maintain its success. Shows like Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, Minecraft, and Crash Bandicoot are also in development. While other streaming platforms offer their own adaptations, Netflix has set a high standard with Arcane and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, securing its position as the leader in video game adaptations.