Cyberpunk is a science-fiction sub-genre dealing with the integration of society and technology in dystopian settings. Often referred to as “low-life and high tech,” Cyberpunk stories deal with outsiders (punks) who fight against the oppressors in society (usually mega corporations that control everything) via technological means (cyber). If the punks aren’t actively fighting against a megacorp, they’re still dealing with living in a world completely dependent on high technology.
Cyberpunk characteristics include:
Dystopian city setting where mega-corporations rule
Full integration of technology into society, featuring cybernetic implants
Outsider protagonists (punks) who often are very familiar with the technology around them
Hard boiled detective and film noir vibes and influence
Themes dabbling in trans-humanism, existentialism, and
what it means to be human.
The Matrix is one of the most well-known cyberpunk movies; I'm not going to argue its cyberpunk qualities. But 20 years after The Matrix was relevant, we got a cash-grab sequel in Matrix Resurrections.
My question to you is: Is there anything cyberpunk left in Matrix Resurrections? Or has the franchise been so diluted that what's left is no longer cyberpunk? For example, in the first movie Neo was a hacker. By this movie, I really wouldn't call him a hacker anymore. But maybe the themes of "what it means to be human" still remain?
Hey everyone, I'm a bit nervous about sharing this. I haven't touched any code in over a decade, but recently I decided to give it another go. Back in the early 2000s, I used to experiment with basic websites as a hobby, and now I've built a small database of cyberpunk media, games, and literature from scratch.
I have a thing for cassette futurism, so the design is pretty plain. I hope it might be useful, and I'll do my best to keep adding new entries regularly. If you notice anything I've missed or have any suggestions, I'd really appreciate your input.
I've been posting to this community for over a year and even though I've exhausted every single cyberpunk discussion topic I can think of, this community is still growing! Thanks for coming and hanging out!
Today, the official title, key staff, teaser trailer, and visuals for the new TV anime series have been revealed. Previously announced in May 2024 as a new project from Science SARU, the series now has its official title: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, keeping the same title as the original manga’s.
This marks the directorial debut of Mokochan, known for his work on DAN DA DAN and SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF. The script was written by acclaimed sci-fi author EnJoe Toh (Self-Reference ENGINE, Shadow.net). Character Design & Executive Animation Directing are handled by Shuhei Handa (SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF, SPRIGGAN). Produced by Science SARU, known for INU-OH and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, the anime is set to air in 2026.
Fulfils the cyberpunk aesthetic, does it not? Because the musicians come from the Demoscene. Even when the game is mostly about giant robots beating themselves up. (Ok maybe that's a bit cyberpunk too.)
View vectorseven’s Linktree to discover and stream music from top platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music here. Your next favorite track is just a click away!
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Very accessible dark cyberpunk music. All the tracks I've heard are instrumental. I'm enjoying it a lot so far.
In my last post a couple people mentioned that the Neuromancer novel is a pretty dense read and tough to follow. If you agree, I recommend listening to the BBC radio drama from 2002. It's only 2 hours long but it follows the plot of the story really well and has great production.
Definitely check it out if you've got 2 hours and struggled with the novel, or if it's just been awhile since you read it. This is a great adaptation.
Emma Laird talked about the long-anticipated adaptation of the sci-fi classic Neuromancer at SXSW. Read on for more.
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There isn't much in this article, other than a reminder that Neuromancer is currently filming in Tokyo. Also, I don't think it's been announced what role Emma Laird has so I don't know if it really hurts things for her to not have read the book. We'll see how well this quote ages though:
It’s a very confusing book, but I think somehow bringing that onto the screen helps tell that story maybe a bit more clearly.
Veiled Edge is in early access right now, but there's a demo available and I really enjoyed it so I'm hoping they'll be able to finish the game. The gameplay reminds me a lot of Sanabi but instead of a grappling hook for movement, Veiled Edge uses a teleportation mechanic.
The game currently has a Kickstarter active but it looks like they're pretty terrible at marketing their own game so I don't think many people will find it. I'm not too optimistic about the kickstarter succeeding but I hope they'll still be able to finish the game even if it fails.
Anyway, if you like 2D platformers like Sanabi, I highly recommend at least trying the demo.
I had posted a first look at this anime a couple months ago. The video didn't explain anything but what it did show looked vaguely cyberpunk.
Now with this new trailer explaining the plot... I'm not sure it's cyberpunk at all. Maybe it's near-future, but that's about it. Still, it's from Shinichirō Watanabe (creator of Cowboy Bebop) so maybe people here will still be interested in it.
The trailer says the show will air on Toonami starting April 5 and next day on Max.