Welcome to MovieAnimeX! Today we are going to review Akudama Drive an underrated gem, a cyberpunk anime but less powerful than Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
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Table of Contents
Ratings
- MovieAnimeX:- 8/10
- IMDb:- 7.3/10
- MyAnimeList:- 7.57
Introduction
Welcome To MovieAnimeX ! Akudama Drive is a fast-paced cyberpunk anime released in 2020. It was created by Studio Pierrot (known for Naruto and Bleach) in collaboration with Too Kyo Games, a team formed by creators behind Danganronpa. The anime is known for its neon-heavy cyberpunk world, stylish action, and bold storytelling.
With only 12 episodes, Akudama Drive delivers a complete story packed with excitement, emotion, and sharp visuals. It’s perfect for fans who enjoy futuristic settings, crime-driven plots, and intense action.
The Trailer
Watch The Trailer Here:-
Plot
The story takes place in a futuristic version of Japan divided into two regions: Kansai and Kanto. Kansai is filled with crime, strict government control, and advanced technology. Criminals with high bounties are called “Akudama”, each known for their extreme skills and dangerous reputation.
The anime begins when several Akudama are brought together for a mysterious job. Their mission starts simple, but complications quickly turn it into a dangerous journey involving secret truths, powerful enemies, and unexpected alliances.
Among them is a normal girl who accidentally gets mistaken for a criminal and receives the nickname “Swindler.” She becomes the emotional center of the story as she struggles to survive in a world far more brutal than she ever imagined.
The plot is:
- Easy to follow
- Fast from the beginning
- Full of twists
- Focused on survival, identity, and choices
No spoilers—just enough to know what you’re getting into.
The Good
Here are the strongest points of Akudama Drive:
✔ Stunning Visuals
- Bright neon lights everywhere
- Beautiful cyberpunk atmosphere
- High-quality animation
✔ Fast-Paced Story
- No slow episodes
- Every episode ends with tension
- Always keeps you watching
✔ Memorable Characters
- Simple but strong personalities
- Each character plays a unique role
- Swindler’s growth is emotional and powerful
✔ Great Action Scenes
- Smooth fight choreography
- Exciting chases and battles
- Creative use of technology and abilities
✔ Strong Themes
- Questions about justice and labels
- Ordinary people pushed into extraordinary situations
- A story about survival, courage, and identity
The Bad
Even a strong anime has some downsides. Here are the simple ones:
✘ Extremely Fast Pacing
- Some scenes feel rushed
- You barely get time to breathe
✘ Limited Backstories
- Many characters don’t get full histories
- You may want to know more about them
✘ Some World Details Are Vague
- Kansai and Kanto aren’t fully explained
- Not all mysteries get answers
✘ Might Be Too Violent for Some Viewers
- Contains blood and brutality
- Not suitable for younger audiences
Verdict
Akudama Drive is an exciting, stylish, and well-crafted cyberpunk anime that delivers action, emotion, and strong visuals in just 12 episodes. It’s perfect for viewers who want something fast, intense, and visually unique.
- If you want deep worldbuilding and slow storytelling—this may feel too quick.
- If you enjoy bold stories, colorful worlds, and memorable characters—this is a must-watch.
Final Rating: 8/10
A short, thrilling, and powerful anime that stays with you long after it ends.