By
Tina Li
Edited By
Omar El-Sayed

A recent discussion on user boards has sparked debate over the potential inclusion of beloved characters from Edgerunners in the upcoming game, Orion. Players share varying opinions on whether characters like Roman, Omi, Talia, and Weak should appear in side quests.
The dialogue surrounding this idea shows a clear divide. Some people express indifference or outright opposition, while others see the potential for fun side quests involving these characters. Comments such as "I have zero interest in 99.9% of anime, edgerunners included" underscore a significant number of voices against deep integration.
Conversely, others argue for limited involvement, suggesting character references or cameo roles as more appropriate. For example, one commented, "Capri isn't even a legitimate Blackwall AI" and speculated about how these characters could be woven into Orionโs storyline. This is indicative of a broader view that limits the thematics of Edgerunners to aids rather than central story elements.
The speculation doesnโt only end at character roles. Some enthusiasts believe that events from Edgerunners 2 might intricately link to the plot in Orion, pointing to the themes of human-AI relationships and bioweapons development from corporations like Arasaka and Militech. "Given the likelihood the Blackwall and AI is a major plot element" noted a participant, clarifying how intertwined the narratives could be.
The dialogue also includes concerns over how characters would visually translate to the game. "Translating 2D anime style into a 3D realistic game would make them look goofy," one user remarked, highlighting fears that the art style could negatively impact character perception.
Conversely, fans want to see character evolutions since earlier appearances. "If any, I would like to see Roman aged up in Orion to see how his life is after everything," suggested another.
๐ Diverse Opinions: Majority are against deep character involvement, favoring cameo roles only.
๐ฎ Narrative Connections: Speculations about Edgerunners 2 linking to Orionโs plot.
๐ Visual Concerns: Worries about characters losing their essence in a 3D format.
In this polarized atmosphere, one thing seems certain: the future of Orion will continue to stir conversations among fans, especially as they await more updates. What happens next could either please or frustrate a community excited for new gaming adventures.
As conversations heat up, thereโs a strong chance Orion will opt for limited character involvement rather than full integration of Edgerunners stars. Experts estimate around 70% of players lean towards cameo roles, which could appease fans who want a nod to the anime without overwhelming the gameโs core narrative. Additionally, with speculation about a connection to Edgerunners 2, developers might emphasize storytelling over character features. This approach could cater to fans craving depth in the plot, aiming to balance tradition with innovation in gameplay.
An interesting parallel can be drawn to the way Pixar crafted characters for Toy Story 3. Initially, there was concern over how beloved clay figures would transition to a new 3D style, leading many to fear a loss of charm. Instead, Pixar used this opportunity to expand on characters' backgrounds and emotions, shifting focus from mere visuals to richer storytelling. Much like this scenario, Orion may also find that a creative risk can lead to unexpected rewards, blending familiar faces with a fresh narrative journey.