Rating: ★★★★☆
Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is a visually striking and thematically wild Netflix series that successfully melds together the iconic Ubisoft characters from beloved franchises with an alternate 1992 world known as Eden. This animated show, conceived by Adi Shankar and backed by Ubisoft, is a rollercoaster ride of nostalgia, humor, and high-octane action, wrapped in a synthwave, cyberpunk package.
Set in a dystopian technowave rebranded as Eden, the series introduces us to Dolph Laserhawk, a super-soldier betrayed by his lover, Alex Taylor, and incarcerated in the maximum-security prison, Supermaxx. What follows is a riveting tale of rebellion against the oppressive regime led by the enigmatic Warden. The show’s amalgamation of alternative Ubisoft characters, including those from Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Far Cry and Splinter Cell, is a delightful surprise, offering a fresh and exciting take on well-known personalities.
One of the standout features of Captain Laserhawk is its frenetic pacing. With each episode clocking in at around 30 minutes, the series doesn’t waste any time. It throws viewers headfirst into a chaotic world that seamlessly transitions between different styles, from fully animated sequences to live-action interludes. This variety keeps the show constantly engaging, as it switches between genres like a playful DJ mixing tracks at a cyberpunk nightclub. The use of anime and game-inspired segments adds an extra layer of fun to the viewing experience.
Visually, the series is something I couldn’t keep my eyes off of, with its neon-drenched cyberpunk landscapes and set of wacky character designs. The action sequences had me wanting more, making the most of each character’s unique abilities. The attention to detail and references to properties and 90’s feel was welcomed from the start.
The soundtrack of Captain Laserhawk is one of its strongest assets, perfectly complementing the cybernetic world of Eden. The synthwave music and energetic beats evoke the retro-futuristic atmosphere of the ’90s, creating a sonic landscape that enhances the viewing experience.
The series does have a minor shortcoming – the story seems to be cut short. With only six episodes, it leaves you craving more. It’s as though there were additional storylines and character arcs that didn’t make it to the final cut. This could be seen as a testament to the show’s ability to leave the audience wanting more, but it also feels like a missed opportunity to further develop the world and characters.
Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is a thrilling, nostalgia-inducing experience that is bound to captivate fans of Ubisoft’s iconic franchises. With its unique blend of animation styles, a captivating cyberpunk world, and memorable characters, this Netflix series is a wild ride through a neon-soaked alternate 1992. Despite its brevity, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate high-octane action and a dose of ’90s-inspired charm. We can only hope this is the beginning of more Ubisoft ventures into the world of series, as it’s a treat to watch on Netflix.
