The steampunk series “Arcane” was one of the most surprising things to come out of 2021, quickly reaching the top spot on Netflix. Boasting a massive world and a layered, complex conflict, “Arcane” seems to buck the trends for video game adaptations by delivering a coherent, well-thought-out narrative.

Created by Alex Yee and Christian Linke and based on the lore of the popular MMO (massively multiplayer online) game “League of Legends,” “Arcane” is a prequel for many of the game’s story and character elements. Its setting is the city of Piltover and its undercity district of Zaun. 

“Arcane” is a crime thriller, science fiction and political drama all in one. From the very first episode, “Arcane” does an excellent job at setting up the conflict between the shining upper class of Piltover and the impoverished, crime-ridden squatters town that is Zaun. The show does an excellent job of showing without telling, and as a result, never wastes its time on needless exposition. 

Part of the reason for this is because of the show’s jaw dropping visuals. French animation studio Fortiche, who has worked with “Arcane” promos for years, blended 3D, animation and 2D stills to create a mesmerizing visual style that uses the best of those mediums. This also helps when it comes to the many fight scenes. The camera will change angles and the animation style itself will change depending on what’s happening, helping to sell the danger and tension of each situation.

The main plot focuses on two primary storylines simultaneously: one of the boy Jayce, played by Kevin Alejandro and his assistant Viktor, played by Harry Lloyd, trying to harness magic for technological advancement and the story of Vi, played by Hailee Steinfeld, and Powder, played by Mia Sinclair Jenness, two kids trying to survive in the undercity. “Arcane” juggles these threads without managing to fumble the bag in any significant ways when it comes to the characterization. 

The characters in “Arcane” are excellently written. Each one of them has their own desires, complex relationships and philosophies. Seeing their interactions together sometimes leading to conflict is one of the highlights of this series. 

The voice work is something that definitely stands out and is a highlight of this series. Hailee Steinfeld’s performance as Vi is outstanding throughout the entire show and captures the emotional baggage and determination of the character. Another outstanding mention goes to Ella Purnell for her portrayal of the psychotic Jinx and gives her performance tragic, brutal realism.

People who are fans of “League of Legends,” as well as casual viewers, will like “Arcane.” With that killer first season that quickly gained popularity, it’s exciting to look forward to seeing what’s next for the series. In a media landscape filled with disappointing video game adaptations, “Arcane” stands as a beacon of hope to future video game adaptations on what to do right.