Yoko Taro's acclaimed and immensely popular video game “NieR Automata” is reimagined by A-1 Pictures and Ryouji Masuyama into the anime “NieR:Automata Ver1.1a”. As is the case with most Yoko Taro projects, however, this was never going to be a simple adaptation. Combining several layers of the extensive lore of the game series, the production not only adapts the narrative of the game but also a stage play, making the anime just one piece of a larger multimedia project.
Watch This Title on Crunchyroll
by clicking on the image below
Humanity has been invaded by a strange alien species that spread war through machine life forms. Sensing that they are on the verge of defeat, what is left of the human race flies to a base on the moon and leaves the fighting to androids that they have created. Our protagonists are two of the YoRHa class of androids setting out to end the machine threat once and for all. 2B — a close-combat unit — is paired with scout unit 9S for her missions on behalf of the organisation. However, the good versus evil binary of war is not as straightforward as it may seem from this general description. On several of their missions, the pair find themselves encountering machines that are not only docile but also evolving. Feelings, thoughts and a general appreciation for life itself take root within many of the supposed enemies of humanity as our heroes begin to question their preconceived notions.
Upon the discovery of a machine life form that is birthed by a horde of others, a new enemy seems to emerge. Adam and Eve are siblings whose fascination with humanity and desire to force human emotions onto machines and androids threatens to upset the balance created by The Council of Humanity. 2B and 9S become enmeshed deep in a mystery when their shadowy parent group offers no answers or solutions to their newfound queries.
Follow our coverage of anime by clicking on the image below
Much like the game it is based on, the question of identity and becoming are key to the understanding of the show's themes. Androids and machines stand at opposite ends of war as pawns when, in reality, they are becoming greater than whatever could have been imagined for them. As evidenced by the peaceful machine communities and the progression of our central characters, these life forms are evolving. The series handles these ideas subtly at times, allowing for minor details or actions to communicate a growth that is all the more impactful due to its understated approach. The only real fault of the series' approach is in comparison to its game counterpart. The lack of interactivity means that the anime cannot directly engage its audience in these decisions and thus, at times, character arcs can appear more obtuse than they should be due to the lack of audience culpability. 9S in the early episodes appears to go back and forth between jolly and sadistic which can be understood by a player forced into these decisions but not by an audience watching heinous acts. This disjointed approach can sometimes leave the show's pacing to drag but these setbacks are only minor.
Yui Ishikawa (2B) and Natsuki Hanae (9S) continue their voice-acting roles from the original game to a high standard. Both protagonists are unique in their personalities, and this is only achieved due to the duo's performances. Ishikawa's monotonous and calm approach contrasts heavily with Hanae's excitable demeanor, resulting in a reluctant buddy-cop dynamic that is highly enjoyable throughout the episodes.
A-1 Pictures animation is at times beautiful and at other times, extremely frustrating. Art director Hirofumi Sakagami does an incredible job in ensuring that every frame of 2D animation is packed with as much detail as possible, creating landscapes that are awe-inspiring due to their depth. However, integrating 3D animation is much more of a mixed bag for the show. The series' opening episode is a faithful remake of the game's opening that features a mech fight and, as is the fascination with anime nowadays, the mechs are 3D animated. Whilst the show does the same effect to great success later on in the series, the clunky look of the mech is difficult to ignore at the beginning. On the other hand, Adam's created worlds are perhaps the best example of 3D animation done right. 3D's artificial qualities are enhanced to amplify the artifice of this created world and further the disquieting atmosphere of such a place. Jun Nakai's character designs are just different enough from the original game designs to make them unique whilst remaining faithful enough to please the original fanbase. The effect is characters that are both recognizable and easily integrated within a traditional anime landscape, allowing for a seamless transition from game to screen.
Creating an adaptation of one of the most beloved games of the last decade was always going to be an unenviable task but “NieR:Automata Ver1.1a” is a great reimagining of a classic. By expanding upon minor characters' backstories and taking its time immersing itself in the more narrative-driven aspects of the game, the anime has managed to forge a place for itself in the pantheon of “NieR Automata” media. For longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike, it is extremely easy to become enraptured in both its story and its world.
