As the machine war progresses, YoRHa Command and the Resistance prepare for a final decisive assault against the “Machine Lifeforms,” the militarized robots who roam the earth’s surface. While preparations are underway, YoRHa 9-gou S-gata “9S” and YoRHa 2-gou B-gata “2B” continue their advanced scouting mission. However, 9S and 2B struggle with their respective roles, their loyalty to each other, and their loyalty toward Command.Although the nefarious Adam and Eve have been defeated, it appears the machines are not down for the count. An ominous presence in the form of the “Red Girl” continues to observe the androids from afar, waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack them…On the technical side, Many of the same people from season one were carried over as it’s still produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Ryōji Masuyama. With character designs by animation director Jun Nagai, the scenario is co-written by Masuyama and original director Yoko Taro. The music is composed by Studio Monaca. With some music arranged and recycled from the game itself. Yoko, who directed and co-wrote the original game, collaborated with Masuyama on adapting the story into a form that would work in an anime and was even involved in the wacky live-action puppet segments in the post-credits scenes. The opening theme “Black Box” was done by LiSa, while the ending theme “Ai to Inori” was done by GEMS COMPANY.What once seemed impossible to adapt has found life in NieR: Automata Ver1.1a. The initial skepticism surrounding this project was understandable—fans and critics alike worried that the complex story structure, heavily reliant on video game mechanics, might not translate to the anime medium. Many believed it would be too confusing, and too intricate to capture in episodic form. However, A-1 Pictures rose to the challenge, delivering an anime adaptation that does justice to Yoko Taro’s original vision.While Season One left things open for more, it’s in the second part that NieR: Automata Ver1.1a truly shines the most. Not only does the story pick up in pace and intensity, but A-1 Pictures also delivers in spades with its direction and pacing, creating a blend of lore and action that doesn’t overwhelm the viewer. Given that the game franchise is based on ties to NieR Replicant and the Drakengard series, the story can be dense, with concepts that might be puzzling for newcomers. However, the anime deftly balances explanations with a gradual unraveling of its mysteries, offering newcomers a gateway into the series while respecting the existing lore for seasoned fans. In particular, additions to the story, like expanding on the resistance character Lily and other previously peripheral figures, add emotional depth, creating richer connections with characters you’d never expect to give a shit about.As the season progresses, the story’s structure masterfully juxtaposes the journeys of A2 and 9S, each on paths that reflect contrasting emotional arcs. A2 slowly emerges from the darkness, while 9S spirals deeper into despair. The anime utilizes this split narrative to reveal nuances about each character that might be missed when playing the game, where focusing on survival often eclipses noticing small details. The anime format lets viewers experience these emotional arcs with clarity, highlighting the deeply human aspects of the androids. Themes of love, revenge, existentialism, and self-discovery resonate as each character’s choices and reactions bring them closer to humanity, despite their mechanical origins. This dual narrative format offers a fresh perspective, adapting feels more like a continuation than just a re-creation of the original story.The production quality throughout this season is a testament to the dedication of A-1 Pictures. The animation is consistently high-caliber, featuring impressive fight scenes, intricate character designs, and a beautiful blend of 2D and 3D animation that never feels out of place. Notably, the voice acting is remarkable, with standout performances for both 9S (Kyle McCarley) and A2 (Cherami Leigh). with much of the plot having the two deliver emotionally charged portrayals that enhance the characters’ pain, rage, and growth. Combined with a well-curated soundtrack that builds upon the original game’s music that pulls the viewer into the story for better or worse…Overall, NieR: Automata Ver1.1a has proven itself a masterclass in adaptation. It thankfully, manages to capture all its intriguing world and characters even without playing the games or knowing the full NieR lore. Whether or not you’ve played the game it knows how to hit you emotionally in unexpected ways. And while it’s unclear what projects Yoko Taro has up his sleeve, you can be damn sure his finger is on the pulse of his creations, in one form or another.
