Credits: High on Filmes

Contents:

• The Legend of NieR: Automata: A Tough Act to Follow
• Adapting a Masterpiece: The Challenge of NieR: Automata Ver1.1a
• Does The Animation Look as Good as the Game?
• The Soundtrack: Can It Rival the Game’s Legendary Music?
• 2B and 9S: Do They Shine as Brightly in the Anime?
• Pacing: Can the Anime Deliver the Same Emotional Punch?
• Fan Reactions: What Are People Saying?
• Conclusion: Does the Anime Live Up to the Game?

NieR: Automata has an anime adaptation! Yes, you heard that right! The game that gave us an emotional rollercoaster of a story, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that brought us to tears has now taken a step into the world of anime. But, can NieR: Automata Ver1.1a live up to the game’s near-perfection? Is the anime version capable of capturing all the deep emotions, epic fights, and jaw-dropping aesthetics that made the game a masterpiece?! Let’s dive into it!

The Legend of NieR: Automata: A Tough Act to Follow

Credits: God is a Geek

First off, we need to acknowledge just how beautiful and perfect the original NieR: Automata game is! Released in 2017 by Square Enix and PlatinumGames, this action-RPG won over fans worldwide. The story, following 2B, 9S, and A2, wasn't just about fighting robots—it was a philosophical dive into the meaning of life, existence, and humanity! Plus, those multiple endings, including some that left us either sobbing or mind-blown, are legendary! I mean, have you ever played a game that made you question the universe, while also being addicted to its incredible gameplay? Exactly!

And the music! Let’s not forget Keiichi Okabe’s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. It perfectly captured the mood of every moment, from the calm, eerie ruins of Earth to the intense emotional climaxes. It’s a high bar to live up to, which begs the question: can the anime pull it off? Let’s find out!

Adapting a Masterpiece: The Challenge of NieR: Automata Ver1.1a

Credits: Lies of P 

Here’s where things get tricky. Adapting a beloved video game into an anime isn’t easy, and NieR: Automata is no ordinary game. How do you take something so interactive, where players feel deeply connected to the characters and choices, and transform it into a passive viewing experience? Well, NieR: Automata Ver1.1a tries—and I have to say, there are some things it gets really right, but also a few areas where it might fall short.

The anime follows the core plot of the game—2B and 9S fighting in a war between androids and machines on a post-apocalyptic Earth—but with some deviations. Right off the bat, this isn’t a direct one-to-one adaptation (hence the "Ver1.1a" in the title). It takes some liberties with the story, adding in new twists and content not found in the game. For those of us who have played NieR: Automata and fallen in love with its deep, intricate storylines, this could be a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s cool that the anime brings something fresh to the table, but on the other hand, if you’re hoping for a faithful retelling of the game, you might be left wanting.

Does It Look as Good as the Game?! The Animation

Credits: sportsKeeda 

Now, let’s talk about one of the most important aspects of this anime—how does it look? Because, let’s be real, part of what made NieR: Automata so captivating was its stunning visuals. From the ruined cities to the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, the game’s aesthetic is unmatched. So, does the anime capture that same atmosphere? Well… kind of?

The animation quality is solid, with fluid fight scenes and decent character designs that stay true to their video game counterparts. 2B still looks as badass as ever in her iconic black dress, and 9S keeps his cool, curious demeanor intact. But, here’s where I might have to be a little nitpicky: the game’s visuals were next level, with a haunting, otherworldly beauty that’s hard to replicate in an anime format. The anime does its best, but for die-hard fans of the game, the post-apocalyptic world might not feel quite as immersive or atmospheric.

The Soundtrack: Can It Rival the Game’s Legendary Music?

Credits: Desotho

Oh boy, let’s talk about the music, because NieR: Automata’s OST is one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time! It’s ethereal, emotional, and just hits you in the soul. Keiichi Okabe’s compositions made every moment in the game feel profound, whether you were exploring a desolate wasteland or battling a giant machine boss. So, did the anime carry over that musical brilliance? Yes… and no.

The anime does use some of the original game’s soundtrack, which is a huge relief because, honestly, anything less wouldn’t have done the series justice. . However, the anime also introduces new tracks, and while they’re not bad, they don’t quite have the same weight as the game’s original pieces. Then again, how else will the anime replicate the feeling of listening to the ending credits bawling while receiving help from people who sacrificed their game data to help you? Very difficult indeed.

2B and 9S: Do They Shine as Brightly in the Anime?

Credits: QooApp

Now let’s get into the heart of the story—2B and 9S. These two are the core of NieR: Automata’s emotional journey. In the game, we got to experience their growth firsthand, witnessing their struggles, their bond, and the heartbreaking revelations that come their way. But in the anime, do they have the same impact?

The anime stays pretty true to the personalities of both 2B and 9S. 2B is still the stoic, cool-headed android who follows orders but secretly harbors emotions (even if she doesn’t want to admit it). 9S is as curious and playful as ever, providing a nice contrast to 2B’s serious demeanor. Their interactions are just as engaging as in the game, and the anime does a decent job of showcasing their dynamic. That said, without the player’s involvement in the choices and dialogue, the emotional impact might not hit quite as hard.

Pacing: Can the Anime Deliver the Same Emotional Punch?

Credits: CBR 

Here’s where things get a little tricky—pacing. NieR: Automata is known for its multiple endings, branching storylines, and deep philosophical questions. The game took its time unraveling its story, giving players hours upon hours to slowly connect with the characters and uncover the many layers of its narrative. But in the anime, everything is condensed into episodes, and while it moves the plot forward, some of the game’s emotional depth feels a bit rushed.

That’s not to say the anime doesn’t have its powerful moments—it definitely does! But part of what made the game so special was how much time you spent with the characters, how you got to live in their world, making the twists and turns feel all the more intense. The anime tries its best to capture that, but it’s a tough challenge when you’re adapting a 40+ hour game into a limited number of episodes.

Fan Reactions: What Are People Saying?

Crdedits: Crunchyroll 

So, how are fans reacting to NieR: Automata Ver1.1a? Well, opinions are a bit mixed! Long-time fans of the game are enjoying seeing their favorite characters and moments brought to life in a new way. The animation, voice acting, and music are getting praise, and the fact that the anime isn’t a direct copy of the game means it’s offering something fresh.

However, some fans feel that the anime just can’t capture the same emotional depth as the game. It’s a tough act to follow, and while the anime does a decent job, there’s a sense that something is missing. That said, for newcomers who haven’t played the game, the anime is a great introduction to the world of NieR, even if it’s not a perfect adaptation.

Conclusion: Does the Anime Live Up to the Game?

Credits: PC Gamer