FIF#184-NieR: Automata Ver1.1a

5012AD.  Millenia have passed since a brutal war with Alien Machines that has left Humanity on the brink of extinction.  The last remnants still cling to the hope of reclaiming their homeland and plan a counteroffensive from space.  It’s from here the YoRHa: Combat units of unparalled power and efficiency in battle, have been created.  One of their best, the beautiful 2B, has been dispatched to Earth along with YoRHa analyst 9s, to scout the surface as planning for the final battle continues.  Across the war torn world, 2B and 9S will unlock the secrets of Humanities long lost past all the while questioning their mission and what kind of future awaits them when the war is finally over.

 
While I’ve never played it, I know NieR: Automata is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made.  Equal parts dramatic introspection from the perspective of sentient robots and rapid fire action scenes, NieR has enjoyed a popularity unlike some other action JPRG titles from the last decade.  I’m surprised it took five years for an Anime adaptation to get off the ground but here we are and man does it look as impressive as the game its based on.  Now I haven’t played the game and all I really know is that is has one of the sexiest leading ladies in gaming, so I’m heading into this blind.  That said, while the first episode might be scarce on plot or a lot of world building, if you wanted an Anime adaptation of an opening Video Game Prologue, you’ve come to the right place: NieR: Automata Ver1.1a.
 
If nothing else, A-1 Pictures isn’t messing around cause NieR looks ridiculously stunning.  These a great mix of 2D and 3D animation styles that blend together quite fluidly.  The Mecha looks awesome from the standard soldiers 2B cuts her way through with ease to the transformable Mech suits she and 9S ride into battle to the Goliath Type mega bosses theyre forced to confront at the end.  And the transition into a more digital realm for the hacking that 9S can do lends evidence as to why A-1 was chosen to head this project given its work with visualizing a digital plain of existence with its flagship Sword Art Online franchise.  Suffice to say, a lot of work has gone into this title and A-1, to quote John Hammond from Jurassic Park, has “Spared no expense”.
 
Slicing her way through this gorgeous but also sad state of the future is 2B and man, A-1 is having a ton of fun animating her in battle.  Rocking her iconic signature look from the high heeled thigh highs and stockings to her eye mask, 2B is shown at just about every angle imaginable in the first episode (you could make a drinking game from all the upskirt shots…actually don’t if you value your health).  2B is undeinably sexy and I can see why she’s garnered the attention of gamers worldwide and still remains one of the most cosplayed characters out there.  Beyond her dazzling looks and wardrobe, we do get glimpses into a very complex girl within the machine.  2B is a soldier but despite her saying she and her fellow YoRHa aren’t supposed to show emotion, she’s got quite the bit of sass going for her in battle.  On top of that, there’s the mystery between 2B and her connection to her support partner 9S.  There’s an indication that she’s known him far longer than he’s known her and it’s a sore spot with 2B.  For one who isn’t supposed to show emotion, it’s clear she cares for 9S and wants him to be happy.  I wonder if she can help him find it in this post apocalypse and, more importantly, if 2B herself will have a place in his happiness.
 
Not gonna lie, I think this one will defnitley be going on my weekly watch list.  Yeah, yeah, 2B being hot in battle and just standing around like an Android Goddess is enough to pique my interest but this world of NieR Automata looks fascinating.  I don’t know how much of the game the Anime is going to adapt but I still wonder if I should risk playing the game despite potential spoilers.  Could be worth the risk.  Oh and there’s a cute bonus Puppet Feature at the end of the first episode that I hope continues to be a recurring bit on the show before the credits.  Needless to say, bring on more NieR and 2B. 
 
And that does it for First Impression Friday, for now.  FIF will be back in September with the back half of it’s 8^th Season, leading to its landmark 200^th Episode.  Now I just need to find a bunch of titles to fill those slots (FYI #200 has already been chosen and I think it’ll surprise a lot of people).  Til then, see you all for more Reviews, Top 5 Wednesdays and whatever other bonus features I’ll have waiting in the winds as we continue into 2023 right here at the Gundam Anime Corner.