The long-awaited anime adaptation of the popular video game NieR:Automata has finally premiered, giving fans the chance to dive back into the world and story of 2B and 9S. The game, which was released several years ago, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken over Earth, and humanity struggles to reclaim their planet. The war between humans and machines has raged for centuries, and the remnants of human civilization rely on advanced androids known as YorHa to fight and gather information about the machines.
The first episode follows 2B and 9S, two YorHa androids, who reunite on the orbital military base after their self-destruction on Earth. The episode recreates the cutscenes from the game’s prologue, including an exciting aerial combat sequence, a machine battle in a factory, 9S hacking a Goliath-class machine, and 2B’s fight against the same machine.
While the episode may feel familiar to fans of the game, the anime offers a fresh perspective on the characters and their relationships. In particular, the dynamic between 2B and 9S is explored in more depth, revealing a softer side of the otherwise war-driven and patriotic 2B. Additionally, the anime introduces a new character, Lily, hinting at potential new stories and plotlines.
The episode is directed by the original game’s creator, Yoko Taro, and it’s clear that the production team strives to stay true to the source material while introducing new elements to the story. It remains unclear whether the anime will follow the same timeline as the game, but with Yoko Taro at the helm, fans are eager to see what new direction the anime will take.
Overall, the first episode of the NieR:Automata anime provides fans with a perfect start to the series. It recreates the game’s memorable moments while adding more depth to the characters, making it an emotionally gripping experience. And with creator Yoko Taro involved, the possibilities are endless—anything could happen.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.