Yoko Taro, the enigmatic creator, teamed up with Platinum Games to craft the exceptional video game, “Nier: Automata.” If you haven’t experienced this masterpiece, you’re truly missing out. But there’s more to the story; an anime adaptation based on the game is also available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
“Nier: Automata Ver1.1a” faithfully transforms the best-selling video game into an anime while injecting intriguing twists into the plot. If you haven’t delved into the world of “Nier: Automata” in either its gaming or anime form, beware of spoilers. In a nutshell, the narrative revolves around Earth’s invasion by aliens and their formidable machines in the year 5012. Humanity’s last hope takes refuge on the Moon, deploying the elite YoRHa android unit, including 2B and analyst 9S, to reclaim Earth while uncovering enigmatic phenomena.

For fans concerned that the anime is merely capitalizing on the game’s popularity, fret not. Yoko Taro, the game’s director and co-writer, co-wrote the anime and collaborated closely with director Ryouji Masuyama to ensure a worthy adaptation. Monaca returned to rearrange music from the game and compose original pieces for the anime.
To sweeten the deal, “Nier: Automata Ver1.1a” reunites the original Japanese and English voice cast for both subbed and dubbed versions. This dedication ensures that your favorite characters retain their familiar voices. Originally announced some time ago, the anime faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making its 2023 release all the more exciting.
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Remarkably, Yoko Taro, the creative genius behind “Nier: Automata,” also penned “Nier: Automata Ver1.1a.” The recent announcement of a second cour promises more anime content in the future. Fans need not worry about a strict 1:1 adaptation from the original game; the anime brings its own unique flavor to the narrative, which adds to the intrigue.
Behind the scenes, there was considerable debate about the anime’s direction. Yoko Taro initially wanted to diverge from the game’s storyline, adapting it to the anime medium. This sparked a lively exchange of ideas between Taro and Masuyama, eventually leading to a compromise that satisfied both parties. Devoted game fans will notice the series’ divergence, making it even more enticing for game enthusiasts.
“Nier: Automata Ver1.1a” excels in its ability to inspire newcomers to explore the game world. While the anime provides one perspective of the story, playing the video game offers a unique experience. The underlying themes remain consistent, ensuring a similar atmosphere between the two mediums. However, witnessing the narrative unfold in distinct ways across different platforms is an exciting prospect.
The anime received rave reviews from casual viewers and die-hard gamers alike. If you find yourself captivated by the anime, there’s a wealth of related content waiting for you. Naturally, starting with the game that inspired the anime is an ideal choice. Additionally, you can explore the 2010 game “Nier,” which serves as a sequel to “Nier: Automata.”
It’s worth mentioning that “Nier” itself is both a spin-off and sequel to the “Drakengard” franchise, which boasts its own series of games. Yoko Taro’s creative influence pervades all these titles, making them appealing to fans of “Nier: Automata.” Whether you dive into the games or not, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the anime now available on Crunchyroll.