Nier: Automata, the beloved Japanese hack-and-slash RPG, is getting an anime spin-off in January 2023. The spin-off has been titled Ver1.1a and game creator Yoko Taro stated that it’s story will be a bit different than the game.
In an official announcement trailer, it was not revealed exactly when we can expect to see a premiere for Nier: Automata Ver1.1a in January, but clips of main character 2B were shown, as well as the android 9S.
Yoko Taro spoke about the creation of the anime during Aniplex Online Fest over the weekend, as well as his thoughts on it.
“When I actually heard about making an anime version, I thought, ‘What? This late?’ Normally an anime version is released right around the game’s release to gain synergy and increase the game sales as a result.”
He stated that the anime would not have the same story as the game, because “Nier: Automata was a story we created to be a game, so copying it as is wouldn’t make an interesting story for an anime. So I brought up the idea of changing things around.”
The animation studio did not seem to want to change the story too much, but Taro and the team were able to reach a bit of a compromise:
“I often see fans who worry that creators are going through their creative process with a complete disregard for the original game. But in this case, those worries have no grounds. The fact that the anime side, starting with the director, really respected the game struck a chord with me.
“I’m the one going around and breaking things for [Aniplex]. So, if anyone is dissatisfied [with the story of Ver1.1a], it’s likely to be my fault.”
Nier: Automata originally released back in 2017 and received praise from critics and gamers alike. It tells the story of Combat Android 2B who was created to help free Earth from hostile machine lifeforms built by an unknown alien race.
The anime was first announced back in February. Since then, however, the details have been fairly limited.
In the YouTube description of the trailer, the plot of the anime is revealed as being the following:
“The stage is a far future where humanity is defeated by the moon in front of the overwhelming force of ‘mechanical life forms’ that aliens carry out. 2B belonging to the newly organized Android unit YoRHa will throw themselves into a fierce battle to recapture the earth.”
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Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
