Nier Automata Ver 1.1a is the anime adaptation of the Role-playing game Nier Automata. The game has sold over 7 million copies and is still considered underrated by its fans. The game has a dedicated following and they had their fair share of expectations from the anime adaptation.
The anime is directed by Ryouji Masuyama and A-1 Pictures was the studio in charge of the animation production. With a game as popular as Nier Automata, any diversion from the original media format is judged critically. The deviation from the source material is usually not well received. Is that the case with Nier Automata Ver 1.1a?
Nier Automata Ver 1.1a: How faithful is it to the source material?
The source material in this case is the game. The creators of the anime have made sure that the anime follows the game as closely as possible. Even the changes that have been made have the director of the game heavily involved. Yoko Taro who was the director of the RPG was one of the co-writers for the anime.
The changes are considerate of the original story and are only there to make the transition from the game to anime smooth. So if the anime was exactly similar to the game, it’d have served no purpose.
The main differences between the game and the anime
The character of 9S
One of the most prominent changes is the character 9S. He’s one of the central characters. Compared to the games, everything about 9S is a bit exaggerated or more obvious. Whether it be his discriminative nature towards the machines or occasional playfulness.
Different timeline or an alternate timeline
The title of the anime Nier Automata Ver 1.1a is symbolic of the difference itself. It’s a version of the timeline or the story you see in the game. The Drakengard series that the Nier games are a part of is no stranger to alternate timelines, which makes it a natural change.
Lily’s appearance in the anime
The leader of the local Android resistance didn’t have a direct appearance in the game. Whereas in the anime she has a part dedicated to her appearance. Also, the added screen time gives her character more depth.
A2’s Backstory
The character A2 has a proper sequence in Pearl Harbor with her backstory being explored. In the game, her backstory hasn’t been explored the way it’s being done in the anime. She’s also slightly more violent as compared to the game.
Conclusion
The anime has tried to stay faithful to the source material while tweaking some details here and there. Nier Automata Ver 1.1a is a good example of well done anime adaptation but it doesn’t have everything going smoothly with the delay in production.
The anime has gone on hiatus with multiple delays. Getting back on track with the episode schedule will help the other great things the anime has going for it.
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