Warning: This contains SPOILERS for NieR: AutomataThe new animated series NieR: Automata Ver1.1a includes an interesting tweak of the traditional mecha anime that introduces aspects of the supernatural that are rarely found in a robot-centric genre, but that should convince anime fans it's a series worth watching.
Ryouji Masuyama's adaptation of the video game NieR: Automata focuses on combat warrior 2B and her partner the intelligence scout 9S. Both are YorHa class androids built by other androids. They work for the android resistance to fight against an alien race of mechanized beings that have taken over most of Earth and chased the surviving population of humans to the moon. While the initial generation of android soldiers stopped the aliens' advance, over the last several centuries the aliens made progress. Ultimately, this led to the deployment of the YorHa soldiers. While 9S and 2B attempt to assist in the return of humans to Earth, they quickly learn all is not what it seems on Earth and among their comrades and opponents.
NieR: Automata is Perfect For Fans of Mechs and Dark Fantasy
NieR: Automata has a huge following that is likely quite pleased Masuyama's anime adaptation. However, to be successful, the anime needs to attract a broader fan base. While shows like NieR: Automata Ver1.1a help to continue the popularity of the mecha anime genre, over the last few years dark fantasy titles have grown more popular. However, NieR's first episode reveals an interesting aspect of the YorHa models fighting for humanity that dark fantasy anime fans should recognize instantly, namely the machines have something akin to a soul. While a small reveal, it suggests there is more to 2B and 9S than just gears and bolts. If the NieR: Automata Ver1.1a anime is going to be successful it will be because of the combination of its mecha primary story, with these and other dark fantasy elements.
NieR: Automata is a Mech Anime With Deep Themes
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a seems to bridge the anime-gaming, and mecha-dark fantasy divides with an intriguing mash-up of genres that should satisfy both fan bases. While the series is heavy on the mecha symbolism - the aliens operate mechanized units that are obviously robots. On the other hand, despite their human-like appearance, 9S and 2B show themselves to physically be all mechanical. However, after being attacked and nearly "killed," the two are able to upload their "black boxes" to their command station. At first, this seems a reasonable trait of a networked android. But later viewers find that it is not just their data but also their memories and even emotions.
Moreover, without a complete upload, their souls can be wiped. In a Chainsaw Man-lke twist, they will be reborn without their prior memories The transfer of 2B and 9S' souls is not without influence. The first episode's ending suggests greater powers might be influencing what parts of the soul get transferred. It's just the tweak NieR: Automata Ver1.1a needs to pull in both mecha and dark fantasy fans.
NieR: Automata is now available for viewing on Crunchyroll.