NieR: Automata was one of the biggest JRPGs of the previous video game console generation, so it's no surprise that the recently-begun anime adaptation is catching the eyes of many. With the series clearly a passion project by those who loved the game, viewers are likely expecting more out of the show than other video game anime. Unfortunately, it faces the same issues that those other shows often have.
NieR:Automata Ver1.1a is one of many video game anime that jump right into the action, and not necessarily for the better. The lack of any context or exposition might leave non-gamers bewildered, especially since the interactive nature of the video game source material is gone. While the show can't be faulted for fidelity, the way in which it achieves this leaves something to be desired.
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a Adapts the Game's Narrative – to a Fault
Given how popular the game was, it's for the best that the anime for NieR: Automata is trying to stick so closely to what fans expect. Such a commendable attribute stands out in a world where other adaptations such as The Last of Us change key elements of their stories in the transition out of the video game medium. To this end, the first episode of NieR: Automata Ver1.1a is a straight-up recreation of the game's opening sequence and first boss battle. Fans will feel right at home with what's on-screen, though newcomers will likely be lost.
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a doesn't try to ground its world in any sort of context or explanation, instead jumping straight into the storyline it's adapting. Completely lacking in rhyme or reason, it gives off the sense that it's a show by the fans, for the fans -- and only the fans. Such a narrative blunder is common among video game anime, which largely fail to take advantage of them not being the source material. While being accurate to said source material is imperative, an adaptation made after the fact can further flesh out the world and plot of the game. This way, newcomers are properly introduced while existing fans have something extra to chew on beyond the story they already know. The fact that NieR: Automata Ver1.1a didn't do so may serve to continue the trend of poor reception to video game anime and already doomed the series for those who've never played the game.
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a Doesn't Explain the Central Conflict of the Game
Gamers likely already know something about the plot of NieR: Automata, such as the main concepts of its starring androids and their war with the machines that ravaged mankind. Unfortunately, NieR: Automata Ver1.1a never takes the time to explain any of this, which is a luxury that the game had in many ways. Despite having the same initial lack of context, the video game is known for its many endings. While some of these are only slightly different -- if not outright gags -- they all help to encourage the game's replay value and flesh out the story.
As with anime adaptations of visual novels, the show doesn't have the luxury of multiple endings or playthroughs, leaving only one shot to bring the story to life. Currently, it seems as if it's laying out the most bare-bones version of said story, emulating the plot that gamers will get if they only beat NieR: Automata once. As much as some have criticized the series, at least the iconic Pokémon anime explained its world and concepts when it debuted -- and that was a series meant for children. By not taking newcomers' perspectives into account, NieR: Automata Ver1.1a fails to be what could have been the best version of the story, instead being potentially the most disappointing version, at least as far as newcomers are concerned.