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Have you ever felt stuck in the same routine, wondering if it all leads somewhere meaningful? Or maybe you're drawn to sci-fi worlds, epic battles, and a mysterious protagonist who dodges, flips, and slices through waves of enemies with skill and flair. NieR: Automata, the iconic game by Yoko Taro, manages to balance both – drawing us in with action and visuals, only to reveal much deeper, thought-provoking questions about humanity and existence.
Now, if you're new to the world of NieR, you might just see it as a "cool sci-fi with a waifu wielding a big sword." And yes, it definitely is that. But, under the surface, NieR: Automata challenges us with existential themes that make us question the meaning of life, what it means to be human, and the nature of freedom.
The Allure and the Deeper Layers
When I first played NieR: Automata on PS4, I was captivated by its aesthetic and combat mechanics. At that time, I didn't think much about the story's deeper meanings – I was just there for the action and style. Years later, though, I revisited NieR, and I found myself drawn into its world on a much deeper level.
Yoko Taro, the creator of NieR, has a unique way of drawing players in with visually appealing characters and thrilling battles, only to surprise them with emotional and philosophical depth. Taro himself once admitted his motivation for creating characters like 2B was partly simple: he just likes girls. But beneath that lighthearted approach is a commitment to exploring heavy themes, blending beauty with complex storytelling to create a layered experience.
The game has developed a passionate fan base and even inspired an anime adaptation, NieR: Automata Ver1.1a. While the anime retells the game’s story, it does so in a way that's slightly adapted for the medium, focusing on key themes and skipping some side quests. This makes it more accessible to people who may not have time to play the full game but still want to experience the story.
Exploring Existentialism Through NieR: Automata
At its core, NieR: Automata explores existentialism, a philosophy focused on finding meaning in a world that may seem meaningless. The story follows three main androids – 2B, 9S, and A2 – who struggle with their purpose and identity in a never-ending war against machines. Each character represents different aspects of existential thought, and their journeys ask us to confront difficult questions: Who am I? Why am I here? Is my existence meaningful?
2B and Absurdism
The android 2B grapples with a concept known as Absurdism. This philosophy suggests that life is inherently meaningless, and the search for purpose can feel absurd or even hopeless. In NieR, 2B and other androids justify their existence by fighting an endless war on behalf of a human race they’ve never met. For her, the act of fighting gives her purpose, but over time, she begins to question the war's point as she encounters machines that act in surprisingly human ways – expressing fear, forming relationships, and even adopting religious beliefs.
2B’s journey mirrors the ancient myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only for it to roll back down every time he neared the top. Existentialism uses this as a metaphor for life, suggesting that while existence may be pointless, we can still find meaning by embracing the struggle itself. This idea is reflected in 2B’s quiet rebellion against her fate, as she starts to form attachments and express emotions that she was told to suppress.
9S and the Search for Meaning
9S, another android, embodies the tension between curiosity and despair. He’s driven by a relentless need to understand the world around him, yet his discoveries often leave him feeling more isolated and unhinged. As he uncovers the truth about the machines and the meaninglessness of the war, he spirals into despair. His journey reflects the existential concept of “nausea,” a feeling of discomfort that comes from the realization of life's lack of inherent meaning.
9S’s tragic flaw is his anger toward machine life, which he uses as a scapegoat to avoid confronting his own sense of purpose. This “philosophical prejudice” becomes his way of coping with his unraveling understanding of the world, symbolizing how we often seek blame rather than dealing with uncomfortable truths. This is a reminder that while our freedom to choose is liberating, it also comes with the heavy responsibility of defining who we are.
A2 and Freedom
In contrast, A2 represents the existential belief that while freedom can be daunting, it also offers a chance for personal growth. Disconnected from her former purpose, A2 is initially driven by vengeance, wandering alone and clinging to her anger toward machines. Yet, as she spends time with the peaceful machines in Pascal’s village, she begins to forge a new identity and purpose for herself.
A2’s arc showcases the liberation that existentialism offers. She is no longer bound by YorHa’s directives and instead finds her own meaning in life. Her journey emphasizes the existential idea that while freedom may be a burden, it also allows us to create our own path. A2 learns to let go of control and discovers joy in unexpected places, like the camaraderie she feels with the machine villagers.
Machines and the Evolution of Humanity
Beyond the androids’ personal journeys, NieR: Automata also explores humanity through the machines themselves. Over time, some machines begin to evolve, forming communities, developing emotions, and even questioning their own purpose. This blurs the line between machine and human, challenging our ideas about what it means to be alive.
In one scene, A2 finds herself in Pascal’s village, initially planning to destroy the peaceful machines but eventually learning to accept them. She witnesses their innocence, their joy, and their relationships, ultimately finding a reason to protect them. This moment is a powerful statement about compassion and empathy, suggesting that humanity is not defined by biological traits but by the capacity for connection and understanding.
Why NieR: Automata Resonates So Deeply
Through its characters and themes, NieR: Automata takes us on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. It uses action and beautiful visuals as a gateway to explore complex ideas about existence, freedom, and purpose. And as viewers or players, we’re invited to question our own lives, to confront the absurdity of existence, and to decide for ourselves what gives life meaning.
For those who want to dive even deeper, I offer a spoiler-filled analysis for my patrons and YouTube members, where I explore the nuances of the anime and game in greater detail. But whether you're a casual fan or someone who loves dissecting every hidden meaning, NieR: Automata has something powerful to offer.
So, what is your purpose? And are you ready to embrace the freedom to find your own meaning, even in a seemingly meaningless world? That’s the journey NieR: Automata invites us to take – one of introspection, growth, and ultimately, connection.
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