NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Anime Series Episode 1: or not to [B]e (2023) – Weebz Club Score: 9.5/10 “A Visually Breathtaking Descent into a Ruined World That Immediately Captivates and Leaves an Unmistakable Impression.”
From its very first moments, NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 1, “or not to [B]e,” establishes itself as an anime with an unmistakable identity. Set against the haunting remnants of a post-apocalyptic world, the episode introduces 2B and 9S as they descend into a dangerous battlefield filled with hostile Machine Lifeforms. What begins as a seemingly straightforward combat mission quickly becomes a striking showcase of atmosphere, visual design, and cinematic action. From the smallest machines to enormous and increasingly sophisticated mechanical threats, every encounter reinforces the scale and mystery of this devastated world. With its extraordinary aesthetic, distinctive visual style, and beautifully animated characters—particularly the remarkable 2B—the premiere is an exceptionally impressive introduction to the series. It earns a strong 9.5 out of 10.
Awakening to a Ruined World
- The Post-Apocalyptic Atmosphere: The episode immediately immerses the viewer in a world that feels abandoned, broken, and reclaimed by time. The ruined environments and desolate landscapes create an atmosphere of loneliness and decay, establishing a post-apocalyptic setting that feels both beautiful and unsettling. There is a tangible sense that this world has endured something catastrophic, yet the episode deliberately leaves much of its history unexplained, creating an intriguing air of mystery.
- A World of Machines: Humanity’s absence is felt throughout the episode as 2B and 9S navigate an Earth populated by Machine Lifeforms. Their enemies range from relatively simple machines to increasingly advanced and imposing mechanical creations. This progression makes the battlefield feel unpredictable and dangerous, while also hinting that the machines may be far more complex than they initially appear.
A Striking Visual Identity
- An Unmistakable Style: One of the episode’s greatest strengths is its distinctive visual identity. NieR:Automata Ver1.1a immediately stands out through its combination of bleak environments, elegant character designs, mechanical enemies, and atmospheric cinematography. The contrast between the devastated world and the refined appearance of the YoRHa androids creates an aesthetic that is both haunting and beautiful.
- An Aesthetic on Another Level: The visual presentation is exceptionally pleasing. The ruined cities, abandoned structures, vast landscapes, and imposing machines create a world that feels carefully crafted and visually rich. Even in moments where little is happening, the environments possess enough atmosphere and detail to hold the viewer’s attention. The series demonstrates from the outset that it is not simply telling a story—it is building a world with a very particular visual language.
2B and 9S: Elegance Amidst Destruction
- 2B: A Remarkable Presence: 2B immediately commands attention. Her character design is extraordinary, combining elegance and strength in a way that perfectly complements the world around her. Her movements during combat are particularly impressive, with fluid animation and graceful choreography making every attack feel deliberate and powerful. There is an almost effortless beauty to the way she moves through battle, making her one of the episode’s most captivating visual elements.
- 9S: The Complementary Partner: 9S provides an important contrast to 2B. While he participates in the same dangerous missions, his role and personality create a different dynamic within the duo. Their interactions give the episode a humanizing element amid the destruction and combat, while also establishing the partnership that will drive much of the story forward.
Machines, Combat, and Spectacle
- From Small Threats to Colossal Machines: The action steadily expands in scale. What begins with encounters against smaller Machine Lifeforms eventually leads to battles against much larger and more advanced mechanical enemies. This escalation effectively communicates that the world is filled with dangers far beyond what initially meets the eye.
- Fluid and Visually Stunning Combat: The combat sequences are one of the episode’s major highlights. 2B’s movements are exceptionally fluid, combining speed, precision, and elegance. The choreography captures the feeling of a high-speed battle while maintaining the distinctive beauty of the character animation. The result is action that is not merely exciting, but visually mesmerizing.
An Unmistakable Spark
A 9.5/10 Premiere: This episode is a remarkable achievement in visual presentation, atmosphere, character design, and action. It establishes a fascinating post-apocalyptic world while introducing characters who immediately leave an impression. The combination of haunting environments, sophisticated machines, distinctive aesthetics, and extraordinary animation gives NieR:Automata Ver1.1a a sense of identity that is difficult to ignore.
Lasting Impression and Compelling Drive: “or not to [B]e” leaves a powerful first impression. Even without revealing everything about its world, the episode creates enough mystery to make the viewer want to understand what happened to humanity, who the machines truly are, and what role 2B and 9S play in this seemingly endless conflict. Most importantly, the episode demonstrates that NieR:Automata Ver1.1a has something special visually and atmospherically. It is a captivating beginning to what promises to be an extraordinary journey.
Sources: NieR:Automata Anime Official Site, Wikipedia
