NieR:Automata Ver1.1a [Season 1 Episode 9 to Episode 12]

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a – Episodes 9-12: A Bittersweet Symphony of War and Existence

By [Your Name]

A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The final stretch of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a (Episodes 9-12) has finally arrived after what felt like an eternity of delays, and boy, was it worth the wait—or was it? Fans have been split down the middle, with some praising the adaptation’s faithfulness to the game’s melancholic tone, while others argue it stumbled in pacing and emotional impact.

Produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Ryoji Masuyama, the anime adaptation of PlatinumGames’ 2017 masterpiece NieR: Automata had big shoes to fill. Set in a dystopian future where androids fight a proxy war against alien-created machines, the series dives deep into themes of existentialism, purpose, and the blurred lines between humanity and artificial life.

The Good, The Bad, and The Confusing

The final four episodes (9-12) wrapped up the first cour with a mix of brilliance and frustration. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. Episode 9 & 10: The High Points
2. Fans loved the changes in these episodes, particularly how they streamlined certain plot points from the game. The emotional weight of 9S’s descent into madness and 2B’s internal struggle was handled beautifully.

3. “The way they adapted 9S’s breakdown was haunting. You could feel his pain even if you hadn’t played the game.” – Reddit user

4. Episode 11: The Divisive One

5. This episode was the most controversial. Some felt it rushed key moments, while others appreciated the added focus on side characters like Lily.

6. “Cutting the Adam/Eve fight was a crime. That was one of the most iconic moments in the game!” – MyAnimeList comment

7. Episode 12: A Stunning Finale

8. The finale delivered on spectacle and emotion. The inclusion of “Weight of the World” (the game’s iconic ending theme) was a tearjerker for longtime fans.
9. “Hearing that song again hit me like a truck. The anime might not be perfect, but moments like this make it special.” – Discord discussion

The Big Twist: Humanity’s Fate

One of the biggest revelations in these episodes was the confirmation that humanity is already extinct—a twist that shocked anime-only viewers but was a well-known fact for game fans. The anime handled this reveal differently, merging elements from the game’s multiple routes (A and B) into one streamlined narrative.

• “I didn’t play the game, so the twist blew my mind. The idea that androids and machines are fighting for nothing… that’s tragic.” – Twitter reaction
• “They spoiled Ending E stuff way too early. This should’ve been saved for later.” – Hardcore game fan

The Adaptation Debate

As with any game-to-anime adaptation, NieR:Automata Ver1.1a faced scrutiny. Some fans felt it cut too much (like the Adam/Eve boss fight), while others praised its original additions (like Lily’s expanded role).

• Pros:
• Stunning animation in key scenes.
• Faithful to the game’s philosophical themes.

• The voice acting (especially for 2B and 9S) was top-tier.

• Cons:

• Pacing issues due to merging routes.
• Some emotional beats didn’t land as hard as in the game.
• The delays hurt the viewing experience for many.

“It’s a 7/10 adaptation of a 10/10 game. Good, but not great.” – MyAnimeList review

Looking Ahead: The Second Cour

The announcement of a second cour has fans cautiously optimistic. If the anime can maintain the highs of Episodes 9-12 while fixing its pacing issues, it could become one of the best game adaptations out there.

• “Route C is where the real pain begins. If they nail that, this anime will be legendary.” – Reddit prediction
• “Please, no more delays. Just give us a complete story next time.” – Fan plea

Final Verdict

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a isn’t a flawless adaptation, but it’s a worthy companion to the game. The final episodes delivered heart-wrenching moments, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that will linger in your soul. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this anime is a must-watch—just don’t expect it to replace the game’s magic.

Rating: 8/10 – A beautiful, if imperfect, ode to one of gaming’s greatest stories.

Now, excuse me while I go replay the game and cry. 🎮😭

What did you think of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a’s finale? Let’s discuss in the comments!