The long-awaitedNieR: Automataanime adaptation finally got some exciting updates during the 2022 Aniplex Online Fest, with the very first trailer being released as well as a confirmed release date of January 2023.

The big announcement revealed the first visuals for fan-favorite characters, 2B and 9S. Fans finally get to see how these two characters will be portrayed in theNieR: Automataanime adaptation. While the trailer didn’t give much away in terms of what will actually be included in the anime, it teased viewers with short scenes of 2B and9Sas well as key locations that are found throughout the video game.

first look at 2B in the nier automata version 1.1a anime

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The news of aNier: Automataanime adaption broke back in February 2022 during theNier: Automata5th anniversary stream. Since then, there’s been hardly any updates until now. The only information that was given at the time was that the anime would feature2B, A2, and 9S. Even Yoko Taro was confused why it had taken so long for an anime adaptation to be made, withNierfans eagerly awaiting any form of adaption of their favorite video game.

The voice actors were finally confirmed during the announcement alongside the exhilarating teaser trailer. Hatsuki Hanae, who voiced Tanjiro Kamado inDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibais the voice actor for 9S, whereas Yui Ishikawa, who voiced Violet inViolet Evergardenwill be the voice actor for 2B. This is exciting news for those patiently awaiting the NieR: Automata anime adaption, with immensely talented voice actors on the roster andA-1 Picturesproducing the series.A-1 Picturesare well known for working on popular anime shows such asSword Art Online,Erased, andLove Is War.

The name of the anime series was also revealed asNieR: AutomataVersion 1.1a, with Yoko Taro explaining that the storyline will differ from the original story found in the video game. This is due to the fact that the story for theNieR: Automatavideo game was made purely from a video game standpoint, and Yoko Taro feels as if copying the entire storyline would be dull. This means fans of the popular video game will get to experience a brand new story within theNieR: Automatauniverse, which has somewhat divided the fanbase. Many fans are cautious about the anime announcement in general, mainly due to the worries of the series not doing the video game justice.NieR: Automatais an award-winningopen-worldvideo game, after all, so it’s no surprise that fans are keeping their expectations low for now.

It isn’t yet known whether the storyline will be classed as canon or not, but with the anime adaptation story being detached from theNieR: Automatavideo game, it doesn’t seem likely. The prospect of a brand-new take on theNieR: Automataworld is pretty thrilling, expanding the possibilities within the post-apocalyptic world and delving into the secrets of the Bunker. While there hasn’t been any hints on what exactly the story will be, Yoko Taro will surely be eager to announce more when the time comes.

​​​​​​​With Yoko Taro directly working on the production of the anime, it’s bound to be another heart-wrenching storyline that will capture the hearts of long-time fans of theNierseriesand brand-new viewers. The anime adaption will surely bring a whole new audience toNieR: Automataand the other installments within theNierfranchise.

Fans will have to keep their eyes out for any new announcements or updates aboutNieR: AutomataVersion 1.1a in the near future, with the series releasing in January 2023, there’s probably still a few more teasers under their belt. It’ll be fantastic if viewers get to see a wider shot of theenvironments, and some scenes with any additional characters, especially since A2 wasn’t featured in the most recent trailer, with no news of who will be voicing the character yet.