The following contains spoilers for NieR Automata. It’s available for playing on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
Veteran players ofNieRAutomataknow of the tragic story between 2B and 9S. Being created solely for war against an enemy that no longer exists, time and time again, the two androids are trapped in a never-ending spiral of grief. In fact, it’s this destiny that was decided for them that acts as the “true” enemy ofNieR Automata.
Taking this into consideration, the ED ofNieR Automata Ver1.1a, “Antinomy”, performed byAmazarashiincorporates that message of clutching onto love in a premeditated circumstance. And the visuals are enough to prove that.
RELATED:Is Nier Automata Ver1.1a’s Hiatus Part of the Production?
Back to Back, Side by Side
During the first 40 seconds, we see an android’s black box in what looks to be in a crystallized form. Seeing how the black box is essentially an android’s heart and isself-destructive in nature, its “pure” form is the other side of it. With everything that’s destroyed, something new is always rebuilt.
In this case, it’s recovering from a heartbreak. The visual then fades to a shot of 2B and 9S standing back-to-back in a dimly lit room. 2B facing the shadow, 9S facing the window. This could be looked at as the former seeing the dark side of her ordeal, and the latter being optimistic as a result of his ignorance of what YoRHa truly is. As the camera set its focus on their faces, 2B curls her hand into a fist, indicating frustration. The chorus begins, and we’re met with a different scenery this time.
Chasing Your Dreams
2B finds herself outside facing 9S in a wheat field, and staring longingly at his back. After some time, he turns around and greets her with a smile on his face. His smile reminds her just how much she cares for him and her blindfold comes off, signaling her decision to disregard her mission and run away with him. As we get to witness a glimpse of her eyes, a dove is seen flying away up into the sky, a representation of fighting for freedom.
At the same time, we see that she’s left her sword behind and sprints towards 9S, who also isn’t carrying a weapon. But as she reaches for him, despite how fast she runs, 9S fades into the light that she was chasing; and just when he was in her grasp, he suddenly disappears, and 2B is left alone yet again. The last scene goes back to the crystallized black box turning back into its original form and lights up the same way it does when preparing to self-destruct. No matter how many times she tries to defy her fate and seek freedom, itwill always end in tragedy, and 9S will remain in blissful ignorance.
Love on the Battlefield
In game, it’s stated that during battle, androids' brains exhibit the same reactions humans do when experiencing love or pleasure.It simply isn’t in their nature to love- or at least that was what YoRHa’s intended purpose for them was. To see androids branch off from their societal role as killing machines (quite literally) is destined for failure in a world where love simply doesn’t exist.
But adapting and seeking change isn’t unique to humans, and androids are designed to learn, after all. This also includes resolve, determination, and to an extent, stubbornness. Even if the effort seems futile, 2B will always seek out happiness and true freedom for both her and 9S.
