NieR: Automata Ver1.1a as an anime starts off relatively with a big bang, and it is an important adaptation to a long favorite videogame of fans, and many people are glad to see the revival of the two main leading characters of this story, 2B and 9S. While these blindfolded and raven-clad individuals command pod-drones as well as their own personal weaponry with maximum efficiency, the story establishes that the two of them are androids. More specifically, YoRHa android units are sent to Earth to fight against the machines that plague it. However, for many fans being introduced to NieR: Automata through the anime are confused as well as curious about YoRHa, and how exactly does YoRHa exist and why they will be important in the future?
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a released on January 7th, 2023 on streaming services around the world. Heavily adapting and taking from the source material of the games, and animated by A-1 Pictures, the anime has been heavily anticipated for many fans of the game as well as those eager to see it adapted on the screen. The main focus of the story revolves around a battle between aliens and humanity. The invaders have taken over earth, and sent out their machines to patrol, while humanity created androids to combat the threat. Eventually, from what information we have, this lead to the creation of YoRHa, an elite military organization composed entirely of androids fighting for humanity. Regardless of the premise, what details can we gleam from the story so far, and how relevant will they be to consider in the future?
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YoRHa's Hierarchy
Despite the main leads of our stories being the androids 2B and 9S, two impressive characters in their own right if the first episode has any indication to say, these two are simply soldiers sent to the battlefield with different purposes as well as different functions dedicated to their oath. More specifically, YoRHa refers to not just the organization that protects humanity on the moon from the machine threat, but also refers to the designation each android receives upon their data being uploaded, and their bodies manufactured. More specifically, one such android that leads the YoRHa elite military force is called the Commander. Standing at the top, she's the one responsible for managing the YoRH base from above Earth, as well as making sure that they hold data of the androids that are sent out to the field.
While the Commander leads the androids to their missions and assigns them proper designations and purposes; it is ultimately up to the androids that follow her to go to Earth and fight against the machines. The fight has presumably been going on for years, more than what humanity can count, and 2B and 9S are two androids caught up in the war. While they have no qualms about their purpose or why they fight, there seems to be an unspoken rule that they mustn't remove their blindfolds for mysterious reasons not yet revealed in the anime. Considering that the Commander has no blindfold, or even any veil to speak of, it is clear that YoRHa is led by the Commander, however she states that it is all for humanities' sake.
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YoRHa's Mission and Oath
While the YoRHa units and organization all are fabricated by humanity, these androids were equipped with what can be considered as a Black Box, a data core or running operating system that, when collided with another Black Box, implodes upon itself causing a massive chain reaction compared to an explosion.What is curious is the purpose of why YoRHa was made, and the mysteries surrounding what makes YoRHa an important force for the story. 9S as an individual believes in the mission of fighting for humanity as much as 2B, that much can be seen in their interactions. Yet, the constant dilemma that 2B faced in the first episode, as shown through her monologue, begins to show a darker side or a potentially more mysterious side to YoRHa's mission and oath. Their oath is a simple one, and it seems to reinforce exactly the message they need to believe in. For the good of mankind, they must keep fighting for their creators.
But this does make fans interested, as well as confused regarding the topic of YoRHa and most of its inner machinations. While we know enough about 2B and 9S, and some of the Commander's purpose only to a lesser extent, it still doesn't explain the origins of YoRHa or even exactly why the humans had to move to the moon for protection. Not to mention that it hasn't been implied or revealed whether they have a direct line of communication with the humans of the moon. Despite being early in its first season, and only on the first episode to be sure, NieR:Automata Ver1.1ato keep the fans invested in the story by providing more interesting questions as well as making them want to learn more about what's truly going on. Regardless, the facts that have been presented to us currently present the image of YoRHa being humanities last hop against the aliens that have overtaken their planet, as well as the androids fight against the machines. 2B and 9S's never-ending fight for YoRHa remains, and as long as YoRHa remains functional and with a nearly limitless supply of androids, It's safe to say that the battle will not be ending any time soon. To protect humanity is their purpose, and it is entirely what they have dedicated their fleeting lives to.
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