NIER AUTOMATA: A HAUNTING VISION OF SYMPHONY IN A WORLD OF RUIN
A game directed by Yoko Taro is often one deeply ingrained with philosophical theming and gut-wrenching narratives, compelling players to question their perspectives on life and their relationship with the surrounding world. The NieR series, in particular, delves into the complexities of artificial life and nihilism, solidifying Taro's status as a visionary storyteller in the modern JRPG landscape.
Beyond the narrative, arguably what stands out most in a Yoko Taro game is the striking art direction and character designs, crafting an overall feel unparalleled in many titles. His magnum opus—NieR:Automata's fantasy reimagining of Earth—results in a lore-rich world, inspiring a distinct sense of fashion and artistic expression, bleeding aesthetic within every scene.
The expansive post-apocalyptic world of NieR:Automata is a haunting blend of natural beauty and decaying artificiality. Abandoned apartment complexes lay buried in sand, while rusted amusement park rides stand frozen in time, remnants of a lost civilization. As you traverse this desolate yet strangely beautiful landscape, a cinematic orchestral soundtrack underscores your journey, evoking a sense of both wonder and unease as you uncover the secrets of a forgotten world.
The soundtrack, composed by Keiichi Okabe, features a haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and ethereal vocals, often sung in a constructed language (Chaos), adding to the sense of otherworldliness. The music dynamically shifts to reflect the emotional tone of each scene, amplifying moments of sorrow, wonder, or intense conflict. The subtle ambient sounds, such as the rustling of wind through overgrown ruins or the distant hum of machine activity, draws comparison to the abrasive tone of electronic music genres like deconstructed club, further immersing the player in the game's desolate yet beautiful world.
NieR:Automata's user interface, designed by Hisayoshi Kijima, is a masterclass in minimalist design. Its sterile aesthetic, dominated by a muted beige color palette, evokes a sense of clinical detachment fitting for the android protagonists. Symbols and icons throughout the UI draw inspiration from musical notation, with treble clefs and staff lines subtly incorporated into menus and displays. This musical motif not only adds a unique visual flair but also thematically connects to the game's exploration of human expression.
While Yoko Taro, the director of NieR:Automata, maintained a heavy hand over the game's overall artistic vision, the final character designs were masterfully crafted by Akihiko Yoshida, renowned for his work on the Final Fantasy series; a deadly collaboration.
Protagonist 2B's striking blend of gothic elegance and militant Lolita aesthetics immediately distinguishes her, and her fellow androids, within the desolate landscape of NieR:Automata. The YoRHa androids, characterized by their uniform grey hair, stark monochromatic attire, and the signature blindfolds (a symbol of their imposed limitations), exude a haunting melancholia and dystopian sleekness, a unique visual language that perfectly complements the dire state of the world and its inhabitants.
WORDS BY @ABEJISAMA
