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The Introduction
Pages 126-127
“” which became a huge topic of discussion in the first half of 2017, the shock of which continues to stick in our minds more than the number of sales. For those of you who are experiencing “NieR Withdrawl”, we hope these pages will help to fill that void in your hearts.
Special Feature Diagest: Beware of Spoilers!
Interviews with the cast and staff,
A look back with comments from fans,
The Memory of “”
It’s been about five months since the release of “”. Since then fans have been thoroughly emersed in playing the game, enjoying watching official live broadcasts, listening to the soundtrack, carefully reading through the source materials, going to the collaboration with the Square Enix Cafe, playing through the DLC and customizing the characters with the unique costumes; I think people have been widly grinning with excitement. We’ve also got additional merchandise, the novelization, and the music concerts in Taiwan yet to look forward to, but at the official “Memory of Dolls” concert in May, we were treated to one more stage that lead to the development of the “” project. Maybe you feel like you’re in that lull after the storm, a sense of calm yet great sadness!? For those suffering from “NieR Withdrawl”, we’ve gathered together a bunch of information in diagest form including several interviews with the cast and staff members, the results of the questionnaire from our readers, and much more. In one of the interviews with the staff, we talked with illustratior Yoshida Akihiko about the key visual that was used for the cover of the game in Japan, and we learned of the goggle-less version among other facinating miracles. A B3-sized poster is included in this issue, so please check it out.
**Spoiler Warning** There is a ton of spoilers throughout this special feature, so for anyone who has not yet completed the game at this time, it is recommended that you skip over these pages.
Distributed at the 2nd Nier:Automata collaboration with the Square Enix Cafe in April, we’ve included a product code on p.210 to download the “Pod Skin: Retro Gray”! Additionally, you are able to purchase digital copies of past issues of Famitsu magazine that feature . Not only are introductory articles are included but also past articles, too. Items related to have been compiled into a really nice digest format that would go well with this special feature on . Check it out!
The “Pod Skin: Retro Gray” product code can be found in the download contents envelope.
Also check out the digital articles about you can read on your iOS or Android!
CONTENTS
2B’s Voice Actor: Interview with Ishikawa Yui (2 pages)
9S’s Voice Actor: Interview with Hanae Natsuke (2 pages)
A2’s Voice Actor: Interview with Suwa Ayaka (2 pages)
Rabid Dogs of’s World: A Conversation with Yasumoto Hiroki & Yuki Aoi (4 pages)
Earlier in June, Famitsu asked its readers to participate in a questionnaire regarding our thoughts and opinions on . The results were just published in this week’s issue of Famitsu Magazine, Issue No. 1494, as part of their 26-page feature on the game. The Questionnaire portion spans a total of 4 pages.
The magazine also published a short description related to each question as well as consolidating many users’ personal responses, of which I think they edited to save on space and clarity (Comments highlighted below may have been selected and used for this issuel). There’s also a few additional tid-bits of information that was answered in the Q&A segment with Yoko Taro from the official Strategy Guide.
The following are the results of the 15 questions only. My answers are listed in red (Please note that many questions allowed for up to three answers). I’ll also include my own comments that I had written.
Q1: Who is your favorite character?
#1: 2B (2072)
#2: 9S (1303)
#3: A2 (1126)
#4: Emil (584)
#5: Pod042 (548)
#6: Devola / Popola (368)
#7: Pascal (327)
#8: Operator 6O (313)
#9: Eve (262)
#10: Operator 21O (185)
—– The Red Girls
Rekka’s Comment:
▶︎ A2:舞台「ヨルハ」Ver.1.0とVer.1.1を実際観に行ってからずっと２号を気に入ったのです。またいつか出会うかしらと思って、やっとオートマタで再開しました。何より嬉しかったですけど、もうちょっとA2でプレイしたかったです。No2 has been my favorite character ever since I went to see both versions of the “YoRHa” stage play. I always wondered if we might see her again, and then we finally got to see her again in. It was great that she returned, but it would have been nice to play as her longer in the game.
▶︎ Emil: 今回はエミールがサブキャラクターとなったんですけど、前作の愛情が変わりませんでした。どんだけエミールの存在が悲しく思ってます。Even though Emil only played a minor role as a sub-character in, my fondness for him from the previous game has not changed. Emil’s very existence is so tragic. ▶︎ The Red Girls: この子達も舞台「ヨルハ」以来から嫌いな存在だと思ったけど…最後に「気が変わった」と言う事で、混乱の中で再評価が必要ですね。最後は悪い奴らじゃないかと… ん〜 分からないが、興味深いですね。After seeing the “YoRHa” play, I thoroughly hated these girls, but I was really confused when they seemed to have “changed their minds” at the end of the game. Maybe we needed to reassess their motives…? Hmmm, I really don’t know what to think, but it’s pretty interesting.
Q2: What is your favorite weapon?
#1: Virtuous Contract (1311)
#2: Emil Heads (591)
#3: Iron Pipe (566)
#4: Virtuous Treaty (557)
#5: Engine Blade (375)
#6: Cruel Oath (273)
#7: Type-4O Sword (245)
#8: Iron Will (188)
#9: Virtuous Dignity (187)
#10: Cypress Stick (185)
Rekka’s Comment: ▶︎ Iron Pipe: もちろん前作に繋ぐ武器ですので好きです。懐かしく思い出します。I liked this weapon because of its connection to the previous game. It was quite nostalgic. ▶︎ Emil Heads: こちらのウェポンストーリーはかなり興味深いでした。オートマタより未来に起こってるから面白かったです。その時にもエミールが生きてますね。それは呪いか罰か… I thought the weapon story was really interesting, how it supposedly takes place further into the future after. Is this a curse or some sort of punishment…! ▶︎ Virtuous Contract: デザインが凄く綺麗いで本物の模造刀が欲しくなりますね。The design of the sword is really beautiful; I want my own real replica.
Q3: What’s your favorite fish / junk item?
#1: Mackerel (1020)
#2: Machine Lifeform Head (377)
#3: Killfish (329)
#4: Oil Sardine (254)
#5: Beetle Fish (236)
#6: Basking Shark (227)
#7: Broken Firearm (226)
#8: Tire (220)
#9: Water Flea (211)
#10: Killfish Machine (184)
Rekka’s Comments: ▶︎ Mackerel:Aji wo [K]utta スクエニカフェで食べたら本当に死ぬかと思った、骨がいっぱいあったから…ww I tried the mackerel at the Square Enix Cafe and thought I was going to die. There were waaaaaay too many bones… haha ▶︎ Machine Lifeform Head: 初めて出て来た時の驚いた気持ちが今でもよく覚えてます。I can still remember how surprised I was when I first fished that thing. Shocked.
▶︎ Tire: 一番くだらないゴミだから好きかも。よく分かりませんww I thought this was the least interesting of things to fish out of the sewer or wherever, but that’s partially why I liked it. I dunno. haha
Q4: How satisfied were you with the shooting segments?
It was very “NieR-like”. (1555)
I grew to like shooters. (398)
Knock it off with the shooting segments, please. (777)
Rekka’s Comments:
▶︎ シューティングがあまり興味ないですけど、ニーアらしく思ってるからよかったです。I don’t really like shooters very much, but it wouldn’t be without it, so it’s all good.
Q5: Did you enjoy the hacking system?
Yes. (2312)
No. (449)
Q6: What is your favorite ending?
#1: the [E]nd of YoRHa (1847)
#2: flowers for m[A]chines (1004)
#3: aji wo [K]utta (935)
#4: meaningless [C]ode (595)
#5: childhoo[D]’s end (582)
#6: or not to [B]e (343)
#7: [L]one wolf (237)
#8: head[Y] battle (195)
#9: hun[G]ry for knowledge (101)
#10: deb[U]nked (84)
Rekka’s Comments:
▶︎ E: 発売してから一週間で全部がクリアしたので、どっちのエンディングはどっちかはよく覚えてないので、全部面白かったですけど、特にEエンドは一番よかったと思います。実況プレイして、最後のシューティングでたくさん泣きました。その悲しさや希望の願いを混ざった気持ちがすごかったです。素晴らしいエンドだと思いました。I completed the game within about a week, so trying to remember which ending was which is kinda hard for me, but I liked them all. Most especially E. I was streaming live through the credits portion and you can entirely hear me sobbing. I think it was amazing how my feelings of sadness and despair merged with the feeling of hope and camaraderie. It was truly a perfect ending. ▶︎ C:Cエンドでかなり泣きました、A2の最後のセリフで… 悲しいエンディングが好きかもしれない… ヨコオらしいですから。I cried a ton during the C ending, especially with A2’s final line. I tend to like sad endings the most… maybe Yoko does, too. ▶︎ Y: エミールのセリフが凄く悲しかったです。本当は殺して安らかにしてあげたかったです。ニーアやカイネの再開をしてあげたかったです。Emil’s lines were really sad. I wanted to kill him so he could finally be at rest… I wanted him to finally be with Nier and Kaine again…
Q7: What’s your favorite song?
#1: Amusement Park (781)
#2: Emil’s Shop (741)
#3: Weight of the World / the End of YoRHa (701)
#4: Weight of the World / 壊レタ世界ノ歌 (486)
#5: Song of the Ancients / Atonement (447)
#6: Vague Hope / Cold Rain (317)
#7: A Beautiful Song (299)
#8: Pascal (279)
#9: Weight of the World (English Version) (261)
#10: City Ruins / Rays of Light (251)
—– Memory of Dust
Rekka’s Comments: ▶︎ Weight of the World (English Version):J’Niqueさんの歌声がすごい！J’Nique’s voice is amazing! ▶︎ Memories of Dust: J’Niqueさんの歌声がすごい！生で聞いたら鳥肌になりました！J’Nique’s voice is amazing! Hearing her perform these songs live gave me chills!
▶︎ Weight of the World / the End of YoRHa: この曲も何回聴いても泣きます。This song never fails to make me cry no matter how many times I listen to it (I often have to skip it whenever it starts playing in my play list).
Q8: What aspect of the DLC did you enjoy the most?
The costumes. (1080)
Being able to play as the machines in battle. (287)
The fights with the company bosses. (230)
Other. (266)
Rekka’s Comments: ▶︎ Other:全体的にこのDLCはよかったと思いますが、もっともっと欲しくなりますので… A2のプレイ時間は少ないので、もうちょっとストーリーや何でもやりたかったです。それから、amazarashiのエンドで…どんだけ泣かされて… そのPVで何回観てもどうしようもなく泣きますので… わぁ〜 I think the entirety of the DLC was good but I really hope for more…and MORE! We didn’t get the chance to play as A2 very much of the game, so I’d love for a story DLC or anything, really. And the amazarashi ending… I honestly cannot watch that video without crying. It really gets to me no matter how many times I watch. Ahhh~~!
Q9: Which soundtrack do you like more, the original Replicant/Gestalt soundtrack or the soundtrack?
The soundtrack. (1789)
The Replicant/Gestalt soundtrack. (1148)
Q10: Did you watch the “Memories of the Dolls” music concert?
No. (1524)
Yes. (1148)
Q11: Are you interested in seeing another concert?
Yes. (2461)
No. (199)
Rekka’s Comments: ▶︎ Yes: 当然。何でもやってくれたら参加したいです。だから、どんどんニーアの世界やヨコオワールドをやってください！Of course. I want to go to any event that you might set up, so please expand further on the world of and the World of Yoko Taro!
Q12: Did you… do that?
I did it once. (757)
I haven’t done it yet. (723)
I can’t say it loud, but I backed it up first then did it. (506)
I don’t plan to do it. (292)
I did it more than three times. (284)
I did it twice. (180)
Q13: Question from Director Yoko Taro: “It’s a hobby of mine to cut out the magazine articles about “NieR”, but it’s such a taxing job, I can’t stand it. But if such a thing could be manufactured and sold in about half a year, I always thought it would be nice if Famitsu gathered up all their related articles and cross-reviews and offer it for sale on demand as an e-book or online for 780yen or so. Additionally, this is completely off topic, but… Producers have that image as though they have a lover, don’t they?”
Yes. (2111)
No. (602)
Rekka’s Comments: ▶︎ Yes: ヨコオさんの作品何でも買いますので、ご安心してください。やったら私は必ず買います。忘れないでください。やったら必ず買いますので。やって、買う！I will buy anything Yoko makes, so there’s no need to worry there. If you make it, I will buy it. Don’t forget. Do it and I will buy!
Q14: Have you played the previous installment in the series?
Yes. (1496)
I may play it later? (846)
I haven’t played it. (355)
I don’t plan on playing it. (47)
Q15: Are you playing “SINoALICE”?
Yes, I’m playing it. (1765)
I’m not playing it. (410)
I plan on playing it. (356)
I don’t plan on playing it. (235)
Rekka’s Comments: ▶︎ 当然！今の頃はいろんなサーバー問題がいっぱいあるけど、それがあっても楽しくプレイしてますよ！Of course! There’s a ton of problems with the server right now, but even through that, I’m having fun playing it!
The Square Enix e-STORE has just posted a novel up for pre-order at the following page (click the image):
Title: A Long Story Teaser: When Androids Dream of the Glory of Mankind, Do Machines Dream of Mankind? Author: Eishima Jun
Supervision: Yoko Taro
Publishing Date: August 5, 2017 Pages: 322 pages (tentative) Size: B6 (tentative) Price: 1,008 yen
When you purchase this novel from the SQEX e-STORE, it will come with the following bookmark as a bonus:
Written by Eishima Jun with supervision by Yoko Taro. The story is to take place during the events of the game and give us a better insight into the characters.
Last night during a live broadcast on NicoNico, Sakaguchi Hironobu from MISTWALKER revealed that character designer Fujisaka Kimihiko will be joined by Yoko Taro and Okabe Keiichi to create a new story scenario in the smartphone application game Terra Battle.
Sakaguchi revealed the rough color sketch and line art version of the main protagonist for this scenario during the broadcast. I made the following images directly from the video.
You can also hear three new themes that Okabe created for this collaboration with likely vocals by Nakagawa Nami.
More about this and the new IP by MISTWALKER will be revealed next Saturday during another live broadcast, which you can view on NicoNico here.
This post will be rather sparse for the time being…
Pre-order available for the music concert & talk live Blu-ray now. This is an IMPORT Blu-ray and it includes no English subtitles. (Click the image below to be taken to the page to pre-order).
1:32pm Update: The smartphone application game SINoALICE went into maintenance mode last night at 10:00pm (JST), was temporarily up around noon but then died once more about 30 minutes later, and has now entered an unexpected extension of said maintenance, listing the time of availability as “undetermined”.
2:30pm Update: The game came back up around 2:30 and was SUPER FAST! I got through 5 stages in just a couple minutes… but then around 3pm, it started throwing me back to the title screen iver and over again….
7:30pm Update: The game is currently in maintenance mood for an undisclosed period (from 6:30pm to who knows when).
10:30pm Update: According to the official Twitter account, the game won’t be available until sometime tomorrow. Get used to this.
6/9 1:00pm Update: The game was back up around 10am this morning and playing great. I got through the end of Akazukin and the entirety of Kaguya-hime’s first chapters.
Then around 11:00-now the server’s been messing up as usual: not connecting, timing out, throwing you back to the title screen, etc.
The official Twitter also mentions the server is currently unstable and that they’re trying to figure out what the cause is…
2:30pm Update: The battles are completely broken for me. I can defeat the enemies in Wave 1 but it won’t advance to Wave 2…and the timer continues to tick down…
Another odd thing it’s doing in battles right now when it’s working is that when I select a weapon to use, the weapon card disappears once it’s used…but no attack actually happens. I repeat this over and over, and the weapons list refills and everything but there is no attack animation or anything.
8:55pm Update: There is no chance for the game to be back up yet today. They’ll be shooting for getting it back up tomorrow… We should be used to this schedule by now…
6/10 12:00pm Update: The game was up around 5am (JST) but performance was poor closer to 10am.
Another round of maintenance began at 9:30am and will continue for an unknown period… again.
3:30pm Update: The game has been scheduled for an extended period of maintenance and is planned to be back sometime tomorrow morning.
They’ve also said that they’ve been able to make some steady improvements and are very greatful for your understanding. Maybe they’re just about on top of this problem…?
Well, I got into the game and could play a couple stages, but around Stage 4, it’s been quitting on me with the following error messages:
The official SINoALICE LINE just sent out a message regarding the current difficulty connecting to the server…
[Request to Play the Game at Other Times]
After urgent maintenance and drastically increasing the capacity of the server, connectivity still continues to be a problem.
Additionally, we cannot completely guarantee that the server is impervious from future downtime due to the sudden concentration of access requests.
This is entirely due to our inadequacy. We are terribly sorry.
We apologize for the tremendous inconvenience, but we’d like our users to avoid playing during high-traffic times of the day for the next two to three days (around noon, 5:00pm, and 8:00pm).
We are very sorry to ask your cooperation in this matter, but we would greatly appreciate your help during this difficult time.
So, hopfully they can fix this connectivity problem soon so we can play the game without the fear of it crashing in the middle of a battle over and over again…
Hang in there, PokeLab!!!
Here are a couple photos that I took during my play…
The initial release of the game was delayed a couple extra weeks due to further work on the servers to get them ready for the necessary traffic, and everything should have been set for the June 6 release… but shortly after the release, the massive strain to the servers proved to be too much. Thus the game’s been down since sometime yesterday afternoon.
That being said, some people were able to play for a little bit before the servers went down. Here’s an example:
I will get more info up when I can! In the meantime, here’s one of the early images that I translated:
