If you just can’t get enough NieR: Automata , a pair of retrospectives from the development team offer new insight into their creative process and the inspirations behind the popular action RPG. It should be particularly interesting to those who want to learn more about the first protagonist we meet in NieR: Automata, the YoRHa No.2 Type B (2B).
In the video department, the latest episode of Toco Toco TV offers a new look at the the life and inspirations of Yoko Taro, renowned director of Drakengard , Nier and NieR: Automata. Some of the inspirations cited might surprise the community. Pinball is one of Taro’s favorite hobbies, times, despite a relative lack of access in Japan, but he also enjoys other genres. The director says he was a fan of Platinum’s work before working at the studio. Taro also likes to spend his free time watching films, analyzing the pacing of the major events in the story. And the NieR: Automata director’s desire to surprise players and create unexpected moments played a large role in the decision to include so many different gameplay mechanics.
Elsewhere, PlatinumGames Character Modeling Artist Hito Matsudaira broke down his process for creating 2B’s character model. Fans get to see early concept images for the character, complete with blurred-out reference photos, and a bit of insight on the changes implemented by Matsudaira to help deliver the version of 2B we know today. Obviously, the person who delivered the original concept art plays a major role in the outcome -- along with those tasked with writing the game’s story -- but the modeler’s observations can also play a vital role. It’s an interesting read, if you’d like to learn more about the modeling process.
For more on the creative forces behind NieR: Automata, take some time to watch Episode 49 of Toco Toco TV and/or read the PlayStation Blog post from Hito Matsudaira.
NieR: Automata is currently available on PC and PlayStation 4.
Be sure to check back with iDigitalTimes and follow Scott on Twitter for more NieR: Automata coverage throughout 2017 and however long PlatinumGames supports NieR: Automata .
