Nier: Automata's English Voice Actors: A Deep Dive

Hey there, fellow gamers and anime enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you probably got completely hooked on Nier: Automata. From the mind-bending storyline to the incredible action, the game is a masterpiece. And let's be honest, a huge part of what makes it so amazing is the voice acting! In this article, we're going to dive deep into the English voice cast of Nier: Automata, celebrating the talent that brought our favorite androids and characters to life. We'll explore the main voice actors, their roles, and a little bit about their other work. So, grab your headphones, and let's get started!

The Stars of the Show: Who Voices 2B, 9S, and A2?

Okay, let's start with the big three: 2B, 9S, and A2. These are the characters we spend the most time with, the ones we grow to love (and sometimes cry over). The voice actors who brought these iconic androids to life deserve all the praise in the world.

2B - Kira Buckland

First up, we have Kira Buckland, the voice behind the stoic and elegant 2B. Kira's performance is truly something special. She captures 2B's complex nature perfectly – the cold exterior, the hidden vulnerability, and the unwavering dedication to her mission. Kira's ability to convey so much emotion with just her voice is remarkable. You can feel the weight of 2B's burdens, the loneliness, and the love she develops for her companions. Beyond Nier: Automata, Kira has lent her voice to a ton of other anime and video games. You might recognize her as Reimi Sugimoto in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable, or as various characters in Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon. Kira Buckland is also known for playing the role of Jolyne Cujoh in the English dub of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean. She's a true powerhouse in the voice acting world, and her portrayal of 2B is arguably her most iconic role.

9S - Kyle McCarley

Next, we have the ever-optimistic and inquisitive 9S, voiced by Kyle McCarley. Kyle's performance is the perfect counterpoint to Kira's 2B. He brings a youthful energy and a sense of wonder to 9S, which makes his tragic fate all the more heartbreaking. Kyle's voice work conveys 9S's curiosity, his loyalty, and his growing bond with 2B. You can feel the joy, the fear, and the ultimate despair in his performance. Before Nier: Automata, Kyle had already made a name for himself in the voice acting world, and he has continued to work on many other projects. You may have heard him as the voice of Mob in Mob Psycho 100. Kyle McCarley does an outstanding job in Nier: Automata. He's one of those voice actors who can truly make you feel something.

A2 - Cherami Leigh

Finally, we have A2, voiced by the incredibly talented Cherami Leigh. Cherami's performance is raw, powerful, and full of emotion. She brings a hardened edge to A2, a warrior who has seen and experienced so much pain. Yet, she also manages to convey the character's underlying kindness and the desire for something more. Cherami's voice acting is dynamic, shifting from moments of intense aggression to moments of vulnerability. Cherami Leigh has been in the voice acting business for quite some time, you may recognize her as the voice of Lucy in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, or as Sailor Venus in the Sailor Moon reboot. She is a very versatile voice actor, playing different roles across different genres. Her take on A2 is one of the most defining voice roles of her career.

Supporting Cast: Other Notable Voice Performances

While 2B, 9S, and A2 are the main focus, the supporting cast of Nier: Automata is just as important. These actors help flesh out the world and make the story even more compelling. Let's take a look at some of the other standouts.

Adam & Eve - Greg Chun

Greg Chun brought the twins Adam and Eve to life. Greg masterfully portrayed the twins' distinct personalities and complexities. His voice acting is able to convey the twins' conflicting desires and changing allegiances. The dynamic Greg Chun provides in Nier: Automata is very influential.

Pod 153 & Pod 042 - D.C. Douglas

D.C. Douglas is behind the voices of Pod 153 and Pod 042, the helpful companion units that guide 2B, 9S, and A2 throughout their journey. D.C. does an exceptional job of giving the pods distinct personalities. Pod 153 and Pod 042 add context to the android's world and help give them personality.

Pascal - Ray Chase

Ray Chase portrays the pacifist Pascal, leader of the machine lifeforms. Ray's voice acting does an excellent job of conveying Pascal's gentle nature and wisdom. The portrayal of Pascal in Nier: Automata is very iconic.

The Anime Connection: Voice Actors in Anime

For many of the voice actors in Nier: Automata, the world of anime is a second home. The anime medium has provided a lot of opportunities for these actors. Let's look at how their talent has transferred to the world of anime.

Kira Buckland's Anime Roles

As previously mentioned, Kira Buckland has had a significant presence in the anime world. Aside from her role as Reimi Sugimoto in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable and Jolyne Cujoh in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, she has also voiced various characters in Attack on Titan, Sailor Moon, and other popular anime series. Her versatility and ability to embody a wide range of characters have made her a sought-after talent in the industry.

Kyle McCarley's Anime Contributions

Kyle McCarley, known for his role as 9S, has also made an impression on the anime scene. His work as Mob in Mob Psycho 100 is arguably his most well-known anime role. Kyle has voiced many other roles, demonstrating his ability to bring emotion to a variety of anime characters.

Cherami Leigh's Anime Portfolio

Cherami Leigh has also had an illustrious career in anime. From voicing Lucy in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners to playing Sailor Venus in the Sailor Moon reboot, her talents have been in high demand. Cherami's range in anime roles showcases her flexibility as an actress, allowing her to take on many different types of anime characters.

Why Voice Acting Matters in Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata is more than just a video game; it's an experience. Voice acting plays a crucial role in bringing that experience to life. The actors don't just read lines; they become the characters. They convey the emotions, the struggles, and the triumphs that make the story so powerful. Without the incredible performances of the English voice cast, Nier: Automata wouldn't have resonated with audiences the way it did. The nuances and complexities of the story would have been much harder to appreciate without these incredible actors.

The English dub of Nier: Automata is a testament to the talent of these voice actors. It's a prime example of how voice acting can enhance a game and create a truly unforgettable experience. The ability to empathize with the characters and connect with them is something that elevates the experience.

Final Thoughts: Appreciating the Talent

So, the next time you play Nier: Automata, take a moment to appreciate the amazing work of the English voice cast. They poured their hearts and souls into these roles, and their performances deserve to be celebrated. From the lead roles of 2B, 9S, and A2 to the supporting characters like Pascal, Adam, and Eve, each actor brought something special to the table. They made the game the masterpiece that it is today. Hopefully, this article has given you a greater appreciation for the talent behind the voices of Nier: Automata. Now, go forth and spread the word about these incredible voice actors and the amazing game they brought to life!

I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the English voice cast of Nier: Automata. Let me know in the comments below who your favorite voice actors are, and what other games you'd like me to cover! Thanks for reading, and happy gaming, friends!