2B

2B, full designation YoRHa No. 2 Type B, is a fictional android from the 2017 video game Nier: Automata, developed by PlatinumGames, published by Square Enix, and part of the Nier series of role-playing video games. One of the game's three protagonists, 2B is a soldier for YoRHa, an android task force fighting a proxy war with alien-created Machine Lifeforms. Her story arc focuses on her backstory within YoRHa, and her relationship with her partner 9S, a reconnaissance android. She is also featured in related media, such as the anime Nier: Automata Ver1.1a. 2B was created by Yoko Taro, director and lead writer of Nier: Automata, and designed by artist Akihiko Yoshida. The producer, Yosuke Saito, asked Yoshida to design a character who would be fun to cosplay. She is voiced by Yui Ishikawa in Japanese, and Kira Buckland in English; her motion capture actress is Kaori Kawabuchi. Reception of the character has been generally positive, with some journalists noting her design as a prominent example of haute couture, while being controversial for its overt sexualization and fetish wear–like clothing. Her doll-like artificial beauty contrasts with the simplistic designs of the enemies she faces, a narrative element that is later subverted for dramatic effect. 2B is a popular character with series fans and has appeared in crossovers and merchandise.