Demystifying the Enigmatic Android A2: An In-Depth Character Analysis

In Yoko Taro‘s masterpiece NieR:Automata, the mysterious heroine A2 captures players‘ imaginations with her tough-as-nails combat style, cryptic backstory, and connections to protagonists 2B and 9S. But who is A2 under that black visor, and how does she compare physically to the other YoRHa androids?

As a fellow android enthusiast, let‘s delve into some obsessive analysis of A2‘s design specs, origins, and symbolism to get a holistic understanding of this fan favorite fembot!

A2‘s Vital Statistics and Dimensions

First, getting down to brass tacks – how tall is A2 actually? Well according to the official NieR: Automata World Guide, A2 stands at a tall, statuesque 168cm (about 5 feet 6 inches) including her heels.

For reference, series protagonist 2B shares the exact same height of 168cm – which makes sense, considering some of A2‘s design DNA went into 2B‘s creation.

2B‘s scanner companion 9S however measures a petite 160cm (5 feet 3 inches), making him the shorty of the trio!

Here are some other key stats for Ms. A2:

• Weight: 139.2kg
• Bust: 73cm
• Waist: 54cm
• Hips: 82cm

So A2 is built with very similar curvy, feminine proportions as 2B befitting their slender android physiques, though 2B inches her out slightly in certain areas.

Poor 9S is just designed to be more boyish all around compared to his busty female counterparts. Let‘s visualize their dimensions in a handy data table:

Character	Height	Weight	Bust	Waist	Hips
A2	168cm	139.2kg	73cm	54cm	82cm
2B	168cm	148.8kg	84cm	56cm	88cm
9S	160cm	129.9kg	61cm	53cm	73cm

As you can see, A2 and 2B are nearly identical in height, though 2B carries a bit more mass. Now let‘s unpack why this may be the case based on A2‘s origins…

A2‘s Origins as a YoRHa Prototype

Unlike 2B and 9S, A2 was created as part of the experimental early stages of Project YoRHa – designed to be an elite combat model capable of fighting endless waves of machines.

She was first deployed on a pivotal mission during the descent on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. However, this mission turned out to be an ambush, resulting in critical damage to A2‘s squad.

As the sole survivor, A2 rejected her programming and went rogue – cutting ties with YoRHa command to pave her own path of survival and machine resistance.

The Pearl Harbor descent mission that shaped A2‘s path (Image credit: NieR Wiki)

Due to her combat specialization and outdated OS, A2 possessed abilities and endurance surpassing standard YoRHa units, allowing her to single-handedly survive against overwhelming machine lifeform odds.

This grit and experience shaped A2‘s personality into a cynical, hardened veteran who relying only on her sword and instincts to continue the fight alone.

So in many ways, A2 represents the prototype foundation that the future YoRHa forces were built upon. Let‘s see how her successor models compared on paper…

Comparing A2 to 2B and 9S

As we‘ve discussed, 2B and A2 share remarkably similar body types and heights – which is no coincidence.

A2 was an influential predecessor model, with 2B inheriting many of the same movement principles and combat capabilities.

However, 2B represents a more refined, mass produced model compared to A2‘s rough original prototype. This accounts for 2B‘s slightly curvier frame and greater body mass.

2B also received more advanced features and customizations befitting the E-model designation, specialized in tactics and adaptability compared to the purely combat-focused A2.

Their personalities also diverge, with 2B‘s calm and stoic demeanor contrasting A2‘s more fiery, rebellious nature.

9S on the other hand was built light and agile as a Scanner model designed for reconnaissance rather than combat. This leads to his petite stature and innocent, inquisitive personality.

Let‘s visualize their key trait differences:

Character	Personality	Specialty	Build
A2	Fiery, rebellious	Combat	Slim protoype
2B	Calm, stoic	Executioner	Curvy production model
9S	Innocent, curious	Scanner	Boyish recon model

So while the three share design lineage, their diverging roles and experiences shaped them into unique characters over the course of Project YoRHa‘s evolution.

The Significance of YoRHa Designations

Let‘s take a quick lore dive into the meaning behind YoRHa model names like A2 and 2B.

YoRHa designations follow a simple pattern:

YoRHa No. [Model Number] Type [Specialization]

For example:

• YoRHa No.9 Type S = 9S – "S" represents a Scanner model
• YoRHa No.2 Type B = 2B – "B" represents a Battler model

So models like 9S and 2B give us clues to their purpose based on this naming convention. Of course, we learn that 2B has hidden depths beyond her designation as an E-type Executioner.

A2 represents an earlier naming format as a prototype – just a model number without a specialization. Her origins deviate from the standardized YoRHaforces that 2B and 9S belong to.

Figuring out each model‘s true nature beyond their superficial names is part of the intrigue!

The Symbolism of the Blindfold as Storytelling Device

Let‘s change gears and explore some literary analysis of NieR:Automata‘s ubiquitous blindfolds.

As we know, the blindfolds worn by YoRHa units are not true sensory deprivations – rather, they serve as display surfaces for data feeds and tactical HUDs.

However, the blindfold carries symbolic meaning in the context of the game‘s narrative:

• They represent the partial blindness of androids to the truth of their world‘s history
• Removing them shocks characters like 9S with harsh revelations
• Blindness also represents innocence lost

As writer Jon Evans describes:

"It’s a story in which blindfolds fall away only for their wearers to realize that the world they see is uglier when visible truth replaces comforting lies."

So the physical blindfolds hint at the larger themes of illusion vs. reality that NieR:Automata grapples with. Pretty neat!

Closing Thoughts on the Enigmatic A2

Despite being a supporting character, A2 has clearly left a huge impression on players as a fan favorite element of the NieR universe.

Her origins as a prototype bridge between past YoRHa experiments and the futuristic 2B/9S generation ties the lore together nicely.

Hopefully this deep dive dispelled some of the mysteries surrounding A2‘s obscure backstory, relationships to other androids, and literal physical dimensions that define her striking design.

Analyzing a video game character to this level may seem excessive – but that‘s what makes discussing and dissecting games so rewarding as a passionate fan!

There are always new insights to uncover, whether you‘re looking at technical stats or symbolic motifs that enrich these virtual worlds. A2 certainly embodies many of those elements that make NieR:Automata such a special experience.

So what do you think – did this help explain who A2 is, where she came from and how she compares to 2B? Let me know your own thoughts and theories on everybody‘s favorite silver-haired android!