Devola and Popola from the original 'Nier' are such iconic characters—their tragic backstory and that haunting song still give me chills! In 'Nier Automata,' they don’t physically appear, but their legacy lingers. The game’s lore mentions androids modeled after them, hinting at their widespread influence in the 'Nier' universe. It’s a subtle nod that long-time fans will appreciate, though newcomers might miss the emotional weight.
What’s fascinating is how 'Automata' explores themes of repetition and fate, mirroring Devola and Popola’s own cyclical struggles. The absence of their direct presence somehow makes the world feel even more connected, like echoes of the past haunting the future. I love how Yoko Taro weaves these threads without over-explaining—it’s storytelling that trusts the player to piece things together.