Image via Hibino and Square Enix
A while back, we saw that Square Enix was working with Hibino to create a replica of the iconic 2B Virtuous Contract sword from the NieR: Automata game and anime and release it worldwide. Basically, think of it as the equivalent of those sorts of Proplica brand weapons. If you haven’t seen them before, it’s not an actual sword. So this is instead the sort of elaborate display and cosplay piece designed to act as a finishing touch of sorts for NieR: Automata costumes. After getting to go hands on with one for a bit of time, it feels like the sort of decorative piece that would really look fun displayed on a home, used at a con (as long as you made it was established it’s safe to bring), or use with an outfit for a party or Halloween.
The Hibino NieR: Automata Virtuous Contract sword immediately at a glance is way more distinctive than the Proplica items Bandai Namco releases. The size, height, and design all make it look much more like an authentic sword and possible weapon, and even without getting too close the execution means you can pick up the details with the replica. Which is great for authenticity purposes! However, if you are going to take it into a public space, especially for an event, I think it looks realistic enough that you’re going to get pulled and questioned by security.
Photos by Siliconera
Once you get close enough, it’s very blatantly and obviously a replica. The blade is a giveaway, since it is plastic and not sharp metal and you can see the lighting parts once you get close. But at a distance, it’s convincing!
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Which, again, is good for authenticity. It does look exactly like the sword 2B uses in NieR: Automata. In terms of height, it is actually over four and half feet long. It’s gorgeous. While plastic, the execution of the blade portion does make it look like it could be metal. (Make sure you’re careful if you take it to a public place, since it could be mistaken as a real weapon!) The accents feel completely accurate to the designs shown in both the game and anime adaptation. The actual fabric on the grip is wrapped tightly and affixed well. And the lighting bar for the visual effects is along the edge of the blade, sort of masking its appearance and inclusion, so your eye isn’t drawn to it unless it takes effect. I’d even say it seemed pretty 1:1.
Photos by Siliconera
Another appreciated element is how the design handles the electronic parts. The button for accessing the battery chamber is hidden in part of the pommel, but it’s placed in a way that you can’t tell unless it is in your hand and close up that it is an actual release. The panel for the settings fits flush against the flat part of the blade on one side and is an exact replica of a similar accent on the opposite side that can also be removed for access. Nothing looks obvious or like a tell that it is a prop with those effects. There are no labels inside that panel that really offer directions as to what to do, but there is an included manual that helps.
For example, in the first photo of the gallery below, the button is the item that is the lighter shade of grey in the silver embellishment at the base of the pommel. With the second photo, the panel is held in place by magnets, can be removed by pressing in at the part to the right to break the seal, and features the light grey options button and on and off switch.
Photos by Siliconera
But what I like a lot about this take on sword 2B uses in NieR: Automata is that it isn’t an overly heavy replica. The weight of the NieR: Automata Virtuous Contract prop is under three pounds when the batteries are inserted, so the sword is easy to lift and “wield” with one hand. I imagine this would be exceptionally handy for cosplayers. Like if you’re dressing up as 2B for an event and get NieR: Automata fans asking to take photos of you in your cosplay, it feels like a reasonable weight to hold for a pose for like five to fifteen minutes to ensure the shots are perfect. You definitely will need your full hand gripped around the grip, but it isn’t going to be unmanageable. Most of the weight does come from the actual-metal pommel and cross guard, so keep that in mind for overhead positions.
Two of the other really major selling pieces for the Hibino NieR: Automata Virtuous Contract sword is that the replica involves some electronic elements like sound effects, voice clips, and lights. Now, as a quick note, I don’t think this prop would be an epilepsy or flashing light risk, which is nice. Instead, the light is designed to simulate the flash of metal from a swift strike with a sharp blade. It only happens with a swinging motion at certain speeds, though you can choose continuous illumination in the options to assist with static photos. Again, which could help with folks who may want to use this Virtuous Contract replica with their 2B NieR: Automata cosplay.
Photo by Siliconera. As a personal note, it took me at least 15 tries and five minutes to get this photo when taking it by myself, and the weight of it didn’t bother me even though I was holding it at the very end of the pommel to provide an optimal angle.
The slashing sound effect element does almost seem more suited toward videos than photos. Part of it is because of the number of slashes needed for certain audio clips and actions, and that those must be swift and with real heft. The accelerometer and nature of the prop means that the speed and angle seemed to affect the response of the replica. Quick forward stabs will not trigger the lights or sounds. But any kind of upward or downward strike will prompt noises, and it’s easy to quickly do so. Also, I found the sound variations quite helpful, and I think the loudest one would be picked up pretty easily by a person recording from 10-20 feet away if someone is taking a video in a quiet place. (Remember to stay back and not get in the range of someone swiping!) Not a crowded convention hall, of course. But in a more controlled room and setting? Definitely!
A lot of the Square Enix and Hibino NieR: Automata Virtuous Contract sword design elements make sense both visually and for cosplay. There are some quality of life elements, like the more consistent lighting, way buttons and settings panel are hidden, and weight that feel made to allow for better poses and photos. But in terms of actual display and use, it’s also very visually appealing and easy to swing for all its different sound effects.
The Hibino NieR: Automata Virtuous Contract sword is available now. The game is on the Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.
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