Draft:Astra Yao

Astra Yao (Chinese: 耀嘉音; pinyin: Yào Jiāyīn) is a character from the video game Zenless Zone Zero, developed by miHoYo.

Sources:

• -  sigcov
  • "While she shows a cool side as a singer and actress, in front of the player she displays her naturally cheerful and free-spirited nature, often causing trouble for the staff around her."
  • "Her singing voice possesses a unique frequency"
  • "She is the world's top diva, a character who shows a cool side while leading those around her with her brightness and innocence"
  • "She can truly be said to be a character that pays homage to Sheryl Nome from Macross Frontier."
  • "The character music video "Rakuen Muyuki (Rearrange ver.)", released after Astra Yao's appearance, was sung by May'n, who gained popularity as the singing voice for Sheryl Nome. Rather than simply including a subtle homage, the way she meticulously constructed the character's design and play style to match the worldview is remarkable. It feels like a respect that goes beyond mere homage."
• -  sigcov ??
  • "Astra is a popular singer in New Eridu and is sometimes called a diva."
  • "[T]he music video "Rakuen Yumeyuki," which supports her, is currently available on the official ZenZero YouTube channel"
  • "The voice of Astra will be provided by voice actress Aya Endo . As soon as the announcement was made, many fans immediately thought of Sheryl Nome, the diva from "Macross Frontier," whom Endo had previously voiced."
  • "Amidst all this, a certain announcement has become a hot topic among fans. It is that May'n will be singing a rearranged cover of the aforementioned music video"
• - reception, Macross homage, thematic role, cultural design, narrative characterization, critical judgment  sigcov
  • "I also wondered if the concept of 'fighting with songs' suited this work. While other characters captivated the audience with movements bordering on acrobatics, I suspected that the sight of 'Astra' supporting the team by singing from the side with a standing microphone might be a bit boring."
  • "However, the moment I saw the Japanese voice actor for 'Astra,' all my doubts were instantly resolved. Wasn't it Aya Endo, who played the role of Sheryl Nome in *Macross Frontier*? She is a symbolic, literally legendary voice actress in this field. It was a casting choice that went beyond simply Hoyobus investing heavily or projecting the developer's fandom; it was enough to change the very perspective of subculture fans regarding the character 'Astra.'"
  • "Yes, 'fighting back with songs and calling for peace' had a long-standing tradition.  Yes, there were even works where people engaged in 'physical battles with songs.' At that, even the appearance of 'Astra,' which hadn't been to my taste at first, began to look beautiful."
  • "'Astra' was playing a crucial role in expanding the world"
  • "Naturally, the sight of 'Astra' in *Zenless Zone Zero* singing while fighting is depicted as much more beautiful and cool compared to the 'Mecha War' in *RahXephon*. However, there is one thing they have in common. There are people who sing without being broken even in the face of 'despair,' and that song has become a 'resonance of hope' for someone (the citizens of Nueridu in *Zenless Zone Zero*, and the mecha or other characters appearing as enemies in *RahXephon*)."
  • "Hoyo Bus unreservedly expressed their fandom for *Macross* in *Zenless Zone Zero*. First off, the Japanese voice actress for 'Astra' in *Zenless* is Aya Endo, famous for her role as 'Sheryl Nome' in *Macross Frontier*. For anyone familiar with the *Macross* series, it is perfectly natural to feel moved the moment they hear 'Astra's' Japanese voice."
  • "Furthermore, the scene in the in-game story where 'Astra' uses propulsion to levitate the entire concert hall and 'sing in the sky' is also an homage to the <Macross> series, where characters fly through the air in fighter jets. The concept from <Macross 7> where singing was utilized as a form of energy has also been reinterpreted; <Zenless>'s 'Astra' uses it like actual magical energy."
  • "In *Zenless Zone Zero*, Hoyobus included the singing parts of 'Astra Yao' exclusively in Cantonese (the language mainly used in Hong Kong and Macau). Not only in Korea but also in other localizations, only the character's voice acting was dubbed into the respective country's language, while the songs were included in their original Cantonese versions. Since 'Astra's' songs appear not only during the story progression but also during battles, this has been pointed out by some users as a divisive element."
  • "While language is difficult to transcend borders, songs and music can be enjoyed and felt by people all over the world. I believe those who have played 'Astra' in-game will understand this well. That is to say, every time you use an ultimate skill, the atmosphere changes from before, causing you to let your body move to the music."
  • argues that Astra Yao represents themes of peace, healing, dialogue and inclusion through her music, drawing a comparison with Mobile Suit Gundam 00
    • After surviving a devastating Hollow disaster, she carries deep survivors' guilt and sings at a memorial concert for others
    • Although she is admired as a gifted artist, she also faces jealousy and criticism for continuing to speak about hope in a world full of suffering
    • She believes that music can heal people emotionally
    • Her gameplay reinforces this characterization. Astra Yao is an S-rank character who can heal the entire party, boost attack power, and fit easily into many team comps. Unlike characters mainly focused on damage or defense, her abilities emphasize supporting and strengthening others
  • concludes that Astra Yao expands the world of ZZZ in a different way from powerful characters like Miyabi - Astra Yao broadens the game's emotional world by representing New Eridu's pain, hope, and desire for healing

Design and voice acting

• - basic lore and release in v1.4

Appearances

Gameplay

• - gameplay
• - gameplay

Promotion

• - basic lore and release in v1.4
• - release
• - official social media accounts for her
• - release
• - new skin in v1.5

External links

• Astra Yao on Zenless Zone Zero Wiki