NieR: Automata

Download NieR: Automata and join the battle between androids and alien machines in this action-packed RPG. Play as combat androids 2B, 9S, and A2, and uncover the truth behind the war that has ravaged Earth. With fast-paced combat and a deeply emotional narrative, can you survive in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction? Play now!
a game by Platinum Games Inc.
Platform: PC (2017)
Editor Rating: 9.7/10, based on 3 reviews, 2 reviews are shown
User Rating: 8.0/10 - 7 votes
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See also: RPGs, Post-Apocalyptic Games, Games Like Spider-Man Remastered, Games Like Cyberpunk 2077, Games Like Undertale, Games Like God of War, Games Like Fallout New Vegas, Games Like Fallout 4, Games Like Horizon Zero Dawn, Games Like Moonlighter, Games Like Fallout 2
NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata

Released in 2017, Nier: Automata was one of the most critically acclaimed games of its time. Winning seven different awards for audio, excellence, technique, and audience favorite, it was also nominated for seventeen other awards in 2017, and 2018. Amazing critical and audience reception just confirm that Nier: Automata is one of the defining games of the generation.

War for Humanity

The story takes place in 11945 AD in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity was attacked by machines, and the survivors of the attack were driven out of the earth and found exile on the moon. In an attempt to conquer the earth back they develop the YoRHa units, which are androids built to destroy and eliminate the machines.

While the war was unexpected and didn’t show any clear motives behind it, as you progress through the story, you start to uncover the truth behind the events that led to that invasion. And the purpose of the YoRHa units in the current world.

The Android Unit

Nier: Automata has three playable characters throughout the game: 2B, 9S, and 2A. You start as 2B and through progression, the game swaps you around to the other playable characters. All characters have small differences in gameplay, but what enriches the variety presented to players, is the ability to perceive the game through the eyes of each unique character. Especially given the fact that the same missions and parts of the story are replayed under the point-of-view of the different characters, helping players to develop their idea of the mystery that surrounds the game.

The characters of the game are written perfectly, and the dialogue between them and the secondary characters is well written in such a way that players can’t avoid building an emotional attachment to them. While the androids have their thoughts and emotions, they are ordered not to display any of them, which makes the journey that much more rewarding when you get the chance to see them free themselves from their directives and show their true personalities.

Cybernetic Combat

At its core Nier: Automata is a hack and slash game, that expands upon tried and true gameplay we’ve seen in other classics of the genre such as Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. Nonetheless, it stands out from classic titles by the clever use of camera angles, which are sometimes fully controlled by the player in a third-person view, sometimes a forced birds-eye view, and finally a 2D platformer style. This unique approach to changing the player’s perspective, adds to the variety of combat and keeps players engaged by forcing upon them different perspectives without notice.

In your pursuit of exterminating the robots, you use different weapons: small swords, large swords, spear, and combat bracers. Players can equip a maximum of two weapons, by mixing and matching different categories. Custom pairings of weapons open unique combos, different specials and should be experimented upon, as they also allow the player to approach the game in a manner that suits their style best, from more aggressive to more defensive. With light RPG features, weapons can be upgraded to unlock unique perks.

Finally, controls are intuitive for players familiar with the genre but can be a little confusing for novice players, as assistance and guidance are very limited. In general, you use light and heavy attacks, ranged attacks, and special attacks, to navigate the world. On that topic Nier’s world is easy to explore, level designs are creative and unique, the scenery is extremely beautiful and immersive, and no two places ever feel the same.

Summary

Nier: Automata has twenty-six endings labeled from A to Z, five of them are unique and counted as the “main” ones, while the other twenty-one is fun little endings that can be uncovered through various actions within the game. If you’re a completionist your detailed exploration will be rewarded, and if you play it casually you’ll find those ending amusing details.

10

While simple and straightforward at first glance, Nier: Automata is full of surprises, details, and a very rich story, making it a must-play for any fan of video games. Even if it suffers from the curse of hack and slash, which is to feel repetitive towards the late game, through variety, and mixing different game styles within itself Nier: Automata never falls short of superb.

Pros:

  • Marvelous Design and Artwork
  • Well-crafted Soundtrack
  • Engaging and Diverse Combat
  • Well-written Characters
  • Interesting Story
  • Multiple Endings
  • Unique Boss Fights

Cons:

  • Combat can get repetitive
  • Slow exploration at the start
  • Lacks Auto-Saving mechanic

Download NieR: Automata

PC

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

Things can only be extreme when it comes to Platinum Games, as they developed some of the best action-packed titles in the industry. They even managed to give a twist to the Metal Gear series when they released Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. But their original franchises are just as good, Bayonetta has become an incredibly popular game even though there are only two. Combining the fast pace and stylish action of Platinum Games with the genius mind of Yoko Taro gave birth to NieR: Automata. Now, we know that it's not the first game in the NieR universe, but it's a clear reinvention, and it seems to have turned out well. But what's up with this game and why is it so popular? Well, let's talk about it.

Connecting dots

If you're worried you've never played the original game, or if you didn't even know there was one, don't fret about it, it's no big deal. You can play this game without having ever even heard about the first one. This title takes place over a hundred years after the original one so it's not directly connected. However, we do have to mention that there are some references and small details that the longtime fans will appreciate. But for now, you just enjoy this title without worrying about the original one and you'll be fine

Automata

Among the many things we can talk about when it comes to NieR: Automata first we have to mention you don’t see at first sight: The narrative, don’t worry we won’t spoil the story here, but we can tell you it’s simply incredible. They managed to greatly develop the narrative of this game even when they went and combined so many different game styles into one.

Sure, the real basis of this game is the real-time action-based roleplay, but the combat system is so fast and accelerated, it will feel like pure action sometimes. But then there’s also the dungeon exploration part, and the more RPG mechanics integrated into the title. You can even upgrade your character by installing different chips and upgrades into the cyborgs. There’s no need to introduce you to the main characters of the game, especially 2B, since they are so popular now it’s pretty much common knowledge.

NieR: Automata is truly a masterpiece in many ways. It's a solid game in all the parts that matter, and there are even some extra things that add a lot to the game. What you get here is the classic Platinum Games experience, with all the crazy action and stylish violence, the fast pace, and the cool music. Everything you want in an action game is here, but there are a lot of elements here that will please the RPG fans too.

9.5

But what's even more surprising is the depth of the story and the quality of the narrative. It works out perfectly well, and even with how crazy all the game is, you can get into the story. It's a pretty mature plot with a top-notch narrative, add this to incredible gameplay, amazing designs, and excellent music and you're all set. It's truly one of the best games of this generation.

Pros:

  • Incredible story
  • Perfect narrative
  • Lots of action
  • Fast pace
  • Amazing SOundtrack
  • Excellent character design and art
  • Straightforward yet fulfilling gameplay

Cons:

  • A little short
  • Unbalanced secondary missions

Snapshots and Media

PC Screenshots

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