NieR:Automata™

Nier: Automata is a game that leaves a lasting impression, combining a decent game play with a profound and emotional story. The narrative is its strongest feature, following androids in a post-apocalyptic world and delving into themes like the meaning of life, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human. Told from multiple character perspectives, the story is rich and complex, offering a deep, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after you’ve finished playing. The soundtrack is equally remarkable, perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the game.

If you appreciate powerful storytelling, Nier: Automata is an absolute must-play.

One of my most favorite stories of all time, just be aware that ending A is only the first of five parts the story has to offer.
Gameplay and visuals are serviceable. The gameplay is a dumbed down version of Bayonetta with a Skill system tacked onto it. The Skillsystem is fine and fun to mess around with, but it is very easy to just break the game with a few of them. Whats actually good about it, is the way the implemented it into the story and lore. All of the Skills you'll get are Computerchips which take up a specific amount of storage, depending on how refined the chip and how good the skill is. The UI also fits the game very well and gives you the feeling of actually changing settings on the Character you are playing. Some UI elements are even skills you can unequip for that extra point of storage if needed.

The Visuals are fine. Character and enemy models as well as effects are visibly at a better quality than everything else. The terrain and World don't look awful, but the texture resolution seems really really low, almost as if the game was made for hardware two decades old. For some weird reason the Grass is really well made and looks actually good. It also tanks performance on any PC with an older GPU and is therefore replaced with lower fidelity grass on switch. You can also use a mod to get the lower fidelity grass on PC.

I don't really want to talk about the story, as you should experience it yourself. It's not relevant to know NieR or Drakengard, but some things might make a lot of more sense if you do.

Sunk 30 or so hours into this game and I still do not understand what the story was about. However I enjoyed playing through it and achieved every ending regardless.

actually amazing game, super fun combat, booty, great charackters a catching story ,booty, a lot of content thru quests, many many weapons and 3 diff chars to play whit 26 endings overall a great experience 10/10 booty

Very touching story, hoping for more game like this. 3A equals to good story, good fighting system, good graphic.

I enjoyed playing A2 more than 2B and 9S as it was a unique character that I didn't know much about. Sounds tracks are fire. If you are playing route B just breeze through it.

I actually can't play the game as I finished the anime not long ago and I can't play without tearing up just by listening to the music... 😭

The game used to not work this well without fan patches - but this has been patched out - it worked with no problems and no stutter.

With this out of the way...

It is great.

You expect truckload of fanservice, instead you get philosophy and existential dread.
You get drama, you get feelings, you get characters you get attached to.
You get to cry.

This is the type of game that makes you feel.
I love that.

Just remember - the first ending is not the true ending. Give it a go again and then some. It is more than just a repeat of the same thing. So much more.

This game is freaking amazing. The art style is gorgeous and fits the game's aesthetic perfectly. It really becomes beautiful when combined with the music. The story is phenomenal and well written. This game is a masterpiece.

One downside is that the mouse and keyboard controls are clunky, but you can easily get past that when the story is this good.

One of a kind. Continues to amaze me and I'm only 3 hours deep.

This is the definition of an artsy game, though not without its flaws.

Artistically, this was an amazing experience. Great world-building, art direction, writing, characters, music, and whatnot. A lot of spectacle in its set pieces. Lots of philosophy and well-written tragedy. And cool weird things that you kind of just have to play it to understand.

God I love 2B. And 9S. And A2.

Gameplay-wise, it can be...rough at times. The camera is probably one of the worst I've had to control in a character action game. Lack of proper lock-on makes it even worse (you can't use it on anything above normal), so you sometimes get enemies that move too fast for your camera to keep up with. Platforming felt clunky (invisible walls and weird fixed camera angles during sequences will do that), hacking...sucks (I love 9S but man his segments are the WORST to play). Combat is okay--a bit simple but serviceable.

There's also like some questionable time-wasters that can be VERY lousy if you're not ready for it. Biggest example is at the start of the game; since there is no auto-save, if you die at the first mini-boss you have to start the ENTIRE tutorial over, which has a bunch of unskippable dialogue. Typically wouldn't be a problem, unless you're like me and were recommended the hardest difficulty (where the mini-boss pretty much will 2-shot you). Would recommend turning the difficulty setting down at the start if you're brand new for that reason. Also there is the fact that you don't get access to fast travel right away, so there's a lot of running back and forth for quests early on. I think as you get deeper into the game this does become less of an issue, but it was definitely pretty annoying at the start.

I do think the amazing sequences that occur in boss fights and other major gameplay events did help me move past those flaws (and the story largely helped me push through the problems that I had), but the flaws are still there.

Was this the most fun game I've ever played? Probably not; the aforementioned gameplay issues actually almost made me drop the game completely at one point. Am I glad that I saw it through to the end, though? Yeah, I'd say so. It was certainly worth it for the story, presentations, and all the philosophical messages it provides.

Ultimately I -can- recommend this game, though not without acknowledging issues in how it plays (issues that may end up being deal breakers for some as they almost were for me). It is certainly one of the most interesting video game experiences out there.

Man...where do I even begin with this game. Okay, NieR: Automata is a sequel to freshly remastered NieR: Replicant. Personally I didn't really have any expectations due to me not really paying that much attention to the title, but I figured that it's high time I dive into it and see what the praise is about. I will not talk about the story a lot because I want to avoid spoiling people. However I can say this much, the story starts with a war between androids and machines who were created by aliens. Remnants of humanity had to escape to the moon in order to survive and sent androids to rid the machines and aliens so life on earth can resume once again. As you progress through the game you will start to notice how at first glance insignificant things start to play a much bigger role and dive ever so deeper into the entirety of the lore. Yoko Taro really outdid himself with a story that questions "what it really means to be human". The soundtrack itself was nothing short of phenomenal. I really like that multiple songs have various versions which are dependent on what is going on in the game at the moment, whether it's a scripted event or just completing main story/side quests. As for the gameplay itself, it was fun and rather enjoyable. I really enjoyed how the game switched up the genres, going from a hack and slash to a shoot em up, also playing with the camera angles of standard third person perspective to a side scroller. The exploration itself will be tied with side quests. During the start of the game, I was kind of annoyed with how much travel you had to do for essentially fetch quests, but that kind of got overshadowed with the story, the soundtrack and later on with unlocking the fast travel option. Yoko Taro, Thank you.

If you have not yet played this game, you are only doing yourself a disservice.
Please, don't look anything up. Play through the game, then play again, and one more time. Trust me.

I never thought a game where 90% of characters wear miniskirts and skintight bodysuits would be this deep storywise. It actually makes you think about the purpose of your own existence.

The game officially has 26 endings (one for each letter of the alphabet) but the only actually important ones are A,B,C,D and E. This might sound intimidating but these 5 endings don't necessarily translate to 5 playthroughs, it's more like 3 and you get to control a different character each time. It takes around 40 hours to complete the entire story.

The combat system and controls are great IF you play with a gamepad. If you plan on playing this game with keyboard and mouse, be ready to download some mods to fix the awful KB+M controls. I would also recommend downloading a few texture mods because some of them look really badly compressed.

The OST absolutely slaps.

Some minor flaws include:

Sidequests mostly being limited to shallow fetch quests
Hegel bossfight
Most of the side characters lack voice acting

I'm never going to write a review that I'm happy with, so I won't try.

The game is poorly optimized and runs poorly.
The controls are inconvenient and kill game and movement flow.
The controls are also unresponsive half the time due to
Movement does not flow anyway, as character cannot change elevation or direction without requiring a 5 second animation that takes you out of animation.\
Taking damage below ~33% health also freezes your game for 10 seconds.
Enemy AI is somewhat monotonous, which would not be a problem if not for this game not having much action flow.
Best I can say about boss fights are to say they exist.
->And the vehicle game play exists worse.
I vary rarely care about graphics, but due to poor optimization and potential it's noteworthy.

This is also the best story game I've played, has stellar characters and narrative, and is unforgettable for me. Despite griping above, the game play is still enjoyable in the majority.

I'm putting all my complaints here to be done with them. There is no possible way for me to write a review that can praise this game enough, or one that will make me feel so. My complaints are outnumbered and outshone by the plethora of reasons that make this game art. Please play it.

Amazing story, beautiful soundtrack. Definitely recommend controller when playing, also 2B bad asf

NieR:Automata is amazing. Game play does get a little repetitive, but the story is fantastic.

my only complaint is how confusing i find the story, but i assume the answers are in the 23 endings i haven't reached yet

combat system is very good for hack and slash

highly reccomended , this game increase the level of my depression , existential dread and GLORY TO MAN KIND

20/10 would play again.
I let the game delete and all of my 176 hours of save files. 100% would do again. :)

By the way, why are you even down here looking at reviews. Just play it already, seriously. You can thank me later.

came for 2B thighs.
stayed for fluid combat, great soundtrack, a profound intertwining narrative, cool side characters, beautiful world, and 2B's thicc thighs.

This game was life-changing for me. I played through it on PS4 and got the Platinum trophy. It was important enough that I wrote the date on a sticky note that I took a picture of and put the note in the game case. For me, it marked the moment that I started fighting against my depression and anxiety that had wreaked havoc on my life for several years at that point. I'm grateful that this game exists and I get to play it again on PC.

Best story ever played
One of the best combat mechanics
the Music- The Voice actors (jp)- and the art is absolutely stunningly amazing
made me feel every feeling humankind is able to feel playing NieR:
if you haven't played- HuH?! What are you DOING? depriving yourself from the best experience anyone can have?!
It truly is Glory to mankind.

I first bought NieR: Automata back in 2017 on the PS4, where I put over 80 hours into the game and earned all the achievements. Fast forward to 2024, and here I am again, playing through it on Steam. Gameplay-wise, it has always been fun for me—especially if you enjoy hack-and-slash games. Music and visuals are merely the most overt methods of Automata's passive storytelling. This game is simply too beautiful to miss, and will undoubtedly be remembered as a pioneer in the medium of video games.

I love the soundtrack, I love the combat, I love the voice acting, I love the areas, I love the bosses, I love the side quests, I love the weapons, I love the UI, I love everything about this game. A true masterpiece.

THIS GAME IS A Masterpiece AND DESERVES A 100 ON METACRITIC. i remember when the game first came out and i didn't think much of it then. (prob cuz i was like 9) but now that im older i see that yoko taro is a genius. this game got me out of some really bad times. and the lore is SOOOOOO COOOL. the only issue i have is that not every one will get to experience the older games like drakengard/drakengard 3. im now a die hard fan. thanks yoko taro.

I didn't expect 90's shmups with narration (never happened in the 90's), Smash TV, Strider PC, and Bayonetta the space opera (if there were a space opera version of Bayonetta) rolled up into one coherent, integrated thing. I wasn't sure what to expect, and kind of pre-imagined a disappointingly slow, bookish RPG with some action. I was prepared for disappointment. I bought it on the pretense that at the very least the online videos didn't have chunky bad 90's Playstation 1 textures or 720P clunker graphics that deserve a car backfiring sound effect in the laugh track. Retro 480P with scanlines is still beautiful pixel art, like Greek mosaics or something. Remembering my experience from the deceptive marketing of Vermillion, I assumed that they showed the best parts, which comprised 1% of the entire jalopy. On the contrary, this is top fuel. The graphics are a quantum leap above the disaster it might have been. It's an excellent choice for those on the fence. For the one who compared it to an MMORPG, ...that is a strange comparison, like calling an orange a hamburger. This is superb stuff so far, just like it was printed in reviews of ancient yore.

Worth it in 2024? Yes Yes Yes.

Here's the thing: there are some boring moments and they are more so towards the start. But the awesome moments are so insanely good.

The trailers don't show what makes this game incredible. The trailers show you what the combat and game look like and those things are both decent.

But what shines in this game are : music, sound design and story moments. And the moments where all of those combine are SO good.

She can't be bargained with. She can't be reasoned with. She doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until they are dead.

This game is reduntant to replay without a year's break, but with some time it has a replay value that can't be matched.

The story isn't the brightest but it's a delightful classic if you're into the JRPG type of storytelling. The cast is as lovable each time, and the gameplay is still engaging enough despite the age of the game. It's not a personal favorite (I would pick the original Nier for storytelling) but I would never tell someone to avoid playing or buying this game.

The most beautiful, profound, emotional, philosophical and hard hitting experience the whole gaming medium has ever been able to deliver.

It is difficult finding the words to describe the implications this game has left on my mind. "Game" is maybe no the right word. "Experience" is probably better since I'll remind myself of this on my deathbed.

PS: When you think it's over, it's not over. You need to keep playing until you reach ending E, the real ending.

Highly recommended for those looking for an interesting story with layers. Combat is good. Sound and music is great.

Beware though, you have to do a bit 'replaying' of the game to get the full story so there is some repetitiveness but each play through offers enough changes in play style and story to keep it interesting enough to get the full story. I haven't played it enough to know which side missions are must plays but based on my second play through as 9S so far, I know for certain you definitely need to do at least some of them to better appreciate other stories like the one with the opera robot obsessed with becoming beautiful for a certain other robot with a side quest plot line.

Masterpiece. So much more than just a game, it transcends itself and gaming as a medium.

NieR:Automata™ is easily one of the top 3 games I've ever experienced so far. Such a thought provoking and emotional journey. After completing all endings and all achievements, now there is a void inside me for this game.

This is the best game I have ever played. Finished all endings and enjoyed every one of them. The game play, the story, the soundtrack , the design , .... everything was exceptionally good. Now I will probably start it again.
Totally recommended for anyone who likes hack and slash games and rich story games.

I like how this game builds up its narrative with multiple playthroughs, when you think you are going to start ng+ and ng++ you are actually getting a continuation of the story. The story is pretty emotional on its own.

There is no other game like NieR: Automata. There is no other title in the world that will make you complete two full playthroughs before the opening title sequence actually plays, and then manage to regain your investment and full attention all over again. The gameplay is astounding and accessible, you have full reign over the difficulty to narrative ratio, and the characters are all exceptionally well acted. The complete runtime of NieR will have you both finding immense emotional closure, and digging for more lore and backstory all at the same time. I am not lying when I say that this game has fundamentally changed the way I think about things - and most modern games are sorely lacking the same true love and care that went into this title.

I've beaten it twice on playstation and once here on steam, for a total of 15 playthroughs, 81 endings, and over 4,000,000 experience points. And I would do it all over again with the knowledge of what all of that effort goes in to at the very end of the story.

NieR: Automata made me cry. It'll make you cry, too. If it doesn't, then you haven't played it to completion yet. Whether they're tears of joy, sorrow, or stress is wholly up to you. But the result is guaranteed. Yoko Taro, you've done it again, you absolute madman.

One of the BEST game I’ve ever played, the stories are amazing and the overall graphics are awesome. Very recommended 👍

Start playing. Got wiped out in game tutorial. Game over.
Repeat. Got wiped out again without even reaching main game )
Took 2 hours just to beat the first chapter. Love that game (it gets much easier once you master it) )
The story is very nicely convoluted. You will play same story several times over using different characters and it will twist each time into something new, showing that things aren't what they might initially seem.
Gameplay is solid. Not too complicated, but offers bunch of variations from time to time.
Visuals are OK. Sound is good.
Totally recommended

Purchased Nier Automata on the big back xbox one and never regretted that purchase , after getting a PC and re-purchasing Nier along with the BANGER they call a soundtrack .
Modded the game and basically re-mastered the game and its amazing, from missing textures, new combat/ combos, high polly grass its all worth for a smoother / prettier Nier.
Game Rating : 8.5/ 10
Soundtrack: 10/10
Story: 8/10 [ Alot of endings ]
To those who wish to mod Nier: Automata go on nexus mods and download NAMH to mod with ease

The game play pretty sleepy cuz u have to do many times to reach all the ending but it worth. About the story got notthing to say except "PEAK" but it's require time to realize and experiences. Overall: MORE THAN GOOD

It is not a great slasher, and bullet-hell mechanics are really burdensome, it does not have the most genius, logical or well-polished story, and, at the very end, the scenario definitely runs out of steam. The graphics are fine for its age, and the game (at least now) is bug-free and mechanically plays very nicely. Seemingly "B" grade, but the way everything is put together and mixed up, plus amazing themed music, make it a superb piece for those who are looking for emotional and entertaining game.

nier automata is a real masterpiece: brilliant gameplay, evoking deep feelings; a mix of hack-and-slash combat, some elements of a bullet hell game, and RPG elements combined in such a brilliant way. Deep, the storyline meditates on motifs about humanity, the very reason for living, and what life is all about-all through memorable characters.

The music is very special—each song is amazing and fits the game's mood perfectly, pulling you deeper into its beautifully haunting world. The different endings make you want to play again, with each play adding more to the story and showing new views.

Mix Yoko Taro's ideas with PlatinumGames' great gameplay, and NieR: Automata ceases to be a game-it becomes an experience. It's a must-play for anyone who enjoys games that challenge your thinking and touch your emotions!

The game’s standout strength is its narrative, which explores existential questions about consciousness, free will, and the nature of existence, often leaving players with a sense of introspection. The gameplay is exhilarating, featuring fluid, combo-heavy combat with a mix of genres, from action to top-down shooter and even bullet-hell segments. The world design is beautifully bleak, with a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the game’s story, while the soundtrack, composed by Keiichi Okabe, elevates every emotional moment. However, the game is not without its drawbacks—its repetitive structure, especially across multiple playthroughs, can feel tiresome for some, as the core gameplay loop doesn’t vary enough between routes. The pacing is sometimes uneven, and while the story is compelling, certain characters lack deeper development. Additionally, technical issues, particularly on PC, can detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, Nier: Automata is a unique and thought-provoking title, one that’s likely to stay with you long after you’ve finished it, thanks to its philosophical depth and unforgettable emotional moments.

Good game-play + good story = why did I wait so long to get this game. This game put Yoko Taro on my radar.

Nier: Automata is a deep philosophical musing wrapped up in an intense action game. The game tackles the ideas of existentialism, nihilism, a search for meaning in a world devoid of it, the eternal struggle that is life and the suffering that comes with it. There are more that the game briefly explores but those are the front and center of the story.

Speaking of which, the story in its entirety is incredible and the multiple perspectives tell pieces of the story that can be rather heartbreaking. The true [E]nding is a masterclass in story telling, music and gameplay. It brought out such intense emotions that I was tearing up and singing as I fought on. Truly an experience that could not and should not be forgotten.

10 out of 10 - too many bullets to dodge.

In my opinion, 2B is one of the most iconic main protagonists ever created.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3345794010

Her style and appearance are very recognizable

9/10 - great soundtrack, great story
+1 2B thighs make me bark like a dog

love it <3 one of the most thought provoking and memorable games ever made. wow <3