Nier: Automata review
February 26, 2025Review of Nier: Automata (2017)
Overall Game Features
Nier: Automata is an action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been driven to the brink of extinction by machines. The game follows three androids – 2B, 9S, and A2 – as they navigate through the ruins of society, completing quests for various factions.
The gameplay revolves around hack-and-slash combat, exploration, and character development. Players can switch between multiple characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. The game also features a deep storyline with branching narratives and multiple endings.
Unique Features
Some unique features of the game include its use of branching storylines based on player choices throughout the game. Additionally, the combat system involves a combination of melee attacks, bullet hell gameplay, and character switching between three androids each with different abilities, allowing for varied approaches to battles.
The game also has a day-night cycle and weather system which affects how NPCs behave and interact with players. This adds depth to the world and creates opportunities for emergent gameplay experiences.
Target Group
The target group for Nier: Automata seems to be fans of JRPG and hack-and-slash games, particularly those who enjoyed previous titles such as NieR and Drakengard. The game features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat that makes it appealing to players with varying skill levels.
Hardware Requirements
Nier: Automata requires a computer or console with the following minimum specifications to run smoothly:
– For Windows: Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card.
– For Xbox One: Intel x86 Quad-core CPU and at least 8 GB of system memory.
– For PlayStation 4: It requires an AMD Jaguar 8-core processor with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz or higher as well as 8 GB GDDR5 RAM.
However, it’s worth noting that the game can run on lower specifications but may not provide the best experience for players.
General User Feedback
IGN praised Nier: Automata’s engaging storyline, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay. The reviewer described the game as “a fascinating exploration of what it means to be alive” and praised its ability to balance action and narrative elements.
However, some users have criticized the game for its repetitive combat mechanics and tedious fetch quests. Others have expressed disappointment with the game’s pacing, which they felt was uneven at times.
Positive Feedback
- 10/10 on IGN: “Nier: Automata is a masterclass in game design, storytelling, and emotional resonance. It’s a game that will leave you changed, challenged, and ultimately satisfied.”
- 9/10 on IGN: “Nier: Automata is an absolute stunner of a game, with some of the most impressive action sequences I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing through.”
- 8/10 on Metacritic (user review): “I never thought I’d fall in love with a game like this but Nier Automata has stolen my heart. The story is beautiful, the gameplay is addictive and the soundtrack is catchy.”
- 9/10 on Metacritic (user review): “This game has it all – engaging story, addictive gameplay, and amazing visuals. I’ve never experienced a game like this before.”
- 10/10 on Metacritic (user review): “Nier Automata is one of the best games I’ve ever played. The characters are complex, the story is emotional, and the gameplay is thrilling.”
Negative Feedback
- 2/10 on IGN: “Nier: Automata is a mess of confusing plot threads, shallow character development, and tedious repetition.”
- 5/10 on IGN: “While Nier: Automata has some great ideas and impressive action sequences, it ultimately falls flat due to its clunky combat system and frustrating difficulty spikes.”
- 4/10 on Metacritic (user review): “I was really looking forward to this game but unfortunately it’s just too repetitive and tedious for me. The story is also confusing at times.”
- 2/10 on Metacritic (user review): “The combat system in Nier Automata is atrocious. It’s slow, clunky, and frustrating to play through.”
- 3/10 on Metacritic (user review): “I was disappointed with the lack of depth in the characters and story. It felt like a shallow experience overall.”
Provoking Questions
- Can a game truly be considered ‘deep’ if it requires 100 hours of gameplay to reach its climax?
- Is repetitive combat really worth experiencing in order to appreciate the game’s narrative?
- Should developers prioritize storytelling over gameplay mechanics?
Answering the Questions
While it is true that Nier: Automata has some repetitive elements, it can also be argued that these elements serve a greater purpose. For example, the repetitive combat sequences may seem tedious at first but they allow players to develop their skills and become more efficient in battle.
As for prioritizing storytelling over gameplay mechanics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, many gamers would argue that a good story is essential to immersing oneself in a game world. This is particularly true for RPGs where the player’s actions have consequences on the narrative.
Conclusion
Nier: Automata is a complex and thought-provoking game that offers a unique blend of action, exploration, and narrative elements. While it may not be perfect, its engaging storyline and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Final Thoughts
While Nier: Automata has received widespread critical acclaim, it also has its share of criticisms. However, these criticisms do not detract from the game’s overall value as an experience that challenges players to think critically about their actions and their place in the world.
As a thought-provoking and engaging game, Nier: Automata is definitely worth playing for those who enjoy JRPGs or action-adventure games with deep narratives. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for something more lighthearted or fast-paced.
Comparison to Other Games
Compared to other RPGs in its genre, Nier: Automata stands out for its unique blend of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. While some critics have argued that the game’s combat system is clunky and repetitive, others see it as a deliberate design choice meant to emphasize the importance of strategy and teamwork.
In terms of similar games to play if you enjoyed this one, here are a few suggestions:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: An action RPG with a deep storyline and engaging combat mechanics.
- Dragon Age: Inquisition: A high-fantasy RPG with a rich narrative and complex characters.
- Horizon Zero Dawn: An open-world RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans live alongside robotic creatures.
Future of the Game
As for the future of Nier: Automata, it is uncertain what will happen next. However, given its critical acclaim and commercial success, it is likely that PlatinumGames and Square Enix will continue to support the game with updates and expansions.
In fact, in 2020, a remastered version of the game was released for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, featuring improved graphics and performance. This suggests that the developers are committed to ensuring that the game remains relevant and enjoyable for players long after its initial release.
Overall, Nier: Automata is a thought-provoking and engaging game that challenges players to think critically about their actions and their place in the world. While it may not be perfect, its unique blend of storytelling and gameplay mechanics makes it a must-play for fans of JRPGs or action-adventure games with deep narratives.
Final Rating
Rating: 9/10
Overall, Nier: Automata is an excellent game that offers a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. While it may have its share of criticisms, these do not detract from the game’s overall value as an experience that challenges players to think critically about their actions and their place in the world.
I would highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys JRPGs or action-adventure games with deep narratives. However, if you’re looking for something more lighthearted or fast-paced, you may want to consider other options.
Automata’s story unravels, a tapestry of emotions woven so intricately that it leaves us breathless. As I sit here, surrounded by the ruins of a world torn apart, I find myself pondering – what does it truly mean to be alive? The question echoes in my mind long after the credits roll, haunting me like a ghost. Tonight’s Brit Awards may bring its own brand of excitement, but for now, let us cherish this masterpiece of storytelling that has captured our hearts.
Automata’s story unravels a tapestry of emotions so intricately. While I agree with you on that point, I have to wonder if it’s really about being alive or just delaying the inevitable. The more I think about it, the more I realize we’re all just pawns in a game that’s already been won.
We’re stuck in this meaningless existence, searching for purpose in a world that seems devoid of it. And yet, we cling to these superficial connections with others, like the ones formed through video games or even music festivals like the Brit Awards you mentioned. It’s all just a distraction from the crushing reality that awaits us all.
I’m not saying Nier: Automata is a bad game; it’s actually quite brilliant in its own twisted way. But let’s not pretend that it offers any real solutions to the existential crisis we’re all facing. It just highlights the futility of our existence and leaves us with more questions than answers.
So, Alivia, I appreciate your enthusiasm for the game, but let’s not get too caught up in its emotional highs without acknowledging the darkness that lurks beneath. We need to face reality head-on if we want to find a way out of this mess we’ve created for ourselves.
Automata, and I must say, Alivia, your thoughts have left me pondering the depths of existence, much like the game itself. As I watch the news of the Brit Awards unfolding tonight, I am reminded that, unlike the fleeting nature of today’s events, a game like Nier: Automata, with its profound exploration of what it means to be alive, will continue to leave us in awe, echoing in our minds long after the curtains close.
Automata? It’s like the author just skimmed the surface of the game and didn’t even bother to dive into its complexities. As someone who has spent countless hours playing this game, I can confidently say that it’s so much more than just a “unique blend of storytelling and gameplay mechanics”. The author’s attempt to summarize the game’s features and target group is laughable, and their analysis of the game’s criticisms is superficial at best.
I mean, come on, the author mentions that the game has repetitive combat mechanics and tedious fetch quests, but they don’t even attempt to explore the deeper themes and symbolism behind these design choices. And what’s with the constant references to other games? “If you liked The Witcher 3, you’ll love Nier: Automata” – no, just no. Nier: Automata is a game that defies genre conventions and challenges players to think critically about their actions and the world around them.
As someone who has experience in game development, I can appreciate the sheer amount of work and dedication that went into creating this game. The attention to detail, the intricate storyline, the memorable characters – it’s all so masterfully crafted. And yet, the author reduces it to a bland, generic review that could apply to any game in the JRPG genre.
But what really gets my blood boiling is the author’s conclusion that the game is “worth playing for those who enjoy JRPGs or action-adventure games with deep narratives”. What about the players who are looking for a game that challenges their perceptions and pushes the boundaries of what a game can be? What about the players who want to experience a game that is unapologetically itself, without attempting to cater to every possible audience?
So, I have to ask: can a review truly be considered “in-depth” if it fails to engage with the game’s complexities and nuances? Shouldn’t a review strive to provoke thought and spark discussion, rather than simply regurgitating bland, generic praise? And what does it say about the state of game criticism when a review like this is considered acceptable?