PlatinumGames, the studio behind the Bayonetta games, appears to have made another game with amazing action and gameplay. Heading to the PlayStation 4 tomorrow and PC later, NieR: Automata has received near-universal praise from critics.
The game isn't perfect, but the combat, setting, and blend of action and JRPG gameplay make the imperfections seem minimal – even endearing at time. NieR: Automata is sitting on Metacritic average score of 89, only 9 points below The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You can get a good idea of how the game is getting reviewed below!
NieR: Automata is set to release for the PlayStation 4 on March 7th and on March 17th for PC.
Nier: Automata is a crazy, beautiful, and highly entertaining journey full of nutty ideas and awesome gameplay. It may not include the most sensical story or compelling characters, but its frenzied combat — coupled with beautiful visuals and a stunning soundtrack – make it too much fun to pass up.
8.9/10
While it's certainly not perfect, Nier: Automata is nonetheless a breath of fresh air that will challenge your thumbs as well as your thinking – a game with hydrocarbon heart and silicon soul that will stay with you long after you've set the controller down.
9/10
Platinum Games, with the help of Square Enix, has tapped into its innate ability to captivate us with combat while keeping the rest of the journey engaging.
9/10
Ultimately, NieR: Automata isn’t a perfect game, but I think no one will be surprised, considering that it’s directed by a developer who has made of imperfection almost a flag, and who often managed to turn it into an endearing side among his fans.
Yet, it’s a fantastic and well balanced mix between sleek PlatinumGames action and JRPG gameplay, resulting bigger than the sum of its parts. It brings forth an absolutely fascinating setting, and charming, likable and memorable characters that will both make you smile and tug at your heart strings.
9/10
Thanks to Platinum Games' knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is Yoko Taro's most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a skillful dance where balletic dodges complement wushu-inspired aggression. Moreover, this multi-ending trip is generously peppered with surprises and revelations, as well as easter eggs that call back to the first game and the Drakengard series from which Nier spun off. It's a meaty, often exhilarating trek that showcases Platinum Games' and Yoko Taro's unique blend of genius.
9/10
You’ll laugh; you’ll cry; you might even contemplate whether androids are capable of feeling emotion at all or if they’re merely going by what they were programmed to do. NieR: Automata rewards long-time fans of Yoko Taro’s works with an experience that transcends any single genre. Although it might not be a perfect game, the sum of NieR: Automata’s unique storytelling meshed with Platinum Games’ style of action meld together into a title well deserving of being one of my personal Games of the Year, not for the story being told but rather how 2B’s story was told.
9.2/10
Some parts of Nier: Automata genuinely thrilled and surprised me, but it is a constant exercise in sacrifice. Combat has improved compared to the original Nier, but it still isn’t fully engaging. The progression system has cool ideas, but doesn’t offer enough depth. The premise is fascinating, but it is dulled by repetition. Ultimately, tapping into the sad and unique story that flows under the surface of Nier: Automata makes these trade-offs worthwhile, but I’m disappointed by how deeply it’s buried.
7.75/10
NieR: Automata has more creativity and self-awareness in its little finger than most games have for their entire run time. Don’t miss this because it’s sandwiched between other, bigger games.
9/10
