Nier: Automata Review Roundup, What’s The Verdict?

The futuristic sword slasher game Nier: Automata by PlatinumGames is already in the hands of reviewers whose impressions in the form of detailed articles are already pouring in. For fans of the admittedly cult hit, the anticipation is breathtaking. Is the game good? Is it bad? So far, the reviewers are all in agreement that this is one of the best action RPGs of the year.

First time players who try their hand at Nier: Automata will immediately notice how strange the game is. It’s basically a culmination of several genres at once, part RPG, part shooter, and there are even some 2.5D platforming elements woven into the title. To anyone who doesn’t know the work of Yoko Taro, the game seems quite the odd little offering, Kotaku notes in its review.

Now that its weirdness has been established, it’s time to talk about what really makes it stand out, at least for reviews. The game’s premise starts out shallow and predictable, with a future showing a planet overrun by machines which must be destroyed. However, the deeper players go, the more convoluted the plot becomes.

Morality choices start entering the picture little by little, along with some rather startling developments in the story along the way. In Polygon’s review piece, the publication describes Nier: Automata as anything but simple since there are subtle elements of both familiar and alien interwoven into the game’s storyline.

As to the combat, both the fighting mechanics and the equipment are all smoothly integrated into the game’s narrative. Featuring smooth combat, effective combos, and an assortment of goodies to play with, it’s safe to say that Taro didn’t leave much to chance.

All in all, it would seem that reviewers are in agreement that the ever-escalating stakes within the title make it a game worth trying, at the very least. As far as its place in the franchise is concerned, the popular opinion is that Automata is the best Nier yet.