NieR: Automata: A Masterclass in Action and Storytelling
NieR: Automata, made by PlatinumGames, offers a captivating mix of action-packed fights, moving storytelling, and an open world full of both beauty and bleakness. As someone who loves to complete every part of a game and pays close attention to details, I jumped into this experience with high hopes. So, did it live up to the hype? Keep reading to find out.
Fluid and Responsive Combat System
To start, NieR: Automata shines with a smooth, responsive combat system. You play as androids 2B, 9S, and A2, easily switching between close-range and long-range attacks. It feels natural and fun to learn, especially since you have many types of weapons to choose from. Also, the fast-paced fighting—mixing light and heavy attacks with dodges—creates a thrilling, dance-like battle that’s both exciting and satisfying.
In addition, the Pod support system adds more depth, letting you both attack and use helpful abilities. You can upgrade Pods to improve their attacks, giving you more freedom to tailor your fighting style. For new players, “Auto Mode” makes attacking and dodging easy, making it simpler to learn the game’s rules. That said, experienced players will enjoy the many strategies and challenges available.
Evocative Storytelling
When it comes to the story, this is where NieR: Automata really stands out. The tale of 2B, 9S, and A2 fighting to take back Earth from machine lifeforms is both touching and thought-provoking. It explores big ideas about life, awareness, and what it means to be human. Plus, the story unfolds over multiple playthroughs, each giving new views and deeper insights into the characters and their world.
Deep Character Development
Moreover, the characters are very well made, each with their own story that makes you care about them. Their emotional journeys and how their stories connect add layers to the plot, making it one of the most engaging stories I’ve seen in a game.
Beautifully Desolate Open-World
On top of that, the game’s wonderfully bleak open world is impressive. It mixes eerie, lovely views and areas, all running smoothly at 60fps. Moving between areas is seamless, with no loading screens to break the experience. Also, the art is amazing, with each place giving a different look and feel.
Rich Sub-Events and Side Quests
For example, while the world looks amazing, it also has a ton of side events and quests. These events not only add more backstory and meaning but also give completionists like me plenty to explore. The quests vary from making you think to really pulling at your heart, each adding more depth to the experience. Also, they encourage you to leave no stone unturned.
Strengths
One of the standout strengths of NieR: Automata is its smooth and responsive combat system, which makes every battle feel both intuitive and thrilling. Additionally, the deep and engaging story keeps players hooked from start to finish, weaving emotional themes and philosophical questions into each chapter. The game also boasts well-developed characters whose personal journeys add real weight to the narrative, making it easy to care about what happens to them. On top of that, the beautifully designed open world draws players in with its mix of haunting landscapes and detailed environments, encouraging exploration around every corner. Finally, there are lots of side events and quests that enrich the main story and give completionists plenty of reasons to keep playing, adding extra layers of lore and challenge without ever feeling forced.
Weaknesses
However, NieR: Automata isn’t without its flaws. Some side quests can feel repetitive, meaning players might find themselves doing similar tasks over and over instead of discovering fresh challenges. On top of that, needing multiple playthroughs to fully grasp the story can be a drawback for those who prefer a single, complete experience. While repeated runs do uncover new perspectives and details, they may not appeal to everyone—especially casual gamers looking for a one-and-done adventure. Despite these issues, the overall experience remains exceptional, but it’s worth keeping these points in mind before diving in.
Conclusion
Overall, NieR: Automata shows how to blend gameplay and story perfectly. Its combat is great for both new and experienced action gamers, and the story and characters lift it to a work of art. As someone who wants to complete everything, the many quests, collectibles, and achievements kept me hooked. That said, some side quests can feel the same, and needing to play it several times to get the whole story may not be for everyone. Still, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
If you like action RPGs with deep stories, you have to play NieR: Automata. It blends exciting combat with a moving story, set in a backdrop of beautifully made environments. You won’t want to miss this fight between machines and androids.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Final Thoughts
All in all, it nearly reaches perfection, but a few repetitive parts and the need to play multiple times keep it from a perfect score. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most compelling games in its genre.
Gaming Tip for Beginners
Tip for new players: upgrade your Pods early. Improving their attacks can greatly boost your combat skills and flexibility.
