NieR: Automata is an action RPG. It is the sequel to the game Nier that was released in 2010. The original game featured a character Nier, a man searching for a remedy for an illness. Nier: Automata that was released in 2017, features a combat android as the main character. A companion and a prototype accompany the main character. The game player plays as the android that needs to battle machines that have taken over the earth. The story-driven action game has become popular, thanks to its unique elements.
NieR: Automata has been developed by PlatinumGames. They are a Japanese game development firm based in Osaka. Apart from Nier: Automata, some of their other well-known games include the Bayonette series, Astral Chain, and Vanquish. The game is published by Square Enix. The game production commenced in 2014, with the objective of creating a game with better combat action. The game was released in the US on 7th March 2017 for the PlayStation 4 and the Windows platform. In 2018, the game was released on the Xbox One.
The game won a lot of acclaim from critics and fans. There were technical issues in the game that led to flak from users. The visuals and music were appreciated by everyone. The game saw record sales in Japan, where it was released. It managed to overtake the sales of the original Nier game very quickly. The game has sold more than four million copies worldwide, making it a great success. A DLC for the game was released subsequently with some additional content and customization options.
The game plot, characters, and storyline
The game characters
The main character in this game is a female android known as 2b (full name YoRHa No. 2 Type B). The android has been created with the traits of composure and being calm amidst adversity. 2B has a companion, a male android known as 9S. This android has more emotional traits as compared to 2B. A2 is another attack android that is featured in the game. There are also robots that are shaped like a box that hovers around the two androids. These robots are known as Pod 42 and Pod 153.
The game features the androids’ battles against the machine network. The main enemies the androids have to confront are known as Adam and Eve. They are the main controllers for the network. With them is another character known as Red Girl. Other prominent characters one can meet in this game are resistance leader Anemone and the original Nier character Emil. There is also an android couple- Devola and Popola.
Plot and storyline
The game is set in the year 11945. The humans have lost Earth and have been driven out. The machine army has taken over Earth. Humans no longer exist and have been completely wiped out. There is a small resistance force on Earth that is trying its best to take on the machines. The humans created Androids to take on the machinery. 2B and 9S are the two androids who are being sent to earth on a mission. The androids are part of the YoRHa forces that are set up to combat the machine network.
The game starts with an invasion of Earth led by 2B and 9S. They join forces with Anemone, the resistance leader, and take on the machine forces. The first part of the game involves 2B and 9S taking on the two main antagonists Adam and Eve. The initial game plot is all about the androids defeating the two. There are many twists in the story. The game is story-driven as the characters have to fight the machine forces to establish their supremacy.
In the next part of the game, there is a full-scale invasion launched. The machine network has managed to send a virus that has infected the Androids. All the androids are infected, except 2B. It is now up to 2B to continue the battle. During this period, 9S finds out the truth about the human race and gets to know what has happened. It is revealed that 2B is actually an executioner. The game then moves towards an exciting finale where the androids need to battle among themselves to create a new future.
The gameplay
The game involves combats between the androids and the machine network. There are all the usual combat attack moves, like light and strong attacks, hack and slash attacks, and dodging attacks of the enemy. There are aerial forces too that can use bullet hellfire to unleash havoc on opponents. The players can fight using their fists and also have a variety of weapons to choose from. 2B has multiple weapons, including laser guns. She can use her pod to launch ranged attacks using missiles. All weapons can be upgraded as the game progresses.
Apart from weapons, one of the key aspects of the gameplay is chips. There are chips that can help the androids do better. Upgrade chips help to boost memory (which plays an important role in the game finish). Auto chips have a special option that allows players to put the game on auto mode. The AI will control the game, allowing the player to sit back and enjoy. Of course, if you have come to this game for the action, you may not really like this option and prefer fighting on your own.
The game is played from multiple views, including top-down and horizontal perspectives. The game keeps changing, and it keeps the player guessing. Apart from the combat, the game has a serious element to it. There are many issues involved, mainly related to identity and empathy. Even though androids are the main characters, emotions play a key role in this game. As you play the game, you will realize how emotions and the discovery of truth makes a strong impact on the game and can change the game result.
Another interesting aspect of the game is that it has multiple endings. Without revealing the climax, you get many choices in the game. The choice you make has a direct impact on how the game ends. A choice may lead to a satisfactory ending, or it may turn out to be unsatisfactory. The game is story-oriented with an interesting plot that will keep you glued to your screen as you wonder what will happen next. The soundtrack is one of the highlights of the game. The visuals are good and are pleasant on the eyes. Some technical issues may crop up. The game map and the lack of an autosave are jarring negatives that can be upsetting. The overall experience of the game is definitely good.
Game features
There are many reasons to play NieR: Automata on the PlayStation 4. The following game features tell you the same:
The game is an award-winning sequel to the popular game NieR. It features android characters whose mission is to take back earth from machines who have taken over.
The two lead characters are androids, and their story is what the game is all about. The game showcases the human side of the androids, and there are many moments in the game that bring out emotions from the androids.
The game involves combat for which you can choose from a wide range of weapons. You can even use the pod of the android to carry out ranged attacks through lasers.
As you play the game and progress, you will be able to upgrade your weapons and carry out customizations. This helps you play the game easily.
The lack of autosave and some technical glitches mar the game. The lack of a proper map is another negative of the game. However, the story-based game, the action, the visuals, and the music are reasons why you must play the game despite all the minor problems.
The game has two parts, each of which is played from different POVs. This adds interest to the game, and you begin to understand the plot as the game moves towards the finale.
There are 26 different endings in the game. This makes it all the more interesting. It includes five main endings and 21 additional endings. This part of the game gives the game replay value.
Conclusion
NieR: Automata is a game that action RPG fans will love. While the use of androids for combat and the action is interesting, the story is the more interesting aspect of this game. The well-sketched plot makes the game interesting. The game is unique in that it has two parts that are inter-related, yet different. The conclusion gives you multiple options to end the game. The ending of the game is interesting and gives a philosophical turn to the game. Despite the minor glitches, this is a game that you must play to have a great time.