Mountain Devil

Nier: Automata

I feel like I was going into this game determined to appreciate it. Nier: Automata commonly appears on lists of best games you never played which of course drew me to it like a moth to flame. Everyone loves to say make sure you play it multiple times to experience everything (which is sort of true) like it is a secret Easter egg, but the game is pretty blunt at telling you this.

The initial on rails opening had me worried, but when it shortly opened up into the main world I enjoyed it a lot more.  Combat was engaging, but on normal I never really had any challenge. I didn’t need to use any tactics apart from just using the gear that basically fell into my lap. The open world was comforting as I become more familiar with it, but new areas were fed at the right rate to keep me engaged. It’s not actually that big, but has distinct area with very different feels although they maintain common elements to keep it grounded in the same universe well. I don’t think I had a favourite or least favourite area. They all complemented each other well from the sprawling empty desert to the nervousness of the amusement park (all those enemies, but they never really attacked).

The robots are definitely the standout characters. They are full of quirky charm, often in a cutely perverted way. The writing for them is really fun and organically builds the world in a way that made me want to speak with all the characters.

All the characters are solid though and the main story has a lot of fun twists. And twists on those twists! It gets meta on you at times, but this didn’t feel tacky. The narrative is definitely the keystone of the game. The gameplay wouldn’t keep you there without it.

The music is great. It can feel epic and works really well with the story notes and general background work. The music will definitely sit with me and if I ever hear a tune again, it will take me right back which is the sign of a good soundtrack. Personnel highlights include:

I definitely didn’t experience everything. There were areas tucked away that I wasn’t allowed in and I could see side quests I hadn’t uncovered in menus. I am curious what they were, but some things are best left a mystery.

I’m glad I played it. I’m also glad it wasn’t any longer. It didn’t overstay it’s welcome, but it felt like it had done a lot and I was ready to move onto something else (with more jolly hopefully) Thankfully the ending of the game closed out any loose endings and I will never go back. The game has an option to delete your save as the ending, this felt like the good ending and I was done with it. As a result, it was a really satisfying and unique finale.

2B, I know you had to do that to 9S, he really did care for you. And I know you knew that.

Rating: 6/7 for being something different and embracing it completely.

Most of the game takes place in this decrepit city and the androids ponder the lives of the humans once there. It’s a good size, not overwhelming, but enough random nooks and crannies (many of which seem purposeless in an endearing way) to keep it interesting.
The primary combat is fast paced melee and is pretty punchy (even if some bosses have heaps of health). Here you can also see a very fetching pink bow that I picked out for 2B.
The other part of combat is a top down dual stick shooter with your characters in a mech. It’s completely different, but only appears a few times, mostly to support certain set pieces and really big bosses.
This little guy was rolling around playing a random tune at one point and selling gear. I am pretty certain he had some whole side quest associated with him that I never discovered. It certainly wasn’t thrust in your face.

Posted by:

Dek

2 responses to “Nier: Automata”

  1. Cr Avatar
    Cr

    Thank you for your contribution to video game community. I didnt get to watch much of this game. I personally also enjoyed the narrative and the music was a bit different, which helped bring to life the alternative and emotive main story. The changing of perspective in the game was its strong suit for me. New information was revealed and new motivations emerged. The combat was very boring. The ending was a highlight, which sounds like a diss, but in reality captures the unique path the game takes.

    Reply
  2. Dek Avatar
    Dek

    We sold Nier Automata on eBay to someone I’m Adelaide for $35 (before shipping and eBay fees). I think they were a student. I was sad to say goodbye to Nier.

    Reply

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