NieR: Automata

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4607 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,076 out of 4607
  2. Mixed: 223 out of 4607
  3. Negative: 308 out of 4607
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  1. jarlaxle_95
    Mar 25, 2017
    10
    Remember that feeling when playing Demon/Dark Souls for the first time? When you realise that a master of his craft is at work here and you cannot help but carry on and see this through? Buy this game.
  2. user24601
    Mar 14, 2017
    10
    First of all, this is not a game for everyone. This game is more like a graphic novel whereas the plot is carefully layered and told in an indirect way. You won't get to enjoy it unless you beat the game multiple times and get the true ending. If you are looking for just another action rpg where you just slash and mash your way to the end then this game is not for you.

    The gameplay is    First of all, this is not a game for everyone. This game is more like a graphic novel whereas the plot is carefully layered and told in an indirect way. You won't get to enjoy it unless you beat the game multiple times and get the true ending. If you are looking for just another action rpg where you just slash and mash your way to the end then this game is not for you.

    The gameplay is refreshing and comes in different forms - normal hack and slash, 2d scroller, top view shooter, Macross type shooter, etc. My first playthrough was in Normal mode, which is relatively easy for non action type players to get through, If you want more challenges, you should definitely play in hard mode.

    Similar to the original Nier, this game has one of the best soundtracks in gaming. I even dare say it beats the original Nier. I would even go AFK and stay in a zone just to enjoy the beautiful music when I want to take a break.

    Overall this game delivers, both as a Yoko Taro game, as well as a JRPG.    … Expand
  3. Mikamistryke
    Mar 14, 2017
    10
    NieR:Automata is one of those games thats really difficult to describe how amazing it is without spoiling anything. If your not familiar with Yoko Taro's type of storytelling, it's of those games that's way much more complex than it looks,
    But unlike Taro´s past games, this one is made by platinum games, master of the action hack n' slash genre, ands it's truly a match made in heaven,    NieR:Automata is one of those games thats really difficult to describe how amazing it is without spoiling anything. If your not familiar with Yoko Taro's type of storytelling, it's of those games that's way much more complex than it looks,
    But unlike Taro´s past games, this one is made by platinum games, master of the action hack n' slash genre, ands it's truly a match made in heaven, combining a weird and amazing with fast action gameplay, running at 50-60 fps on a regular ps4.
    Its has imense replayability, with second playtrough revealing new story twists and sidequests.
    And last but no least, the godly soundtrack thats a trademark of Taro's games that complements the beauty of this game.
    10 android asscheeks/10    … Expand
  4. Voopydoopy
    Mar 18, 2017
    10
    A game that surpassed my expectations and helped me recover from my shatter expectations of Horizon Zero Dawn. Nier: Automata has a great Story, great characters, philosophical themes, game play variety, and is the best RPG to come out this year so far.
  5. naughtss
    Mar 14, 2017
    10
    Absolutely everything is amazing about this game and it is well worth the price. The sound track is unbelievably good and every single track has multiple versions that the game flows between to fit the area or timing of events happening. The combat is fluid and fun as well. The story is some of the best writing I've seen in years, and after getting the platinum trophy for the game I amAbsolutely everything is amazing about this game and it is well worth the price. The sound track is unbelievably good and every single track has multiple versions that the game flows between to fit the area or timing of events happening. The combat is fluid and fun as well. The story is some of the best writing I've seen in years, and after getting the platinum trophy for the game I am still wanting more. It is a real shame that the two non positive critic reviews are from people who did not come anywhere near actually finishing the game. After reading them, it is clear that nearly all their complaints and questions would have been answered had they actually done their job and finished the game before tarnishing it with bad reviews.… Expand
  6. TheParrradox
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    Every once in a while a video game comes out which strikes a chord inside of me. The story, characters, gameplay and music are so amazing and beautiful that the fantastic experience stays with me for years to come. It reminds me why I love to play video games in the first place. Nier:Automata is one such game.
  7. Cryope
    Nov 12, 2017
    10
    Featuring a complex and intriguing story and smooth mix of hack n slash and bullet hell gameplay and one of the greatest video game soundtracks ever, if all that sounds good you will love this game. Just make sure to see it through to the end.
  8. AsrielDreemur
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    Nier Automata is a masterpiece on it's own way. From the characters design, unique stages, the in game combat mechanics and not to mention the amazing sound track the game has to offer. For a hack and slash game i would never have thought that the strongest point in the game is the story plot it self. This is by far one the best game platinum games had ever made.

    Graphic: 8/10    Nier Automata is a masterpiece on it's own way. From the characters design, unique stages, the in game combat mechanics and not to mention the amazing sound track the game has to offer. For a hack and slash game i would never have thought that the strongest point in the game is the story plot it self. This is by far one the best game platinum games had ever made.

    Graphic: 8/10
    Character Design: 9/10
    Sound : 10/10
    Gameplay : 10/10
    Story: 10/10
    Replay Value: 10/10

    Overall: 10/10 - A must buy game    … Expand
  9. 1van5
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    Aside from Taro's extremely well crafted and atypical NARRATIVE , which everyone already expected from this title, this game just never gets dull. It brings elements from many games we have learned to love througout the gaming industry's history and blends them all together to deliver an unique and never predictable experience. It's admirable that so many gameplay MECHANICS fit it in suchAside from Taro's extremely well crafted and atypical NARRATIVE , which everyone already expected from this title, this game just never gets dull. It brings elements from many games we have learned to love througout the gaming industry's history and blends them all together to deliver an unique and never predictable experience. It's admirable that so many gameplay MECHANICS fit it in such a balanced way.

    The SOUNDTRACK is just as astonishing, it succeeds in setting a great atmosphere while fitting perfectly on the story theme. There's one great specific soundtrack feature that I will not spoil, but you'll come accross it on your 2nd playthrough and it's jaw-dropping.

    The VISUALS are beautiful, even though the game never pushes too hard on graphics department with super real textures, which is actually good once loading screens also tend to be quick. Elements placed along ambients are well distributed and the lighting does create beautiful moments to just stare and rotate the camera (the CAMERA, by the way, delivers amazing angles that you don't see in every game). The main character models and animations are beautiful, side characters do not have as much detail but can also look great. To make a long story short: amazing art direction without being pushy on graphics.

    PERFORMANCE does fall off at certain areas/points in the game, but it never really gets in the way.

    CONTROLS are highly responsive and 100% customizable. Just moving feels great in this game. Combat is, well, Platinum at it's best.

    Reviewers who gave this game a low score either did not continue after 1st playthrough (roughly 20% of the game) or are just confusing personal opinion with a reviewer's duty.

    This game definitely deserves a 10/10.    … Expand
  10. Steward_Titor
    Mar 18, 2017
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. One of the best experiences in gaming I've ever had in gaming. Great characters that do nothing but grow on you as they develop individually as well as with each other, a strong relationship between the protags, an award worthy soundtrack, and great writing all round. Even if the story isn't for you, pick it up for the smooth and satisfying nameplate alone. 10/10
  11. LuizFernandoe
    Mar 18, 2017
    10
    > Fantastic Butt Direction
    > Amazing soundtrack
    > Very good ass and tight
    > Well applied butt elements
    > Variety of combos, weapons, asses, missions and enemies
    > Rich in detail
    > Excellent ass gameplay
  12. Kamikazeshocki
    May 7, 2017
    10
    Honestly I thought this game would be just a stylish fun but average hack 'n' slay exclusive. Then I thought, hey you like japanese stuff and this games gets crazy reviews.... gotta check it out, I might miss something. OH HELL YEAH. I was in love with this game after one hour and couldn't put it down until I hit platinum trophy. This game is not perfect, but it excels so much inHonestly I thought this game would be just a stylish fun but average hack 'n' slay exclusive. Then I thought, hey you like japanese stuff and this games gets crazy reviews.... gotta check it out, I might miss something. OH HELL YEAH. I was in love with this game after one hour and couldn't put it down until I hit platinum trophy. This game is not perfect, but it excels so much in originality, music, creating lovable characters, a kind of huge world with a philosophical touch about existence in general. The more you play it, the more you discover story bits that makes you feel that game even more. The combat also never ceases to be fun. And goddam 2B and A2 are the most beautiful chicks I had in a game for a long time ;) I consider this game along my top three PS4 games (1. Bloodborne, 2. Witcher III, 3. Nier Automata). Probably it's in my top 10 games of all times (and I play for 27 years).
    Buy this masterpiece and convince everyone to play it, please.    … Expand
  13. RomanSkyZ
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Brilliant and unique game. If you like a deep and meaningful story which makes you think about it after you finished the game, this game is perfect. Easy one of the best games ive ever played.
  14. Greedmachine
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    When this was announced, I was beyond excited and hyped myself up way too much, knowing I'd probably be let down in some way. Cut to me staying up till the sun rose the day after I got my copy delivered to me. Very good.
  15. DanielPeled
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I would have given this game a 10 even if the gameplay wasn't great, because I enjoy all of Yoko Taro's stories. The gameplay is pretty satisfying for most of the game however, and slightly underwhelming when playing as 9S. However the soundtrack, the songs, and the plot are great. It would be a bit better I think if they left some major plot points less ambiguous, but I guess that's Yoko Taro for you.
    The bad thing is the ending section with the credits needs to be easier offline. I am pretty good at bullet hell games, but for the ps4 controller it was hard for me to navigate the last scene. I had to go onto multiplayer.    … Expand
  16. Niebo
    Mar 20, 2017
    10
    This game is unique, something different. Myself i compared it to undertale as it triggered similiar emotions. For me it's GOTY. For the Glory of Mankind!

    Put into bucket slasher, rpg, bullethell, sidescroller and a beautiful story which is the main point of this game!

    One final advice - See it to the very end, you won't regret it!
  17. incendras
    Mar 20, 2017
    10
    Absolute fun, the games combat style employs a hybrid of high speed combat, bullet-hell scenarios, and even a merciless '1 hit die' difficulty. After playing through normal I can honestly say that 1 hit mode is for the extremely patient. Nier: Automata offers a lot of content that does extremely well at avoiding the dreaded fetch and return style we have all come to know and despise fromAbsolute fun, the games combat style employs a hybrid of high speed combat, bullet-hell scenarios, and even a merciless '1 hit die' difficulty. After playing through normal I can honestly say that 1 hit mode is for the extremely patient. Nier: Automata offers a lot of content that does extremely well at avoiding the dreaded fetch and return style we have all come to know and despise from the 21st century flood of MMORPG's.… Expand
  18. Memoflame
    Mar 20, 2017
    10
    More a work of an art than a game. Nier Automata is a truly brilliant masterpiece that refuses to restrict itself to one thing. It is an action game, but it is also a bullethell shootem up. It can be very weird and goofy, but also very profound and deep. It will make smile and it will make you cry. My biggest criticism towards this game would be the difficulty , which can be very easy onMore a work of an art than a game. Nier Automata is a truly brilliant masterpiece that refuses to restrict itself to one thing. It is an action game, but it is also a bullethell shootem up. It can be very weird and goofy, but also very profound and deep. It will make smile and it will make you cry. My biggest criticism towards this game would be the difficulty , which can be very easy on normal, but borderline impossible on hard with so many enemies capable of one hit killing you ( unless you are overleveled)

    This aside, this is a game that needs to be experienced and one of my favorite games of the last 10 years    … Expand
  19. marisa3
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    I would appreciate it if it was the best work done after the rating line. OST is the part. You have to give me a sequel. I can not compare it with the previous works.
  20. Trabanto
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    I don't know what should i tell you about this game. So imma go short.
    MASTERPIECE:
    - It's a perfect combo of genres.
    - GREAT music
    - one of the best stories/complicated stories/with a message
    Yoko Taro blew my mind. He knows what I want and I hope he will have more budget for his next project, so I can die in peace.
  21. EtroGoddess
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    If we rate our games based on perfection, none will get 10/10. There is no such thing as a perfect game. However, what NieR: Automata offers you is a 10/10 experience.
    The fast paced combat is developed by Platinum Games, the king of hack and slash. The gameplay is very action based, but it does have RPG elements. There is a deep customization for chips that players can carry to combat.    If we rate our games based on perfection, none will get 10/10. There is no such thing as a perfect game. However, what NieR: Automata offers you is a 10/10 experience.
    The fast paced combat is developed by Platinum Games, the king of hack and slash. The gameplay is very action based, but it does have RPG elements. There is a deep customization for chips that players can carry to combat. 2B moves are thrilling and satisfying to look at, while 9S offers very interesting combat style that may not capture all players. The mix of game genre from the original NieR make it's way back fantastically. Overall, the combat is satisfying and smooth, but for replayability, one can only wish for a deeper, purchasable combo system.
    While gameplay is not perfect, the game delivers its story and its characters better than any game recently, which is a driving force of the game that should be reckon with. Yoko Taro's characters and narrative is something to be respected and, in some cases, feared. NieR: Automata's version of Earth fits it's story perfectly. It's memorable cast of expressive and lovable characters is something to be appreciated. The story is tragic and deep with a(or many) message(s) for more mature audiences.
    Of course, last but not least, it is a crime not to praise the amazing soundtrack written by Keichi Okabe.
    In conclusion, NieR: Automata is a gem for gaming this year that absolutely no mature gamers should miss.    … Expand
  22. cfli731
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My review resonates with most of the reviewers, so I won't go into the art, story, and music, which has already been covered.
    I would like to bring the attention to the game's clever use of game mechanics as narrative through out the entire game.
    A particular example would be the opening top down shooter segment, where firing of your weapons is initially restricted, even after one of your teammate has been shot down, because engagement has not be authorized. As it is the tutorial, of course, you were not allowed to do many things because it was a way to show you different buttons one at a time, but the game does not waste that opportunity to give you a sense of the military rigidity the characters must conform to, even in the face of danger and death.
    The robotic reaction and adherence to the rule sets the tone for this game even within the first 30 secs of game play.
    Obviously, there are much more to this game to deserve my rating of 10, but the intricacy and attention to details is what stood out to me the most.    … Expand
  23. Maximusplus
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    I have never been playing any Game of this Genre or any Game that's even close to this Game.

    Completing the Game now the for the 3rd time and I think a 4th will be following. I can only rate everything with a flat 10 and a critical 19. The Character Design is amazing, the fighting style not too complex yet not to easy (depending on the mode that you are playing it on), the Music is    I have never been playing any Game of this Genre or any Game that's even close to this Game.

    Completing the Game now the for the 3rd time and I think a 4th will be following. I can only rate everything with a flat 10 and a critical 19.

    The Character Design is amazing, the fighting style not too complex yet not to easy (depending on the mode that you are playing it on), the Music is worth listening for several weeks and the Story behind this got me from the first till the last second.

    I recommend this Game to those who are willing to invest some time, to escape reality and have fun with one of the best games ever.

    You won't regret buying it nor playing it.    … Expand
  24. AllanFelipeS
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    Just finished Rout A with 25 hours of gameplay, i cant remove this game from my mind, hes perfect in manny ways, still theres routs B,C,D,E to go, Nier Automata is trully a epic master piece!!!
  25. Emisary100
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    Game fairly solid, really surprised me more than I expected. The world in which it develops has a rather interesting background, and its gameplay is quite fun to master. A pity that some people will reject it only by Fanservice.
  26. JasPalTors
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    A true work of art that deserves to be appreciated beyond its technical section, if you really want to enjoy the game to the maximum you must arrive until the last end
  27. Leoeyeofskadi
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    Best game played in years, the true ending is impressive and full of creativity. Character, soundtrack, game play, the emotions in this game will make me smile in years to to come. It is a truly masterpiece and one that deserve to be called art.
  28. Peabody446
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    I love this game, the combat is fast and smooth, the music is absolutely beautiful, the characters are likeable and entertaining, the environments are gorgeous and the story is bizarre and interesting.

    Personally my game of the year so far.
  29. DrakeNewman
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    Today it is becoming more and more apparent how beautiful video games are becoming, their was a time in peoples lives when still motion pictures were the gateway to the future, past and present, and today they still art. They have solidified their ways of storytelling as art. And now we find ourselves on the cusp of another such revolution, where the stories of the mind can not longer beToday it is becoming more and more apparent how beautiful video games are becoming, their was a time in peoples lives when still motion pictures were the gateway to the future, past and present, and today they still art. They have solidified their ways of storytelling as art. And now we find ourselves on the cusp of another such revolution, where the stories of the mind can not longer be express by just a novel or movie, but through video games.

    The story of Nier: Automata is one such example, this game is beautiful both visually and musically. ‎Keiichi Okabe and Keigo Hoashi have delivered a wondrous soundtrack that fuels the imaginative side of my brain and keeps me coming back for more. Nier: Automata tells a story with such emotion that it cannot be so easily conveyed through writing, you cannot describe the journey of 9S, 2B and A2 to your fiends and expect to garner the same reaction you would have had playing it. The game is just like that, you need to play it to truly understand.

    This game is special, from the moment I first watched its trailer I knew it would be and so I bought a PS4 specifically for this game. The game play is fluid and fun with depth to explore as no 2 encounter need be alike, each character posses their own depth and style that you need to find out for yourself.

    So I advise you to give this game a chance, sit down and enjoy the ride, I finished the game in around 45 hours playing through and trying to do everything, and I still didn't accomplish that so I expect it to take me longer to achieve that, and this doesn't include a second run on a harder difficulty to see how deeply this story really connected.    … Expand
  30. matts82173
    Mar 23, 2017
    10
    Everyone should go out and get this amazing game right now. At least, try the demo! Everything about it is practically perfect from the plot, the ambience, the music, the animation, the fighting, the RPG elements. It has almost perfect balance. Also, it is a wonderfully intelligent and thoughtful game that could actually make you laugh or even cry. It's sort of a shame that it came out atEveryone should go out and get this amazing game right now. At least, try the demo! Everything about it is practically perfect from the plot, the ambience, the music, the animation, the fighting, the RPG elements. It has almost perfect balance. Also, it is a wonderfully intelligent and thoughtful game that could actually make you laugh or even cry. It's sort of a shame that it came out at the same time as Zelda and HZD because it should not have to share the spotlight with any other game. Truly unique and amazing!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS4 Game of 2017
6
#6 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
6
#6 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 101 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 101
  3. Negative: 0 out of 101
  1. Gamers' Temple
    Aug 21, 2018
    95
    NieR Automata: Beyond Gods Edition was a total shock to me with how much I enjoyed it. It takes a very solid experience for me to enjoy an RPG lately and NieR grabbed me quite well from the beginning and kept me entertained throughout. It's the type of game where I want to do everything that I possibly can just to make the experience longer - a type of game I rarely find nowadays. I went into NieR Autamata with no expectations other than the good gameplay that I usually find from Platinum Games, I went away floored with a near perfect action game.
    Read full review
  2. Power Unlimited
    Oct 19, 2017
    87
    NieR: Automata is not for everybody. In fact, the game looks to be aimed at the most refined fans of the medium by not caring about the regular gaming conventions, in the same way the works of David Lynch are perfect for the hardcore moviegoers.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Jun 14, 2017
    80
    Melancholic, wistful and creative at every turn. [Issue#186, p.80]
See all critic reviews »