User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4607 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Sep 29, 2017
    10
    Nier: Automata is probably the smartest game of this generation. With philosophical themes such as existentialism transposed into artificial intelligence, it makes sure to challenge ideas that we already know from authors like Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche or Franz Kafka.
  2. Nov 7, 2017
    10
    This is game is easily what Final Fantasy XV should have been. It has a complete well written story, amazing gameplay, and awesome soundtrack. Even the game has shoot 'em up elements, and also has
    an awesome soundtrack.
  3. Oct 18, 2017
    10
    Nier is the first game in 2017 that makes me cry a lot
    I cant describe much but the combat looks amazing, the soundtrack is really good, the feels you get from playing the whole walkthrough is beyond compare with other game in 2017
    There are also side mission if you want to complete it.
    You just have to play it and let your human feeling burst out!
  4. Mar 4, 2018
    10
    It starts from an excellent action-sequence, but also punishes and daunts players as there is no save option for the fist 1.5 h. It is a hard design choice, I was very frustrated about it, I quit game for couple of months, but now I understand it. It has flaws, lots of them, but there are the things which NieR does fantastically, things you will remember for a long time. GOTY 2017 and aIt starts from an excellent action-sequence, but also punishes and daunts players as there is no save option for the fist 1.5 h. It is a hard design choice, I was very frustrated about it, I quit game for couple of months, but now I understand it. It has flaws, lots of them, but there are the things which NieR does fantastically, things you will remember for a long time. GOTY 2017 and a great candidate to be recognized as a game of the generation. Expand
  5. Nov 10, 2017
    10
    This game blew past everything I expected in the most positive way you could imagine. Everything just fits so perfect together. From this beautiful world to the awesome soundtracks for each location and boss fight that will just give you chills, the awesome badass and smooth combat system from Platinum games we all know and love, and of course the story . Without spoiling anything I justThis game blew past everything I expected in the most positive way you could imagine. Everything just fits so perfect together. From this beautiful world to the awesome soundtracks for each location and boss fight that will just give you chills, the awesome badass and smooth combat system from Platinum games we all know and love, and of course the story . Without spoiling anything I just want to say how much of a emotional roller coaster this games story is with so much happy and sad emotions . The game really delivers when it comes to story telling , also thanks to the different endings you can get. Everything is so thought out and makes sense in this game, all the weapons you can get have a backstory you can read, the ability management which uses "chips" that use memory because your a Android. , how you respawn and so much more.
    Now stop reading this review and BUY THIS GAME !
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  6. Feb 1, 2020
    10
    If there is such a thing as a perfect game, I think NieR: Automata is the closest we've gotten to it in a very long time.
  7. Nov 26, 2017
    10
    Эта игра тронула меня до глубины души. А депрессия мучила на протяжении всего третьего акта и неделю после...
    Но я не жалею ни секунды потраченного времени.
    П,С, Еко Таро гений
  8. Jun 18, 2020
    10
    Various gameplay , deep story , very interesting choices in gameplay and design , original ideas. Music is very orchestral and immersive. Combat is highly customizable so is playing experience. Twists in story.
  9. Jan 5, 2021
    10
    I've enjoyed it from the start to the end. It's beautiful artistically, plays so well and shoot-em-up segmens are simply great, combat is great. And the music ! OMG, I have enjoyed it so much. First I have missed it, but my friend recommended me the game and I was blown away. We need more games like these.
  10. Dec 8, 2017
    10
    Master class of a game first thing i played in years that felt different and unique, i don't rate a lot of games ten but this is one of them would recommend everyone to try once.
  11. May 18, 2018
    10
    May I ask, why does this game have a lower metascore than Super Mario Odyssey? Because guess what? I had more fun wandering around in this game than I did with Super Mario Odyssey since it actually felt rewarding.

    It also succeeds in terms of level design, game design and creativity whilst games like Sonic Forces or Super Mario Odyssey fell flat on each categories. If you buy this
    May I ask, why does this game have a lower metascore than Super Mario Odyssey? Because guess what? I had more fun wandering around in this game than I did with Super Mario Odyssey since it actually felt rewarding.

    It also succeeds in terms of level design, game design and creativity whilst games like Sonic Forces or Super Mario Odyssey fell flat on each categories.

    If you buy this game, expect to have a lot of fun!
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  12. Dec 13, 2017
    10
    I must admit, at the beginning the game didn't caught my attention, just bought it, at november's end out of the blue, but since then have done almost nothing but play, as the history unfolds, and you start to understand the meaning, and even meaningless of all, you realize that this is a game to be remembered, a great plot, if not one of the best a every had the pleasure to play, its goodI must admit, at the beginning the game didn't caught my attention, just bought it, at november's end out of the blue, but since then have done almost nothing but play, as the history unfolds, and you start to understand the meaning, and even meaningless of all, you realize that this is a game to be remembered, a great plot, if not one of the best a every had the pleasure to play, its good to know that even with relative low budgets, masterpieces like this can still be made, that is the word, NieR Automata is a masterpiece, a must play title to all video games fans Expand
  13. Jan 1, 2018
    10
    Artistic, mind-blowing, fluid, philosophical. Best game of 2017 and probably one of the best of the last decade. This game elevates the medium.
  14. Jun 8, 2018
    10
    Through all the years of my life ive played many, many, many games, and this is the first time that i feel im not capable of telling with words how much i liked this game
    I know i rated it 10, and it deserves it, but that doesnt mean is a perfect game, it has pretty big flaws in its open world design, because the game itself finds troubles defining if it wants to be a onirical place such
    Through all the years of my life ive played many, many, many games, and this is the first time that i feel im not capable of telling with words how much i liked this game
    I know i rated it 10, and it deserves it, but that doesnt mean is a perfect game, it has pretty big flaws in its open world design, because the game itself finds troubles defining if it wants to be a onirical place such as Shadow of The Colossus or if it wants to be a place full of side quests and activities such as GTA V, (SPOILERS) im not sure if this has a -reason beyond- trying to impress the feeling of losing our identity after finding out our life purpose has been a lie just like 9S does, but id rather stay away from that discussion(END SPOILERS)
    This game posses the most astonishing beautiful art direction of 2017 (asides of Breath of The Wild), including OST and characters.
    The first playthrough and the first half of the second were fun, but thats it, felt a little bit rushed but it was ok
    But then, the game suddenly stops acting like a videogame and starts a mature, intricated and amazing story, i dont really want to say any spoiler, but keep in mind that if you find boring or bad this game, is because you havent played the C Route.
    And you definitely should
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  15. Dec 19, 2017
    10
    Nier: Automata is simply a great game. It's not just the story or the gameplay, rather almost every single aspect contributes to an enjoyable experience that manages to hit some emotional notes, prompt a bit of philosophizing, and delight the eyes and ears, all without overstaying its welcome.

    On the surface, Automata is an open-world action-RPG, but it's perhaps more accurate to say
    Nier: Automata is simply a great game. It's not just the story or the gameplay, rather almost every single aspect contributes to an enjoyable experience that manages to hit some emotional notes, prompt a bit of philosophizing, and delight the eyes and ears, all without overstaying its welcome.

    On the surface, Automata is an open-world action-RPG, but it's perhaps more accurate to say that it's a languidly paced story-focused action game. The distinction might seem silly, but the player won't find a Rockstar-style open world brimming with possibilities. The world in Automata is much more measured and precise, made to fit a pre-existing narrative. But the developers managed to pull off the delicate balance between too much and too little to do. As a result Automata manages to reward exploration without demanding it in excess.

    Aesthetically the game is a delight to behold, with particle effects that make the battles feel exciting and music that is sure to please. It's true that the range of locations is not as extensive as in other games, but what is there is always thematically appropriate. Much in the style of a Souls game, locations are memorable even when they're not impressive or richly detailed.

    The game is of course Japanese and much in the vein of anime. If that's an immediate red flag for you, this game may not change your mind. However, Yoko Taro and Platinum Games have achieved something that feels at once unique, new, and familiar.

    Do yourself a favor and play this game!
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  16. Dec 19, 2017
    10
    It's pretty likely at this point that people don't need to hear me or anyone else sing this game's praises, but it really does earn all of it. It's a masterpiece that's far better than any advertising could have told you it would be. The story, the characters, the gameplay, the overall style of the game, and most importantly in a game like this, it's replayability make it not only one ofIt's pretty likely at this point that people don't need to hear me or anyone else sing this game's praises, but it really does earn all of it. It's a masterpiece that's far better than any advertising could have told you it would be. The story, the characters, the gameplay, the overall style of the game, and most importantly in a game like this, it's replayability make it not only one of the best games for RPG's this year, which is saying a lot on it's own, but it's one of, if not the best game of year. Expand
  17. Dec 28, 2017
    10
    Nier Automata is a game that give you so much more than you expect
    perhaps you expect just another hack n slash game kinda like DMC or bayonetta
    But nooooopppe This game is combine a lot of stuff and i mean A lot It combine bullet shooter, fast paced stylish hack n slash, top down arcade shooter, and open world elemen into it And its melt into one awesomeness that you never seen
    Nier Automata is a game that give you so much more than you expect
    perhaps you expect just another hack n slash game kinda like DMC or bayonetta
    But nooooopppe
    This game is combine a lot of stuff and i mean A lot
    It combine bullet shooter, fast paced stylish hack n slash, top down arcade shooter, and open world elemen into it
    And its melt into one awesomeness that you never seen before
    Not to mention The music and the story is Superb
    you may think this kinda game story is sucks or mediocre but its surprisingly philosophical and dramatic
    This game is a MUST play for anyone who love RPG and it is worth it get The Platinum

    And dont forget DAT ass ;)
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  18. Apr 29, 2018
    10
    Es un juego hermoso, con una hermosa historia y personajes. Si banda sonora es majestuosa.
  19. Feb 1, 2018
    10
    If there was an argument for video games being considered art, Nier Automata would be at the forefront.

    Nier Automata is unique in the sense that it is a story and media that can only be presented as a video game. It wouldnt be able to express it's full message or themes in a movie or book. Nier is a game that will stick with you after you finish it, consuming your thoughts and even
    If there was an argument for video games being considered art, Nier Automata would be at the forefront.

    Nier Automata is unique in the sense that it is a story and media that can only be presented as a video game. It wouldnt be able to express it's full message or themes in a movie or book. Nier is a game that will stick with you after you finish it, consuming your thoughts and even make you consider different philosophies for your real life. Most people (including myself) originally picked up Nier because it was another action game made by Platinum Games, and perhaps the fan service got to you as well (2B is beautiful). But if you stay for the entire journey, you will find something truly unique in today's gaming, and an unforgettable experience, that tries things that most games are afraid of.

    This game would have higher ratings, and it makes sense if you dissect the actual gameplay, because there are flaws there, and I'm sure alot of critics never truly finished the game. However, if you truly love video games, and they are more than just simple play things, or mindless junk. You must do yourself the pleasure of experiencing one of the best games ever made.
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  20. Feb 5, 2018
    10
    wow! such a incredible game! you guys must buy! perfect story and beautiful musics! amazing!
  21. Dec 22, 2018
    10
    ** OVERALL 9.5/10 ** Gameplay 9/10 - Creativity 10/10 - Music 11/10 - Visuals 10/10 - Characters 8/10 - Plotline 9/10 - Emotional Engagement 9/10 - Replayability */10 - Difficulty */10 - Experimental Uniqueness 10/10

    At first, I was a little skeptical about the game. I’m not really sure why, maybe the previews for it turned me off or something, but it was definitely not on my radar.
    ** OVERALL 9.5/10 ** Gameplay 9/10 - Creativity 10/10 - Music 11/10 - Visuals 10/10 - Characters 8/10 - Plotline 9/10 - Emotional Engagement 9/10 - Replayability */10 - Difficulty */10 - Experimental Uniqueness 10/10

    At first, I was a little skeptical about the game. I’m not really sure why, maybe the previews for it turned me off or something, but it was definitely not on my radar. Then a friend recommended it with a very curious description: a story that can only be told in game format.

    While I have a few minor nit-picks about things, I have to say that this is one of the best games I’ve played in a long time. It’s a unique feel in the characters and plot line, and a very unique take on incorporating gameplay with the game itself.

    Gameplay 9/10

    The controls are fluid and responsive and a joy to engage with, though they take a little time to get used to. Part of the creativity of the game is also involved in them throwing you into lots of different game interfaces in quick succession.

    There are multiple game modes - hack and slash, sidescroller-platformer, bullet-hell shooter, and puzzle-shooter. But they’re all done *really* well, and though sometimes jarring to switch back and forth, they all amazingly fit into a single gestalt.

    I’ll only take off the point from an otherwise 10 rating due to a few messy things that could have been fixed without really altering the game, and all of them involve the map interface. Frankly, it sucks, it’s the one and only gameplay element that distracted from my suspension of disbelief.

    Creativity 10/10

    I have to note how well they incorporate game plot and character elements into the gameplay. When severely damaged, the menus don’t look or work properly, your visual interfaces mess up, and you even lose the ability to do basic functions like run or jump. While frustrating, this is also very engrossing.

    They also really play with your expectations heavily. The way you expect a game to play is not the way it plays. The way you expect the plot to turn out, it doesn’t turn out. It’s a walking, talking anti-trope, and it’s really, really disorienting. But that’s the point.

    Music 11/10

    This music is absolutely stunning. It’s one of the best soundtracks in any game I’ve ever played.

    I loved it so much that I spent as much money on the official soundtrack as I did on the game. Take that as proof.

    Visuals 10/10

    The character designs are really well done. While the three main characters seem at first to have similar look-and-feel, they are clearly and strikingly different. They just flow as a unit well, even though they’re actually so different.

    The backgrounds are gorgeous, and the world you interact with is lush and colorful… or not. There are several sections that are literally black-and-white, or whitewashed-out. The palette changes from area to area, and the lighting effects are excellently done - from metallic glare to rainbow effects on the edges of lens flare.

    Characters 8/10

    While I have a couple criticisms for some of the characterization, I have to say that somehow, it still manages to pull it off. The two main antagonist twins are uber-simplified and suffer for it, I think. And both 2B and 9S change drastically in personality over a relatively short time period, which is a bit jarring… but… it still works.

    You still feel for them in the hard moments.

    Plotline 9/10

    “Cyborg Hamlet”

    It’s intricate, unexpected, tragic, toxic, heart-felt, and desperate. You don’t know where it’s going. You don’t even think you have any clue for very long. And yet, it weaves a tapestry as you go - the colors don’t show until you look at them in the rearview mirror. I only take off a point here because they needed to do a clearer job connecting what happened in the previous game to this one.

    Emotional Engagement 9/10

    This is really a heartstring-wrenching tragedy of a play. And I say play because it evokes theater so strongly. It’s an interactive play, but not so much so that you merely are dragged along for the ride and have no effect.

    Replayability */10

    If you have heard anything about the game, you probably know it has multiple endings and playthroughs. When you “win”… you’re less than a third done. So on one sense, it’s eminently replayable, because it’s frankly necessary. However, once you’re totally done, it feels different the second time. Difficulty */10 The game is a little too easy, on “normal” mode. And it’s way too hard on “hard”. Experimental Uniqueness 10/10 The combination of features in this game, and the willingness to experiment with unexpected character types, game-immersion techniques, intermixing of play formats, and a very, very non-disney-esque plot line, I have to give this a 10 for uniqueness and over-all. This will become a classic, it will influence the next 10 years of gaming.
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  22. Apr 3, 2021
    10
    This is some serious stuff here.
    If you love beautiful soundtracks and an AWSOME story that makes you question your own existence This is for you.
    Great details, you will enter another dimension here. This is not a game, its an experience that reaches your deepest thoughts. That kind of thoughts we are affraid to think of.
  23. Mar 3, 2018
    10
    What can one say? About the flawless best soundtrack? About the storyline? About all those messages? One of the best titles ever on ps4, my personal favorite, nobody must miss it.
  24. Oct 18, 2020
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played in terms of storytelling and music. Very highly recommend, even though im not a fan of jrpgs
  25. May 28, 2018
    10
    Nier:Autómata es para mi uno de los mejores videojuegos de la historia. Tiene fallos, como una jugabilidad demasiado fácil y sencilla, poca variedad de enemigos, unas malas misiones secundarias...Pero con todos sus fallos, tiene una de las mejores historias que se han creado en el mundo de los videojuegos.
    En un futuro lejano, una raza de alienígenas dejó un ejército de máquinas en el
    Nier:Autómata es para mi uno de los mejores videojuegos de la historia. Tiene fallos, como una jugabilidad demasiado fácil y sencilla, poca variedad de enemigos, unas malas misiones secundarias...Pero con todos sus fallos, tiene una de las mejores historias que se han creado en el mundo de los videojuegos.
    En un futuro lejano, una raza de alienígenas dejó un ejército de máquinas en el planeta Tierra, obligando a la humanidad a retirarse a unas instalaciones en la luna. Los humanos crearon a los YORHA, un ejército de androides con la función de acabar con las máquinas y recuperar la Tierra.
    El juego nos pone en la piel de 3 personajes diferentes a lo largo de la aventura:
    2B, un androide femenino diseñado para el combate.
    9S, un androide masculino diseñado para reconocimiento con la habilidad de piratear a las máquinas.
    2A, una androide femenina también diseñada para el combate.
    Este juego se divide en rutas. Hay un final para cada letra del abecedario, pero los canon son el final A,B,C,D y E. Tendrás que completar el juego 3 veces para desbloquear los 3 finales principales, y después deberás hacer cosas específicas para el D y el E.
    No contaré nada más sobre la historia del juego, ya que perdería toda la gracia. Es un videojuego al que DEBES jugar si o si, una obra maestra diferente.
    Jugablemente, siendo un título de Platinum Games no decepciona. La jugabilidad es frenética, propia de un Hack and Slash y sus controles son intuitivos, con la presencia de algunos minijuegos de pirateo con el personaje 9S.
    La banda sonora del juego es magistral. Hay un tema para cada ocasión y todos son una delicia para los oídos.
    Gráficamente, el juego es regular tirando a malo. Su gama de colores es muy corta, los diseños de los secundarios dan pena, hay muchos dientes de sierra...
    Pero, ¿Os habéis dado cuenta de una cosa? Ya he dicho varios fallos del juego y no dudo de la nota que le he puesto. Simplemente, la historia hace que te olvides de cualquier fallo del juego.
    Os animo a que disfrutéis de esta obra de Yoko Taro.
    Gloria a la humanidad.
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  26. Jul 6, 2020
    10
    Игра не без недостатков, но плюсы для меня так перевешивают минусы, что меньше 10 поставить не могу. Отличный мозговыносящий сюжет, персонажи, которых любишь, необычный мир, в который хочется заглянуть, который хочется изучить. Великолепная боёвка, дизайн, озвучка.

    Из недостатков хочу отметить бесполезную систему прокачки. Никаких очков навыков или характеристик распределять не нужно,
    Игра не без недостатков, но плюсы для меня так перевешивают минусы, что меньше 10 поставить не могу. Отличный мозговыносящий сюжет, персонажи, которых любишь, необычный мир, в который хочется заглянуть, который хочется изучить. Великолепная боёвка, дизайн, озвучка.

    Из недостатков хочу отметить бесполезную систему прокачки. Никаких очков навыков или характеристик распределять не нужно, просто с каждым уровнем герои становятся сильнее. Но ведь и враги точно также становятся сильнее. В итоге прокачка выглядит каким-то странным и недоработанным не то наследием, не то заимствованием из других игр.
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  27. Mar 12, 2018
    10
    I pondered over this for a year. This is the best game I've ever played. It beats Ocarina of time, it beats Shadow of the colossus, and it beats final fantasy 7. This game is art, it's melancholy yet uplifting, and above all its fun and exciting. It's crazy in the best way, it **** with your head, and even has a small amount of typical RPG element to keep the casual player entertained. II pondered over this for a year. This is the best game I've ever played. It beats Ocarina of time, it beats Shadow of the colossus, and it beats final fantasy 7. This game is art, it's melancholy yet uplifting, and above all its fun and exciting. It's crazy in the best way, it **** with your head, and even has a small amount of typical RPG element to keep the casual player entertained. I played the demo and knew I'd like it, but I didn't expect this level of adoration for it. This is the first game that made me tear up. The environments aren't amazing but they fit the vibe of the narrative. And Route B is not only necessary, but also so quick is can't even be considered a hindrance. This is a master work that will be remembered. This game has literally improved my outlook on life. If you play through Route C and then get Ending E and still don't think this is an exceptional game, I feel like you have no soul and no sense of appreciation for game design. This hit me right in every way. I don't think it'll ever be topped. You can crush Route A in 20 hours or so, Route B in probably another 6-7. And the finale of the game in 10 hours or so. It'd basically a solid 40-50 hour game depending on your exploration and side quests. Masterpiece, mic drop Expand
  28. Mar 21, 2018
    10
    Nier: Automata is a really great game that not only has an intriguing storyline, but also great combat along with good difficulty settings. The difficulty settings were perfect for casual players along with players looking for a challenge. Each swing of the blades felt satisfying and crisp and by doing perfect evasions it made the players feel rewarded. I expected great things from thisNier: Automata is a really great game that not only has an intriguing storyline, but also great combat along with good difficulty settings. The difficulty settings were perfect for casual players along with players looking for a challenge. Each swing of the blades felt satisfying and crisp and by doing perfect evasions it made the players feel rewarded. I expected great things from this game when it was released and it honestly fulfilled what I was expected and gave me even more. Expand
  29. Mar 25, 2018
    10
    It's just simply Masterpiece game that got on my all time Top 10 favorites personally :) Forget GOTY , automata transcends.
    because most people especially "norms" or normal ones can't handle or understand the abstract or weird genius of Nier: Automata it's gonna f*ck with your brain and touch your heart. Simply amazing
  30. Mar 25, 2018
    10
    One of the BEST GAMES EVER MADE! simply amazing, what a gem. can't wait for a sequel or another Yoko Taro game!! 10/10 Masterpiece!
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 101 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 101
  2. Negative: 0 out of 101
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. games(TM)
    Jun 14, 2017
    80
    Melancholic, wistful and creative at every turn. [Issue#186, p.80]