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. mrnice
    Mar 3, 2018
    8
    Core gameplay feels like a simpler version of Bayonetta or Metal Gear Rising. The storyline is has a lot of fetch-quests and open-world travelling "from point A to point B" with minimal input required from the gamer, apart from pressing forward and run button.

    The story is quite involved and intelligently done. It didn't blow my mind, but at least it explored some of the big themes of    Core gameplay feels like a simpler version of Bayonetta or Metal Gear Rising. The storyline is has a lot of fetch-quests and open-world travelling "from point A to point B" with minimal input required from the gamer, apart from pressing forward and run button.

    The story is quite involved and intelligently done. It didn't blow my mind, but at least it explored some of the big themes of existence a bit. I mean, that's a big deal in video games. Even if it feels slightly gimmicky.

    There's a famous in-game performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' that I looked forward to. But it was just silly joke. Didn't even pretend or try to live up to Shakespeare's play.

    I file Nier Automata under 'Japanese Sci-fi Action' and say it succeeded at what it tried to do. It's just not much more than entertainment, and certainly not as high-brow or philosophical as some people claim.

    And the gameplay is not as innovative or groundbreaking as I expected. At no point did it make me go "Wait, a game can do THAT?!". It does mix up various mini-games, but Final Fantasy had mini-games too. It didn't blow my mind in either series.

    I did actually play through the entire game and got the credits-mini-game. I invested plenty of time and consideration for the game, but it's just not the mind-blowing game that I expected. It's great as an open-world action game... but some of the fetch quests p*ssed me off.    … Expand
  2. sityoazzdown
    Dec 28, 2017
    8
    A very nice game with great game play and interesting story that will keep you guessing throughout. At it's core it's a main hack and slash, with some side scrolling, some top-down beat-em up/shoot-em up and arcadey shooter. It also has an ok open world with kitchen sink side quests that are are ok, some hidden loot boxes that gives new weapons/ rare items, items to grind for that enemiesA very nice game with great game play and interesting story that will keep you guessing throughout. At it's core it's a main hack and slash, with some side scrolling, some top-down beat-em up/shoot-em up and arcadey shooter. It also has an ok open world with kitchen sink side quests that are are ok, some hidden loot boxes that gives new weapons/ rare items, items to grind for that enemies drop that are needed to max level your weapons to get that special ability ( which is actually addicting). The best this game features is a very smooth and visually pleasing combat hack and slash, before I know it i was smashing buttons and it didn't feel all that repetitive because of the visual fireworks on screen as you fight. The story was interesting, and it got more interesting as the game went on. I will say you'll have to atleast play through this game a few times to be satisfied of the story. This game is definitely not for someone looking for a 10 hour game. Pros: Excellent and visually pleasing combat, some loot worth grinding/looking for, story,great soundtrack and atmosphere. The So-So= Ok open world and sidequest, graphics look last gen. Cons: can get repetitive to some, not meant for people who don't like to grind, takes multiple play through to be satisfied of story. 8.5/10… Expand
  3. Subject98
    Jul 16, 2020
    5
    To me the praise Nier Automata gets is like someone saying 'This toaster is a **** masterpiece. You put bread in the slot, push the lever down, then 3 minutes later it pops back out! See how ground breaking and innovative it is?'

    N:A doesn't do much of anything that hasn't been done already, and it doesn't do any of it justice. The world is really small, kinda ugly to look at and    To me the praise Nier Automata gets is like someone saying 'This toaster is a **** masterpiece. You put bread in the slot, push the lever down, then 3 minutes later it pops back out! See how ground breaking and innovative it is?'

    N:A doesn't do much of anything that hasn't been done already, and it doesn't do any of it justice. The world is really small, kinda ugly to look at and overall not gratifying or rewarding to explore. Graphics aren't everything but most environments don't even look good artistically. RPG elements are really tame, almost non existent despite the game being advertised as an RPG. Sidequests are mostly fetch quests, NPCs are mostly lifeless, just standing around staring blankly ahead like action figures.

    The story can be entertaining but whether or not you still care by the time you get to the good stuff will depend on how many times you can stand being forced to retread the same bland locations, since the full story is locked behind NG+.

    The combat functions fine but even that is screwed to a degree because your only options for difficulty are play on autopilot, or die in 2 hits and go back to your last manual save, which feels totally out of place in a game like this and ends up making it even more tedious than the easier mode.

    It's a serviceable enough hack n slash if you're just looking for something to turn your brain off and slice up enemies, just beware of the hype surrounding this one.... It's just a freaking toaster!    … Expand
  4. Zeag
    Nov 7, 2019
    9
    A beautiful game with solid gameplay, lush graphics and a mesmerizing soundtrack. The story is confusing at first; if you're a veteran anime lover it won't phase you at all but for others, androids dressed as sexy (and blind) maids and butlers living in orbit around a post-apocalyptic Earth might feel A BIT WEIRD in your first few years.

    If you can sit through it though, the game gets    A beautiful game with solid gameplay, lush graphics and a mesmerizing soundtrack. The story is confusing at first; if you're a veteran anime lover it won't phase you at all but for others, androids dressed as sexy (and blind) maids and butlers living in orbit around a post-apocalyptic Earth might feel A BIT WEIRD in your first few years.

    If you can sit through it though, the game gets increasingly rewarding as you progress and it's one of the few games that is actually fun to Platinum (Pun not quite intended). Definitely one of my highlights of this console generation.    … Expand
  5. yubery
    Apr 17, 2020
    9
    I miss out this game in 2017, manage to pick it up during sales. And i have never regret playing it. The design, theme, music and storytelling is fantastic. Only less interesting part is the part where you go through the story as 9S which can feel repetitive.
  6. Violett
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    One of the best games I ever played! Really strong story! Graphics? Well, screw it - why do you need graphics with such A+ class gameplay, music and story? Simple genius. Story is really tangled and sad, but this makes the game even more amazing. Finally a real competitor to Bioshock Infinite. I still cheching my screens I made during the game and listening the music on youtube. HighlyOne of the best games I ever played! Really strong story! Graphics? Well, screw it - why do you need graphics with such A+ class gameplay, music and story? Simple genius. Story is really tangled and sad, but this makes the game even more amazing. Finally a real competitor to Bioshock Infinite. I still cheching my screens I made during the game and listening the music on youtube. Highly reccomended for anyone… Expand
  7. chr1so
    Oct 12, 2019
    9
    Admittedly only did the one play through but it was pretty decent, especially the boss fights and stuff where you're constantly switching between different genres (top down shooter, side scrolling, 3rd person, etc).
    Open world felt maybe a bit boring though. Would give an 8 but since apparently it gets better after the first play through, I'll give it a 9
  8. abdubda
    Nov 22, 2017
    10
    One of the best game ever, masterpiece in game industry and masterpiece in music industry (oh god, this soundtrack is incredible).
    Go and check it, i think you'll love it
  9. CaJrA
    Oct 1, 2019
    10
    I bought a ps4 for this game only, and I'm not disappointed, I enjoyed the hell out of it and it became one one my favorite games ever. just play it, you won't regret
  10. MiracSpectac
    Dec 18, 2017
    10
    Nier: Automata is an absolutely stunning experience. The music and atmosphere will instantly hook you as the deep and compelling story keeps you going. Although the overall narrative could've used a bit more direction, that doesn't take away from how otherwise magnificent this game is.
  11. alii
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    If the soundtrack doesn't kill you, congrats, you're an Android.
    The game is amazing storytelling and awesome RPG elements put together swift responsive controls. It's a treat to watch all the spectacle going on the screen. Beautiful combat mechanics, fluid AF!
    All in all, this game should not be missed at all!!
  12. sunnyk
    Dec 13, 2017
    9
    Platinum's best game by far. The story explores heavy themes with grace and nuance. The combat could stand to be a little more challenging, especially towards the end game. 9S's story route was somewhat of a drag to play, and A2's story in comparison was much too short for how fun it was.
  13. karioth
    Dec 2, 2019
    10
    A true masterpiece. The story could have used a little more expansion but easily one of the greatest games of all time!
  14. Empyrea
    Dec 23, 2018
    8
    I've just finished the game in normal (and sometimes easy) mode. I've read that you should play 4 times more once you've beaten it for the first time to know more things of the story but I'm too lazy for that. I've just started the game for second time and, ok, the character is different but for the moment there are too many scenes that I've already seen so I'll probably take a long breakI've just finished the game in normal (and sometimes easy) mode. I've read that you should play 4 times more once you've beaten it for the first time to know more things of the story but I'm too lazy for that. I've just started the game for second time and, ok, the character is different but for the moment there are too many scenes that I've already seen so I'll probably take a long break and try it later or I'll just watch the ends on youtube. About sidequests some should appear later when your level was higher because you can find strong enemies in some sidequests. The story is ok. Probably it must get better when you play this game the whole 5 times but I'm not sure. So for the moment the plot is ok. About gameplay is good, with some retro "starship" gaming. I don't know my feeling after having beat it once is that I expected more from this game. I finished the first round in 13 and a half hours.… Expand
  15. Wander22
    Feb 17, 2019
    9
    Gameplay/Mechanics: 9.5
    Sound/Music: 10
    Graphics/Art: 8.5
    Story/Atmosphere: 10
    OVERALL: 9.5/10
  16. HTGamer
    Feb 17, 2018
    8
    Nier: Automata is a great blend of many genres and revives interest in the niche Nier/Drakengard franchise.

    Nier: Automata is a spiritual successor to the original Nier released in 2008, its story taking place thousands of years after the 1st game. Some of Nier's characters and events are mentioned in Automata, but otherwise the new game is standalone. A long time before Automata's    Nier: Automata is a great blend of many genres and revives interest in the niche Nier/Drakengard franchise.

    Nier: Automata is a spiritual successor to the original Nier released in 2008, its story taking place thousands of years after the 1st game. Some of Nier's characters and events are mentioned in Automata, but otherwise the new game is standalone. A long time before Automata's events, aliens conquered planet Earth, and the remnants of mankind were driven away from their home planet taking refuge to the Moon. Humanity then created androids to battle against machines controlled by the aliens, resulting in a never ending war that has been raging for thousands of years. Players assume the role of androids 2B, 9S and A2 who fight against the machines. The story is told in 3 short playthroughs called "Routes" and features a total of 26 endings (5 main and 21 "joke" endings which can be triggered by things like eating a poisonous fish that kills you). Route A tells the story from the point of view of android 2B. Then Route B tells the same story from the point of view of 9S, plus we are provided with more info on the machines' past and background. The final Route C takes place after Routes A/B and narrates the conflict between androids 9S and A2, where both try to end the war, leading to the final story endings. The game explores sci-fi themes such as planetary war, alien invasion, AI, robots, consciousness, self-awareness, etc. It's interesting and has its share of twists and turns, but it's a bit of a mess by the end.

    Nier: Automata is an open world game with main missions and side quests, where hack n' slash and old-school shoot-em-up mechanics are implemented. You are accompanied by flying pods that can shoot enemies or do special attacks. 2B and A2 are straight forward melee fighters, whereas 9S is more of a hacker because he is a support unit. Hacking enemies is presented as playing an old-school arcade shoot-em-up bullet hell mini-game, and successfully beating the mini-stage results in dealing damage to the target enemy. The bullet hell mechanic is allso present in the enemies where both minions and bosses attack you by shooting multiple spheres in patterns along with physical attacks. Not only that, but the game often changes camera perspective and at times turns from 3rd person view into a 2D side-scrolling platformer, a 2D top-down vertical-scrolling shoot-em-up, and a top-down 2D twin-stick shooter. Variety is the name of the game in Nier: Automata.

    There is also a DLC which lets you fight in an arena against the respective CEOs of the game's publisher Square Enix and the game's developer PlatinumGames. It's surely hilarious and breaks the fourth wall.

    The game's soundtrack is awesome. There are plenty of melodies and songs that I can't forget. It's easily one of the best videogame OSTs out there. And the english voice acting is good.

    Nier: Automata is not perfect, though. The enemy design is uninspired, with units looking like tin cans (at least these minions come in many shapes and sizes). The map isn't really a well designed open world like that of Horizon: Zero Dawn or other genre staples, more like a collage of different stages, and sadly there is an abundance of invisible walls. And then there are the performance problems. The engine used has optimisation issues that prevent the game from running smoothly. Whether on PS4, PS4 Pro or PC you can't lock at 60 fps and there is plenty of random stutter and hitches. Graphics look bland, and pop-in of geometry and shadows at close range is visible even to the untrained eye. And the latter half of Route C is filled with boring arena fights. All these negatives don't mean Nier: Automata is a bad game, actually it's a good one, but they prevent it from reaching greatness.

    Overall, Nier: Automata is a great game even if it has some flaws. I definitely recommend it to every gamer.    … Expand
  17. Lokichan
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    One of the best games......................,.......,,,,,,...................
  18. setuis
    Jul 10, 2018
    8
    The problem with nier automata was its release window. It was released very close to Horizon zero dawn and some players who finished dawn also purchased Nier, I was one of those people who need to go back to Nier as i had burnout on machine based combat when i first started to play it. I will currently rate it an 8 as it was overshadowed a little in the graphical area. I will come backThe problem with nier automata was its release window. It was released very close to Horizon zero dawn and some players who finished dawn also purchased Nier, I was one of those people who need to go back to Nier as i had burnout on machine based combat when i first started to play it. I will currently rate it an 8 as it was overshadowed a little in the graphical area. I will come back and edit this sometime this year.

    I would say the game has complexity , it has story lines it's just some buildings looked a little off putting, texture wise.    … Expand
  19. Jaosnow
    Apr 13, 2018
    8
    Beautiful game, good design of characters, awesome gameplay and amazing ost and sound mixing, howecer there are various problems with the level design and performancez specialy on the pc version
  20. Xabretooth
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    This is another game that didnt apeal to me at first and it turned out to be one of my favorite games. The story may be a little weird to follow but after a while i connected to it and didn't want it to end. Hopefully SquareEnix comes out with a sequel for this game.
  21. likevin96
    Dec 28, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Completion: Endings A, B, C, D, E and a few extra ones on normal difficulty. 85% quest .

    Pros:
    - Great character design
    - One of the most innovative stories in years that only works within the medium. However, the more surprising parts of the game are less exciting if you have already played the original.
    - Great characters and character development - definitely some of the best in the medium. 9S stands out in particular.
    - Ending E is incredibly powerful and greatly synthesizes many of the themes presented throughout the game.
    - The narrative associated with the side quests are astonishing in how thematically consistent they are.
    - Battle system is a huge upgrade from the original. Although this is one of Platinum's weaker offerings in terms of the actual depth of combat, it serves its purpose and looks great.
    - Incredible soundtrack and voice acting. Overall, the sound direction is superb. The final credits song is a stand-out and might be my best track of the year.
    - Bullet hell parts are fun and stand out since they're so uncommon in modern games
    - A lot of cool ludonarrative tricks. Every single part of the "game" is also part of the narrative.

    Cons:
    - Awful map system. Although they do contextualize it within the game, still feels lacking.
    - Many parts of the game feel repetitive - particularly Route B. Although this is partially intentional, it doesn't make it any less boring to play.
    - Route C is underwritten. The narrative would have been greatly bolstered by just a little bit more explanation of what was going on. This is more or less true throughout the entire game, but it is critically lacking here.
    - Side quests are simple fetch quests.
    - Weapon system is poor. Few if any weapons feel significantly different from each other (only 4 main categories) besides from appearance. For a 40 hour game, greater variation in weapon type or weapon movesets would be very much welcome. Same basic principle applies to the pod weapons.
    - Many janky parts such as the millions of invisible walls littering the environment.
    - Environments are ugly. Resemble a last-gen MMO.
    - Traversing the world is very annoying before you can fast travel.

    Final Word:
    NieR: Automata is a fantastic and unique experience, even more so if you have never played the original NieR. Although the combat and navigation can become repetitive and sometimes even frustrating, the incredible soundtrack, voice acting, lore, and narrative more than make up for it. Yoko Taro's voice truly shines through in this monumental title.

    True Score:
    8.6    … Expand
  22. Moish
    Jun 25, 2020
    10
    From the best of Platinum Games and Square Enix brought to life by the genius of Yoko Taro one of those games both in gameplay and story that only Japanese developers can create, great merger of game mechanics into story and story into game mechanics, lots of fun, entertainment and an interesting moving story.
  23. DanBenevenuto
    May 16, 2019
    9
    Awesome game with beautiful visual and a terrific soundtrack, 2B is so COOL !
  24. dr0nzer
    Apr 6, 2020
    8
    Firstly, a 2017 release - graphically does not hold that great in 2020, however the gameplay mechanics still do and are astonishing, i was pleasantly surprised and impressed many times over, the entire system is seamless, the boss battles are some of the best I've ever experienced, so many layers, so much depth..... so many phases! There is so much replay value if that's your thing, it's aFirstly, a 2017 release - graphically does not hold that great in 2020, however the gameplay mechanics still do and are astonishing, i was pleasantly surprised and impressed many times over, the entire system is seamless, the boss battles are some of the best I've ever experienced, so many layers, so much depth..... so many phases! There is so much replay value if that's your thing, it's a game that actually encourages you to in order to see the other endings.
    The music/soundtrack compliments the action so well, I personally didn't understand the story... I'm sure I'll get it on my next playthrough.    … Expand
  25. 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.
  26. SlyMajin
    Jun 12, 2020
    10
    Easily in the top 5 games I've ever played. Truly an experience I wish I could live through again and again. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who's even touched a video game controller once in their lifetime. Play this game!
  27. Hyper-Dash
    Mar 11, 2018
    8
    Except for a few things Nier Automata has everything a good game today should have. Fluid and precise controls, an engrossing story that slowly unfolds as you play, and of course the gameplay, that is a combination of several other genres. like Shoot 'em ups, Hash and Slays, or RPGs.

    The combat is beautiful to look at, offering several combos and abilities, albeit a little too    Except for a few things Nier Automata has everything a good game today should have. Fluid and precise controls, an engrossing story that slowly unfolds as you play, and of course the gameplay, that is a combination of several other genres. like Shoot 'em ups, Hash and Slays, or RPGs.

    The combat is beautiful to look at, offering several combos and abilities, albeit a little too buttonmashy and a little too easy for most of the time.

    The story involves the often told battle between mankind and machine, but it's the tone of the narrative that separates it from other movies and games.

    The whole experience is wrapped up in a beautiful soundtrack that effectively complements the different situations of the game.

    A must buy, if you're a fan of Hack and Slash and RPG with an interesting story to follow.    … Expand
  28. KatiePole
    Mar 7, 2019
    9
    I find this game near perfect. Or should I say Nier perfect?
    The story, the characters and the world are all amazing, gripping and emotionally charged. You end up genuienly feeling for the characters in this game.
    I knocked a point off the score due to the awful water graphics, and because the story drags a little towards the end, but other than that I adore this game and it will    I find this game near perfect. Or should I say Nier perfect?
    The story, the characters and the world are all amazing, gripping and emotionally charged. You end up genuienly feeling for the characters in this game.
    I knocked a point off the score due to the awful water graphics, and because the story drags a little towards the end, but other than that I adore this game and it will personally be my number 1 for years to come.    … Expand
  29. ORevisor
    Feb 14, 2018
    9
    Dos jogos atuais Nier: Automata possui a melhor trilha sonora, o gráfico ficou um pouco a desejar e o jogo em si me pareceu tão curto queria que o jogo fosse maior... XP
  30. oknsnl
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    Gameplay : 10 (Platinum combat style rules :))
    Bosses : 8 (Opera boss is one of the coolest boss out there :))
    Story : 10 (Story is too good you can play at least twice :))
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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

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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]
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