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[Boneless]

Slay the spire 2 made me buy a steam deck (which is a great machine btw!) so I reckoned why not give some others of the potential greats a chance as well.

Nier Automata...here we are. My childhood game was FF7 and it will always be dear to me. Nier Automata reminds me of it. The top down scenes, music that sets the scene and character that shines through. Allowing grimness, a dark, more mature feeling. Many games nowaways, like FF7 remake, are hollywood blockbusters, "made for everyone" and child friendly. Sucking the soul out of it. Nier, like FF7, is art. Its refreshing to see it still exists.

I am only 2 hours in, but first impression is great.

 

[Danjin44]

My advice is when you finish Route A and see the credits, dont stop playing.....the game is not over.

 

[Reizo Ryuu]

One of the greatest interactive experiences of all time.

 

[MEGATECHBODY.Co.LTD]

I played this game during a really tough time and it reminded me to never give up on people

 

[Arsic]

My advice is when you the finish Route A and see the credits, dont stop playing.....the game is not over.

Slay the spire 2 made me buy a steam deck (which is a great machine btw!) so I reckoned why not give some others of the potential greats a chance as well.

Nier Automata...here we are. My childhood game was FF7 and it will always be dear to me. Nier Automata reminds me of it. The top down scenes, music that sets the scene and character that shines through. Allowing grimness, a dark, more mature feeling. Many games nowaways, like FF7 remake, are hollywood blockbusters, "made for everyone" and child friendly. Sucking the soul out of it. Nier, like FF7, is art. Its refreshing to see it still exists.

I am only 2 hours in, but first impression is great.

Like Danjin said - the first credit roll is one third of the game. The second run will initially seem redundant or repetitive but it opens up and changes in the second half a lot. Then you will get a final chunk of the game called route C which is all new story and more to see the true endings.

We warn you because many complete the first credit roll thinking they beat the game and find the game mid because they don't experience the full narrative.

 

[A.Romero]

I waited a long time to get this game because I was trying to vote with my wallet. I played it on PC and the support was abyssmal.

At some point I bought it on sale and installed Special K on it. Started playing and liked it. Finished route A and didn't like what seemed to be back tracking so I sent it to the backlog for a long time. When I picked it up again (following advice I read here) and powering through that section, I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it immensely. When I finally finished it, it left me with a feeling I only felt with some of Kojima games.

It's a great game.

 

[Werewolf Jones]

Doesn't really get good until after ending B. But then it gets REALLY good.

 

[Shifty1897]

Top 5 game of all time for me, the music, the story, the setpieces, the voice acting, the ending! Incredible.

 

[Clear]

My advice is when you finish Route A and see the credits, dont stop playing.....the game is not over.

I'd go further. You owe it to yourself to see everything the game has to offer, there are some amazing near easter-egg level things that are incredibly memorable.

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

Nier Automata is one of the very few games in the last 10-15 years that's made it into my top 10 games of all time. Just a masterpiece on every level. Glad you're liking it so far.

 

[Alex11]

Fantastic game, imo a masterpiece. It's unlike any FF game or JRPG, hell, unlike any game. Story is weird, but unlike any JRPG it doesn't flood you with exposition, it keeps it simple.

Gameplay is simple, fun, and addictive. And the upgrades you unlock or find are interesting and fit the theme.

As others said, don't stop after the 1st ending, imo the 2nd playthrough is a bit of a low point for me, but it picks up after that.

The music is also spectacular and even though technically is underwhelming it has a unique beautiful artstyle, I'm dying for a sequel to this.

 

[Larxia]

My advice is when you finish Route A and see the credits, dont stop playing.....the game is not over.

My other advice would be that even if Route B seems boring and pointless, don't stop playing either...

I think Route B is the biggest issue with this game, it just seems like a bonus NG+ with just a few changes, and I wouldn't be surprised if most people stopped playing there if we didn't have internet and didn't know about Route C.

The game would have been much better if it was just route A and route C (with a few tweaks to connect these more properly obviously, or make route B a very abridged version).

I loved parts of this game, but I really couldn't stand 9s anymore when I was done with it, ruined the game. I wanted more A2.

 

[Moondoggy]

 

[Ge Os]

All I can say is I hope you enjoy the ride.
Not everyone does, and that's ok, but for me and a LOT of other people, this game is amazing.


Also, 2B is hot.

 

[Dorago]

It's an amazing game and I've 100-perverted it twice. I beat Nier Gestalt and Drakengard 3 after it, and I tried Drakengard 1 and 2. I probably like Gestalt the best but Automata is the better game.

 

[LavitzSlambert]

I'm hyped for you, it's such an awesome game. Don't worry about doing everything your first go around (Route A), and you can power through Route B main quest if it's losing your interest. If you end up playing through Route C to the end, make sure you go for ending E - it's why it ranks so high in people's favorite games lists, and a one of a kind experience you can only realize as a video game.

I played this game during a really tough time and it reminded me to never give up on people

It's one of the most powerful, hopeful games I've ever played. Work of goddamn art.

 

[Melfice7]

Both Nier Replicant and Automata are masterpieces

 

[ReasonBeing]

Both Nier Replicant and Automata are masterpieces

I must have seen at least six of automatas endings (recommend short skirt mod btw), and bounced off of replicant after maybe three or four hours. Does it get even close to the heights of automata

 

[Magic Carpet]

A new Steam Deck owner!
I like hearing that.
I"ve never played Nier automata but I like that Steam Deck.

 

[Humdinger]

I liked Part A fine, but I didn't continue beyond that. I wasn't willing to put in the hours of repetition required to get to the good stuff. It's one of my pet peeves, I suppose (don't waste my time). No doubt I missed out on the greatness that is Nier Automata. I just wasn't motivated enough by what I saw in Part A to want to plow through hours of repetition to get to the good stuff.

I think it's a game whose themes speak to a type of person who is not me. But I hope you enjoy it.

 

[ssringo]

My advice in addition to the "keep playing NG+ and beyond" is to also ignore all information about the game so you can get the story and payoffs as blind as possible.

My all time favorite game but you can never recapture the high of that first 100% blind playthrough.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

It's a game I keep installed to get back to. I've only played a few hours but I already appreciated and could tell it's special.

 

[Rising_Hei]

It also didn't seem like anything special to me after I finished the first route. HOWEVER, I suggest you have patience with the second run; you'll end up finding a game that's a gem that you'll only encounter once in your whole life.

 

[kiphalfton]

The thing I don't like about either Nier game, is you have to replay large segments of the game to see new content in the subsequent play throughs... instead of just including it as one cohesive campaign. Yet people cry about other games using padding, when that's literally all it is here.

 

[Duchess]

I learned about the game from these forums, and it delivered on all the promises made. Great game!

 

[Hudo]

It's my favorite "character action game". I am not sure what it is about the combat but it feels just right to me. The sensation I get every time I press the attack or dodge buttons, it's just satisfying. It's also the first game that actually made me think about the animations. I suspect that the way the animations are and connect with the player input is just perfectly sequenced. It's probably what Miyamoto meant when he talked about "Tegotae" w.r.t to how Mario controls (which is also very satisfying).

 

[GinSama]

I never played any Nier game when it came out, I played back in the day drakengard but honestly I never played again after that....

Bought Nier replicant and Nier automata game of the yorha edition a few months ago......
I don't care, I fight to the death with anyone, this the greatest game of all time....i started to play Replicant and is the most surreal, the most incredible, immersive game ever. Sometimes it looks like I'm playing a dream, can't explain better than this..... 20h sometimes hours (and not finished ) what a ride.

Can't wait to play Automata.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

It's a minor miracle that this game exists.

The original NieR absolutely flopped at launch. It was essentially written off as something we'd never hear about again.

The reversal after launch through word of mouth and then S-E giving the IP another is one for the gaming history books imv.

 

[cireza]

Great game, and one of the best SF story, but route B was a chore and goes too much in the way of enjoying another playthrough. Should have merged route A and B together, alternating between points of view dynamically, to make it more enjoyable. There was even a great potential for co-op with some asymmetric gameplay. Still worlds better than FF VII.

Replicant is even worse in that regard. Unbelievably repetitive and tedious, despite many great elements.

 

[Signalis]

My advice is when you finish Route A and see the credits, dont stop playing.....the game is not over.

It's just getting started

On a more serious note, I especially enjoyed the 3rd route the most, especially when 2B steps out of your TV and sits on your face. Amazing experience.

 

[Toots]

I am only 2 hours in, but first impression is great.

You are in for a ride brother i wish i could experience it all over again.

By the way there are 26 endings (one for each alphabet letters), a lot of them jokes, but if you like the game try to do them all it really is a trip.

 

[Pedro Motta]

One of my favorite games ever. You're in for a ride, just keep playing.

 

[Melfice7]

I must have seen at least six of automatas endings (recommend short skirt mod btw), and bounced off of replicant after maybe three or four hours. Does it get even close to the heights of automata

If you played Automata first, probably wont reach the same heights but it has good chars, wonderful lore, again amazing soundtrack, it is however even more repetitive than Automata, still worth it if you love the nier world

 

[ThroatPie]

Great game. You're in for a treat.

 

[Hyet]

Comparing Nier Automata to trash like FFVII is the dirtiest move I've seen in long while. Nier is absolutely fantastic.

 

[Melfice7]

I never played any Nier game when it came out, I played back in the day drakengard but honestly I never played again after that....

Bought Nier replicant and Nier automata game of the yorha edition a few months ago......
I don't care, I fight to the death with anyone, this the greatest game of all time....i started to play Replicant and is the most surreal, the most incredible, immersive game ever. Sometimes it looks like I'm playing a dream, can't explain better than this..... 20h sometimes hours (and not finished ) what a ride.

Can't wait to play Automata.

You have been Yoko Taro'd

 

[Boneless]

About 5 hours in now, a bit beyone the amusement park. I went in guns blazing but realised they were not aggresive, hmm, oops. The amusement park has some stunning scenes, like the rollercoaster ride. Game is getting better and better, the combat is top notch, the story is engrossing and the music is top tier.

 

[Tazzu]

My advice is, once the credits roll, just move on. You dont want to ruin the memories because the rest of the game is just padding.

 

[Bonfires Down]

Make sure you're committed because route B is a fucking draaaaaag. I couldn't do it.

 

[Pimpbaa]

My advice is, once the credits roll, just move on. You dont want to ruin the memories because the rest of the game is just padding.

I agree. Playing as 9S sucks in the second run (and so fucking redundent), and you don't get to play A2 all the time in the third run (because you have to play as lame ass 9S yet again half the time). Game is best in the first run, everything is fresh, story is fairly long, plus 2B climbing ladders.

 

[Quartermuncher]

One of the greatest interactive experiences of all time.

Nier Automata came out the same week as the Nintendo Switch and Zelda Breath of the Wild.

Nier Automata did the same thing to BOTW that FF7 did to OOT to me: blow it out of the water with style.

 

[U n i o n 0015]

Just got Ending E...50 hours in. Did like 90% of the side quests.

Not as mind-blowing as the internet proclaimed. None of the twists really landed for me, but that's probably because I played Nier back when it came out, so I was generally familar with Yoko Taro's shtick.

Overall, I think that first Nier game was more resonant for me, but I did enjoy the gameplay of Automata. (Besides that B route story, what an absolutely slog--and this is coming from someone who 100%'d Nier)

 

[EverydayBeast]

> Automata

 

[Nocty]

it's been in my backlog for ages, never got around to it.

 

[Ðuelist]

It's a game I keep installed to get back to. I've only played a few hours but I already appreciated and could tell it's special.

Something you really need to finish IMHO. Game of a generation. Only frustrating thing is that he never made anything else after this worth playing. No full AA or AAA game.

 

[LavitzSlambert]

About 5 hours in now, a bit beyone the amusement park. I went in guns blazing but realised they were not aggresive, hmm, oops. The amusement park has some stunning scenes, like the rollercoaster ride. Game is getting better and better, the combat is top notch, the story is engrossing and the music is top tier.

How far are you now?

 

[Boneless]

How far are you now?

I have finished path one. While I know I should continue playing, my journey ends here. Very much enjoyed my time with the game. Excellent combat that stays enjoyable, great characters (in particular 2b and 9s) and story.

Some points I would have liked different:
- the starting weapons are too awesome, which is a weird complaint but it meant that I did not ever switch to different weapons. Wouldve loved if there were better/different katanas
- Combat evolves too little for my taste, wouldve liked more evolution in skills
- I am not a fan of the multiple path and would want a single longer playthrough
- Wasnt sold on Adam and Eve as antagonists.
- Music a bit of a hit and miss for me

Overall, great game!

 

[Hudo]

To me, Automata has the best-feeling combat out of all of the "character action" games. It just feels so fucking satisfying how its implemented and how its responding to button presses. They've nailed that "Tegotae" feeling that Miyamoto was talking about. Soundtrack is amazing. The ending was genuinely great and made me pause for a moment. Also, A2 (with the long hair equipped) > 2B.

 

[LavitzSlambert]

I have finished path one. While I know I should continue playing, my journey ends here. Very much enjoyed my time with the game. Excellent combat that stays enjoyable, great characters (in particular 2b and 9s) and story.

Some points I would have liked different:
- the starting weapons are too awesome, which is a weird complaint but it meant that I did not ever switch to different weapons. Wouldve loved if there were better/different katanas
- Combat evolves too little for my taste, wouldve liked more evolution in skills
- I am not a fan of the multiple path and would want a single longer playthrough
- Wasnt sold on Adam and Eve as antagonists.
- Music a bit of a hit and miss for me

Overall, great game!

Glad you enjoyed it and even if you end here, that's still great. Having read your bolded points, I'd still recommend you continue. It IS a single longer playthrough - you've only played half the game. Routes B and C introduce new combat mechanics, new characters, and is where the story actually gets good. Route C is 100% new content the whole way through, and is where the story really gets interesting.

People make a big deal of route B because it's mostly the same content from a different perspective (there are a couple sequences that are different, and there are some new short cutscenes interspersed), and people are divided on the new combat mechanics. But it's the shortest part of the game though, you can skip the sidequests and power through in half the time or less to reach C.

 

[sono]

Thanks for reminding me I need to play this. I loved the first one.