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Yoko Taro, the enigmatic mastermind behind the Nier series, has a reputation for taking players on unconventional journeys through his games. Nier: Automata, my first full dive into his peculiar world, certainly lives up to that reputation. In the few hours I'd spent with his previous works, I'd already felt the intriguing and unexpected twists that define his creations. With Automata, Yoko Taro teamed up with PlatinumGames to deliver a more traditional "stylish action" experience, and it's safe to say this collaboration was full of surprises.
The game's opening sequences might lead you to believe you're in for a linear adventure akin to Bayonetta or Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, sprinkled with shoot 'em up segments. However, once you move past the initial area, Nier: Automata thrusts you into an open world with a variety of choices. Initially, I was skeptical, as the world seemed relatively small for an open-world game, and I was concerned about the balance between action and exploration.
But like many great games, Nier: Automata needs time to reveal its true nature. The story kicks into high gear, and delving into its details without spoiling anything is a challenge. In this war-torn world, where aliens attacked Earth and humanity fled to the Moon, a specialized team of androids, YoRHa, is tasked with reclaiming the planet from machines. The story primarily follows 2B, a black-clad android, and 9S, her friendly and inquisitive companion, as they grapple with an unexpected threat.
Nier: Automata's strengths lie not only in its gameplay but in its narrative and thematic depth. While the gameplay isn't the most polished I've seen, it's more than compensated for by the captivating story and character development. Even during its quieter moments, I couldn't help but care deeply about 2B, the world she inhabits, the characters she encounters, and the unfolding events. The game even dares to have you replay a significant portion of it from 9S's perspective, a move I initially disliked but later came to appreciate as it added depth to the story.
The game's enemies are not just there for the sake of conflict; you'll come to despise them on a personal level, a rare achievement in the gaming world. Combat is one of the game's highlights, with 2B's graceful and brutal attacks feeling immensely satisfying. When you switch to playing as 9S, the gameplay shifts to a more defensive and hacking-oriented style, which, while interesting, can become tedious at times. The third playable character, A2, offers a balance between 2B's direct combat and 9S's hacking, introducing a satisfying cathartic element to battles.
The game also features Pods, floating robotic companions, which enhance your combat capabilities. These can be customized with various abilities, offering flexibility in how you approach fights. Plug-In Chips further enhance your combat style, allowing you to tailor your character's skills, although there's a risk of losing them if you're not careful.
Nier: Automata's soundtrack is nothing short of fantastic, and the haunting melodies and emotionally charged tracks elevate key moments in the game. The dual-language voice acting is well-executed, but there are some moments lacking translated subtitles for the Japanese version, which can be a minor inconvenience.
While Nier: Automata is a remarkable experience, it's not without its weaknesses. The open world, while intriguing, sometimes feels underdeveloped, and certain environmental elements come across as cheaply designed. Some side quests, although adding depth to the story and characters, can become tedious, and the travel system between checkpoints can be frustrating. Additionally, more boss battles would have been welcome. Despite these criticisms, Nier: Automata is a game that transcends its flaws. It's a captivating journey of androids struggling to fulfill their purpose, where unconventional narrative design meets well-developed combat gameplay. Yoko Taro's knack for weaving unique tales is on full display, making Nier: Automata an unforgettable experience.
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