NieR:Automata
In short: NieR:Automata is an action game released in 2017 by PlatinumGames, available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Our score: 9.2/10 (highly recommended).
NieR:Automata is an action RPG that tells the story of androids 2B, 9S, and A2 in a proxy war between alien-created machines and the remnants of humanity. The game is known for its unique narrative and combat.
NieR:Automata is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. Released in 2017, it quickly garnered praise for its compelling storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and thought-provoking philosophical themes. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has fled to the Moon, leaving behind androids to fight a proxy war against an army of machines created by aliens. The narrative primarily follows the perspectives of three androids: 2B, a combat model; 9S, a scanner model; and A2, a rogue prototype. As players progress, they uncover layers of conspiracy, existential questions, and the true nature of the conflict. NieR:Automata is renowned for its unconventional storytelling, featuring multiple playthroughs that reveal different perspectives and endings, urging players to experience the full scope of its intricate plot. Gameplay is a seamless blend of fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, characteristic of PlatinumGames, and RPG elements such as leveling up, weapon customization, and questing. Players engage in various combat scenarios, from ground-based skirmishes to aerial dogfights, with a fluidity that keeps the experience fresh. The game also incorporates elements of bullet-hell shooters, platforming, and even text-adventure segments, creating a diverse and unpredictable gameplay loop. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, composed by Keiichi Okabe and Keigo Hoashi, further enhances the game's emotion…
Game details
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo
- Category: action
Our review
NieR:Automata is a masterpiece that transcends typical action RPGs. Its unique narrative structure demands multiple playthroughs, each revealing new layers to its profound story. The combat is fluid and satisfying, a hallmark of PlatinumGames, while the melancholic soundtrack perfectly complements the game's existential themes. Minor graphical hitches on some platforms don't detract from the overall brilliance. A must-play for anyone seeking a deep and engaging experience.
Pros
- Profound and unique storytelling
- Excellent combat system
- Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack
- Multiple endings encourage replayability
- Deep philosophical themes
Cons
- Some minor graphical inconsistencies
- Can be emotionally heavy at times
- Initial playthrough might feel incomplete
FAQ
- How many endings does NieR:Automata have?
- NieR:Automata has 26 different endings, labeled A through Z. Endings A-E are the main story endings, while F-Z are mostly joke or minor endings that can be triggered by specific actions or failures.
- Is multiplayer available in NieR:Automata?
- NieR:Automata is primarily a single-player experience. However, there are asynchronous online elements where players can find corpses of other players' androids and retrieve their items or revive them for a temporary AI companion.
- What is the recommended play order for the main endings?
- You should play through Endings A, B, C, D, and E in that order. Each playthrough presents new perspectives and story elements, with Ending E being the true conclusion of the main story.
- Is NieR:Automata suitable for new players to the NieR series?
- Yes, NieR:Automata can be enjoyed as a standalone story. While it shares lore connections with previous NieR titles, prior knowledge is not required to understand and appreciate its narrative. It serves as an excellent entry point.
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Last updated: 18/09/2026