NieR: Automata is an action role-playing game released by Square Enix in 2017 and developed by PlatinumGames Inc. It was directed and written by Yoko Taro and is a sequel to his previous game, NieR Replicant, but its story can be experienced all on its own.
Story
The plot revolves around a proxy war between the human-made androids forming the "YoRHa" resistance and the machine army of invaders from another world. The YoRHa fight alongside androids on Earth, forming what is known as the Resistance, to drive back the Machines and reclaim the planet for the human race.
You start as one of the members of a YoRHa squadron, 2B, a battle-type android, who is sent on a mission to eliminate a giant machine classified as a “Goliath-class target.” After the squad is wiped out, 2B enters the factory and, together with 9S, a scanner-type android, they proceed through the facility and destroy the giant machine at the cost of their lives. However, they wake up back at the Bunker, a reconnaissance base in orbit above Earth. They meet up with the Commander and they are given the task of going back on Earth to a rendezvous with the Resistance. In their travels, the duo find the machines acting more and more like humans, even copying speech patterns, relationships and cultures. Some of them even become passive or cooperative. The story will take many twists and turns, covering themes such as war, existentialism, revenge, purpose and humanity. It is one of Yoko Taro’s best stories.
Gameplay
The gameplay is separated in two sections. The primary gameplay style is hack and slash. You have access to a variety of weapons, divided into different types: small swords, large swords, spears and gauntlets, each one suited for different play styles. You can upgrade them and, in the process, unlock new skills and the weapon’s story. Helping you along the way is your trustworthy Pod, a small robot who is essential for ranged combat. The Pods come in three models: Gatling will continuously shoot bullets at the target location; Laser will deal constant damage to an enemy but is shorter ranged and Missile will automatically lock on and shoot missiles at enemies. During a boss fight you will be introduced to the hacking mechanic, a mini-game where you have to shoot the black ball within the time limit without getting hit three times. Depending on what enemy you hack, the stage will become harder, but the reward is worth it because it deals heavy damage to the hacked target and creates an explosion. As for upgrading your character, you will gain access to chips that will enhance your character in different ways or give you new abilities. The secondary gameplay style is ‘shoot ‘em up.’ It is only encountered in small portions of the game but can be challenging.
The soundtrack perfectly fits the atmosphere of the game, enhancing the locations you explore. It is unique because it uses a made-up language and perfectly encapsulates the emotions that are currently displayed on the screen.
In conclusion, Nier: Automata is a fantastic game everyone should play. It has amazing story and characters, smooth combat and an outstanding soundtrack. We highly recommend playing it.
Roman-Popovici Codrin and Todosia Sebastian – 11C