Back in 2010, Square Enix and Cavia Games released Nier, an action RPG spin off of the Drakengard series, set in a post-apocalyptic Earth with gameplay that mixed sci-fi and fantasy elements. While not as broadly recognized as fellow Square Enix series Final Fantasy, the game received a cult following with fans captivated by its compelling story. With a goal to bring the game a sequel that is true to the first game’s spirit with a focus on improved gameplay mechanics, many of the game’s creators have returned with developer Platinum Games to create Nier: Automata.

Nier: Automata Features

• Action RPG set in the captivating post-apocalyptic world of Nier.

• High action concepts, with enemy fights built on speed and weapon flourish.

• Explore a mysterious landscape featuring a dynamic and branching story.

• Unlock new playable characters through multiple playthroughs and different story paths.

Nier: Automata Gameplay

Set in the midst of a proxy war between machines created by otherworldly invaders and the remnants of humanity, the story follows the battles of combat android YoRHa 2B, her companion YoRHa 9S, and the obsolete prototype YoRHa A2. The protagonists are sent by humanity, who has retreated to the moon, to fight the mechanical invasion fleet. While they are denied the luxury of emotions or names beyond their designations, 2B, 9S and A2 feature different orientations that allow them to be distinguished from each other.

Gameplay is in 3rd person, and features an action oriented camera, allowing the player to rotate at 360 degrees. The action is very high speed and resembles the pace of other Platinum games like Bayonetta and Vanquish. Although the game is action and fast twitch focused, Platinum has said that the RPG mechanics will continue to have a bearing on how the game is played. Deep RPG elements combined with engaging, fast combat tend to make for very immersive and focused experiences, similar to games like Bloodborne.

Combat revolves around a variety of weapon options to players, which are mostly melee focused. Players can equip 2 and the weapon categories are Katanas, Short Swords, Great Swords and Gauntlets. There will be ranged options for players to use, presenting a variety of tactical options to take down the very diverse collection of enemies. Players will have Pods that follow them which can be used for ranged attacking (shooting bullets at enemies) or hanging on to for higher jumps or flying across the field.

Storytelling is a large component of the game and in addition to the main story, which takes place after one of the 4 possible endings from Nier, the weapon story feature will continue in Automata. Weapons found in the world will have stories attached to them opening up further insights into the world and what befell its inhabitants at the hands of the destructive machines and their otherwordly masters.

Enemy designs are very vibrant, and range from diminutive and simple machines to massive instruments of war, all with their own unique challenges for the player to understand and defeat. These machines roam freely through the world and are an ever present force against humanity’s survival.

Playing through the game multiple times to explore every possible story path will benefit the player even beyond the additional narrative. Players will be able to unlock additional playable characters with multiple playthroughs, adding a replay value and a reason to exhaust every possible combination of story choices. Those players concerned about catching up on the story from past installments need not worry as the game’s story is being designed to stand on its own.

Nier: Automata looks poised to build off of the storytelling and conceptual successes of the first game, by bringing a refinement to the action and combat mechanics. It’s deep story and setting combined with it’s tactile fluidity make it a game to watch for when it releases some time in 2017.

Visit the Nier: Automata Wiki

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