4. Nier: Automata
Developer: Square Enix, PlatinumGames Inc. | Release date: February 23, 2017| Steam page: Nier: Automata
What is Nier: Automata? In Nier: Automata, you play the combat androids 2B and 9S, with the mission of enabling humanity’s return to a destroyed Earth. Extraterrestrial machines forced humans to flee and have since made their home planet unsafe.
The gameplay centers around action-packed battles against the machines, which you take on in spectacular boss fights. You have various weapon types available to execute combos and continuously refine your play style.
Additionally, the post-apocalyptic environment offers various side quests for you to complete. In doing so, you will learn more about the world, its mechanical inhabitants, and their backgrounds.
The focus of the game is primarily on the story. Although it deals with robots, it is nonetheless tragic and profound. The strength of Nier: Automata lies in the complex characters, whose backstories and fates resonate with players.
Nier: Automata has also made it onto the list of the 10 best post-apocalyptic games 2023 for PlayStation, PC, and Xbox.
As a fan of narrative games with profound stories, I was immediately captivated by Nier: Automata. The action RPG delivers a game world that, while showcasing the sad remnants of former cities and settlements, is still beautiful.
The combat system is enjoyable and remains interesting due to different enemies and a selection of various weapons. Additionally, the various side quests also offer a bit of variety, whether you need to take photos of different locations or accompany a lost mechanical child back to its mother.
But what Nier: Automata is all about for me is the gripping story and the impressive way in which human themes, such as loss and conflict, are told through robots – and sometimes it’s quite harsh.
Especially interesting to me were the antagonists Adam and Eve, through which the game reinterprets the biblical story in an intriguing way. And although they are enemies in the game, I sometimes felt quite sorry for them.
One aspect that I must also mention in connection with Nier: Automata is the fantastic soundtrack of the game. Music fans will be completely satisfied here!
For whom is Nier: Automata worth it? If you enjoy deep games focused on story, Nier: Automata is a great fit. But even combat fans, who like to prove their skills in action-packed fights, can have fun here.
With the various difficulty levels in the game, the start is easier for beginners.
