‘Nier: Automata’ Latest Review: The RPG Is An Incredible Action Fusion

The new game "Nier: Automata" starts as a scrolling RPG shooter, which will switch to a 2D platformer and then finally a third-person action game. It has comedic elements in its story which is mixed with tragedy and it will blow away newcomers to the role-playing genre.

According to Kotaku, "Nier: Automata" is an action RPG directed by game developer Yoko Taro and it was developed by Platinum Games. Taro is the mastermind behind the "Drakengard" game series and the spin-off "Nier". In the new RPG, the story starts with Earth being taken over by alien machines while the rest of humanity makes a pilgrimage to the moon. A team of humanoid androids is left behind to regain the planet.

Players will control the android 2B as she embarks on missions to take down various enemy machines. When 2B isn't doing side quests or exploring the vast futuristic world, she's trying to figure out the mystery regarding the alien machines. "Nier: Automata" has a distinct art style matched with a massive sense of scale which is captivating to look at especially on the PlayStation 4.

"Nier: Automata" doesn't reach beyond 1080p but the game's color palette looks very vivid while the shading and light effects brings the game's world in great focus as stated in IGN. The RPG also has a dramatic storyline that shifts between the events on Earth and the moon. It's very smart for the developers to use themes like life and death along with the impact of war on humans.

One negative note with "Nier: Automata" is the disconnect the players will feel regarding 2B and her android compatriots. Their back stories takes too long that will test a gamers' patience. The game gets back on track with its combat system and the addition of money-making side quests like hunting and fishing.