NieR: Automata’s Appeal Isn’t Just 2B Butt…Here’s What Else it Has to Offer

NieR: Automata is Yoko Taro’s 11th game and has garnered a lot of attention for a certain android’s bottom. But more importantly, it has also been critically acclaimed by reviewers, and in my opinion, is one of the best games PlatinumGames has released to date.

Today, though, I’m going to tell you why NieR: Automata‘s appeal isn’t just 2B’s glorious butt (and why you should check out Yoko Taro’s latest game) as I break down the reasons why NieR: Automata shouldn’t go un-played.

Nier: Automata’s Incredibly Haunting Soundtrack

One of the most stand-out things from my time spent with NieR: Automata is the soundtrack. Composer Keiichi Okabe, who also worked on both NieR and Drakengard 3, returned for NieR: Automata and went all out with it. This included the return of Emi Evans, the vocalist for NieR’s soundtrack and NieR: Automata’s soundtrack.

Gives me chills just thinking about it. BRB … 

Emi Evans’s vocal work sets the stage and atmosphere for NieR: Automata

Drakengard? NieR? Stage plays!? — Do I Need to Play the Other Games First? NO!

Keeping things spoiler free, NieR Automata does reference in the story points directly tied to the original NieR. But it’s nothing newcomers to the series will necessarily need to know.

Having said that, I would still at least recommend playing the original game first, as the impact of a certain character later in the story is so much better if you have. However if for whatever reason you don’t have a PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, or the means to play the original NieR  — then I highly recommend YouTube user Super Bunnyhop’s video: “What You Missed From NieR”

Note: You can also read the YoRHa Stage Play, Ver. 1.1 translation right here if you’re dedicated, but be warned it also has spoilers and ties into NieR: Automata.

What About Drakengard? Do I Need to Play That? 

As for the Drakengard series, it’s still set in the same universe. In fact, NieR itself takes place directly after the events of Drakengard and is a continuation and spin off from a gag ending within Drakengard.

Although NieR and NieR: Automata do have references and callbacks to Drakengard, NieR as a series is still very much a unique narrative and a very different experience. So, I honestly think giving the Drakengard trilogy a miss is perfectly acceptable.

However, if you’re still interested in Drakengard but for whatever reason don’t have the means to play the series, then I recommend you watch YouTube user Clemp’s analysis videos on Drakengard and NieR.

It’s Action RPG Gameplay at its Finest

Now, from a gameplay perspective, NieR: Automata also stands out from previous entries for one very obvious reason: it was developed this time by PlatinumGames. For those who don’t know PlatinumGames, they’re the same folks behind Bayonneta, Vanquish, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance — and they have made a name for themselves with over-the-top action games. 

NieR: Automata is no different.

In many ways, NieR: Automata is easily their best game to date. From the expected things like over-the-top boss fights to pulling off incredible combos, the game’s beautiful open world design and the absolute insanity, NieR: Automata features what NieR fans also expect — and some things they weren’t expecting. 

Nier: Automata Features the Madness of Yoko Taro as the Lead Writer and Game Director

The seemingly insane Yoko Taro himself — or more importantly his writing — is another key reason why NieR: Automata shouldn’t be missed by newcomers and fans alike. The story in this game is strange, to say the least, but at the same time, it’s captivating enough to keep you progressing. With plenty of symbolism and an underlying message to tell, NieR: Automata is emblematic of Taro’s work.

Most of Taro’s past work is pretty unconventional and can even be pretty dark at times; he’s explored themes ranging from why people are driven to kill one another to more relatable subjects like conflicts of self-identity.

Considering these dark tones, don’t expect any happy endings in his video games either. The original NieR was an emotional punch to the gut, so expect no less from NieR: Automata.

In conclusion, NieR: Automata is some of Yoko Taro’s best work and with the help of Platinum Games, it’s one of the best action games available this year. With an incredible soundtrack, beautiful post apocalyptic world, and insane boss fights, this game deserves to be known for much more than simply 2B’s butt.

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So will you be checking out NieR: Automata at some point in the future? Or have you already played it? Let us know in the comments and as always thanks for reading — glory to mankind!