Gets better with age.
NieR: Automata is one of the best games of 2017. Now Xbox One owners can see what the fuss was all about. Directed by Yoko Taro and developed by Platinum Games combines for the perfect mash-up. Video games are paint-by-numbers so often that when a game comes along and completely flips that on its head, it is easy to take notice. NieR is the kind of game that requires dedication to fully appreciate it. Beating it once will not suffice. This is a journey that every gamer should get a chance to experience.
It has been over a year since the game launched on PS4. In that time a few pieces of DLC have launched. Those are included in the base game on Xbox One. It is also worth noting that this version is only available digitally. Not sure why, but thems the breaks.
MSRP: $49.99 (digital-only)
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, PC
Price I’d Pay: $49.99
The Xbox One version also receives a host of X enhancements. The game runs at a checkerboard 4K and hits 60fps most of the time. The HDR lighting looks washed out sometimes, but still gorgeous. This is a beautiful game, and seeing it now run at a higher resolution than on PS4 is stunning. The character designs are outstanding and the bosses are screen-filling. I wish the enemies and world were a bit more fleshed out, but it is a small gripe.
Playing through NieR: Automata is a journey. There are five core endings, three of which are necessary, while the other two are simply choices towards the end of the third play. There are 21 other endings, all sort of jokes and Easter eggs. The game is packed with hidden items and things that can be completely missed that is simply incredible. The dialogue is thought-provoking at times and downright hilarious at others. What makes Automata so special is the way it handles the fact that it is a video game. One minute I am jumping through bullet hell shooting missions, and in the next I am unlocking memories ala a Jurassic Park schematic. It is wild.
Playing through the game again I appreciated so much of what it does more than my first time, the intricacies of the combat and upgrade systems. The story that dives deep into what it means to be human. The nuances that Yoko Taro has crafted in a way that can only be accomplished in a video game. This is truly something special. I cannot stress enough that Xbox One players need to experience this game.
There is a ton to see and do in Nier: Automata. Talking about much of it does it a disservice to the player. Don’t think about it. The game is finally on Xbox One. The more platforms the merrier. Perhaps one day Switch owners will get to experience it as well. This is a once-in-a-generation type experience. Go buy this game. Play it multiple times. It is worth every second of investment and I enjoyed pounding through all the endings for a second time. Somehow it was even better.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
