NieR: Automata, the acclaimed action RPG developed by PlatinumGames, is a phenomenon within the gaming industry. After its debut in February 2017 for PlayStation 4 and PC, the game has gone on to exceed 7.5 million copies sold on all hardware platforms, cementing itself as PlatinumGames’ best-selling title to date. Rated 89% on OpenCritic and “very positive” on Steam, the success of NieR: Automata has been well-deserved, with reviewers praising its combat system, storyline, and atmospheric qualities.
Released during the franchise’s 10th anniversary, NieR: Automata is the sequel to 2010’s NieR Replicant, the cult hit developed by Cavia. Developed by a collaboration between Square Enix, PlatinumGames, and Cavia, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where androids fight a never-ending battle against alien invaders. All of the characters, including the main protagonists 2B, 9S, and A2, were created to have an intense level of detail and complexity, with their personalities and mannerisms truly captivating the players.
The combat system and the unique non-linear story also received tremendous praise from players and reviewers alike. The action-packed battles of NieR: Automata blend hack-and-slash and shooting mechanics while the story branches out in dynamic ways, leaving players in suspense until the end. Additionally, the game’s soundtrack, composed of the dynamic duo Keiichi Okabe and Keigo Hoashi, resonates within each scene, heightening the intensity of the game and immersing players deeper within the story.
The success of NieR: Automata has been so great that a refreshed version of the original game, NieR Replicant, was released in April 2021. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... allows players to rediscover the prequel with updated visuals, expanded events, and even a new final story route. As a result, fans of the franchise had the opportunity to play through all of the games with an enhanced experience.
Overall, NieR: Automata’s impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, and its success has earned it a spot among gaming’s most iconic titles. Nearly six years after its initial release, the game has exceeded seven million copies sold, along with its prequel’s success of over one million in its first two months. Proving that there is still a place for unique games in today’s industry, NieR: Automata has become a beloved classic.
