Week 3: NieR:Automata
This review contains mild spoilers. Read with caution!

Created by the mind of the eccentric Yoko Taro, NieR:Automata is a tale set thousands of years in the future where the earth is overtaken by machine lifeforms. Under the control of YoRHa members 2B and 9S, you explore the remnants of earth as you slowly unravel the mysteries of the ancient world. NieR:Automata is a wonderfully crafted game that explores themes of philosophy, existentialism and more. NieR:Automata is a masterpiece that utilizes the medium of video games to its full extent. Even though it’s a video game, Yoko Taro utilizes other mediums like concerts, stage plays and even other gaming franchises to tell the full story.
At its core, NieR:Automata is a JRPG with influences from a plethora of gaming genres like Hack and Slash, Top Down Shooter and Platformer. There are three different characters you can play as with distinct playstyles. 2B is a balanced character that is friendly towards new players, 9S is a bit more advanced with the option to hack enemies, and A2 having the capability to taunt her enemies and enable a berserk mode which amplify her damage output at the cost of her being frail. Over the course of the game you will control these three characters. Your first playthrough will be controlling 2B, second is 9S and the third is a combination of the three. Personally, I prefer A2’s playstyle, but the three characters are all enjoyable in their own way. The game surprises the player in a multitude of ways. There are 26 different endings, most of which explore unusual options the player might make like running away from a crucial boss battle or eating a mackerel. There are other surprises (some of which relate to the original NieR), but it’s best to experience them first hand.
Another thing NieR:Automata has going for it is its wonderful soundtrack. While most games have an hour or two worth of songs, NieR:Automata has six. Some of my personal favorite tracks are Birth of a Wish, Alien Manifestation and Song of Atonement. Most songs feature multiple versions of the same track to fit the ambience of the environment. Watery locations have the more tranquil version of tracks while areas infested with machines have the more dynamic versions. All songs feature an instrumental and vocal version. NieR:Automata has won countless awards, including the highly coveted The Game Award for Best Soundtrack.
NieR:Automata is not without its flaws. The PC version is notorious for having poor optimization. While I was able to play on PC without any major issues, the game suffers from framerate drops and crashes while fullscreen. There are a few visual bugs too. Sometimes robots run into walls while you hold the high ground, resulting in hilarious scenarios. My favorite bug occurs when you abandon 9S in the elevator at the bunker as 2B. The game camera will fixate to the outside world while you run around. Another minor glitch is if you manage to kill a certain boss before he finishes his monologue, he respawns, and you are required to keep fighting him until his monologue is complete. Unfortunately, there are no patches for the PC release of NieR:Automata despite the game being available on the market for nearly two years.
Overall, NieR:Automata is a gem in the rough. The original NieR sold poorly in the United States and had rough reviews. Fortunately, it developed a cult following and helped the popularity of its sequel, NieR:Automata, soar. Additionally, websites giving this game high praise assisted in its popularity. The game has recently sold over 3 million physical copies with more being sold daily. Even if you are not a fan of video gaming, NieR:Automata is worth investing your time into. Become one with the gods, play NieR:Automata today!
