Nier Automata – Story, Gameplay, and Why It Rocks

If you’ve heard the name Nier Automata and wonder what the hype is about, you’re in the right place. This 2017 action‑RPG from PlatinumGames blends sci‑fi, philosophy, and fast‑paced combat into a surprisingly emotional experience. Below you’ll find the core bits you need to know before you start the game or if you just want a quick refresher.

Story & Setting

The game takes place on a post‑apocalyptic Earth where alien machines have driven humanity to the moon. In their place, android soldiers called YoRHa fight to reclaim the planet. You mainly control 2B, a sleek combat android, and her companion 9S, a hacker with a curious streak. Their missions start simple—take down machine hordes—but quickly spiral into questions about consciousness, purpose, and free will.

What makes the narrative stand out is the way it layers multiple perspectives. After finishing the initial playthrough, you unlock new routes that let you see the story from 9S’s eyes, then from A2, a rogue YoRHa unit. Each route adds fresh dialogue, hidden logs, and alternate outcomes, turning a single game into a multi‑chapter saga.

Gameplay & Combat

Combat in Nier Automata feels like a mash‑up of hack‑and‑slash and bullet‑hell. You can switch on the fly between melee weapons, swords, and ranged rifles. The fluid combos let you dash, parry, and unleash special attacks that feel rewarding, especially when you sync the timing with the game’s rhythmic music.

Beyond fighting, the game sneaks in platforming, puzzle solving, and even occasional text‑based shooter segments. This variety keeps the pacing lively and prevents the combat from getting stale. Plus, the open‑world segments are peppered with hidden side‑quests and secret boss fights that reward exploration.

Another cool feature is the “Network” system. You can connect with other players’ worlds for limited co‑op missions, borrow weapons, or even see their avatars roaming your map. It’s a low‑stakes way to add a social twist without breaking the solo story focus.

All of this is wrapped in a beautiful anime‑style visual that mixes sleek android designs with ruined cityscapes. The art direction intentionally uses muted colors to highlight the loneliness of the setting, while the soundtrack—composed by Keiichi Okabe—shifts from haunting piano pieces to high‑energy orchestral tracks depending on the scene.

Bottom line: Nier Automata is more than just an action game. It’s a thought‑provoking adventure that asks you to question what it means to be alive, all while delivering satisfying combat and gorgeous visuals. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer curious about the buzz, you’ll find something that sticks with you long after the final boss is defeated.