NieR: Automata Review: A Timeless Masterpiece?
Few games have managed to leave a lasting impact quite like NieR: Automata. Developed by PlatinumGames and directed by
Few games have managed to leave a lasting impact quite like NieR: Automata. Developed by PlatinumGames and directed by Yoko Taro, the game blends lightning-fast combat, emotional storytelling, unforgettable music, and philosophical themes into an experience that still feels unique years after its original release.
Even in 2026, NieR: Automata remains one of the finest action RPGs available. But does it still deserve its legendary reputation, or has time finally caught up with it?
A Story Unlike Anything Else
At first glance, NieR: Automata appears to be a straightforward tale of androids battling machines on a post-apocalyptic Earth. However, the deeper you progress, the more the narrative transforms into a thought-provoking exploration of humanity, identity, purpose, consciousness, and sacrifice.
You primarily play as combat androids 2B, 9S, and later A2, each offering a unique perspective on the ongoing war between humanity’s creations and an army of machine lifeforms.
What truly sets NieR: Automata apart is its storytelling structure. Completing the game once only reveals part of the story. Multiple playthroughs unlock entirely new chapters, perspectives, and endings that fundamentally change your understanding of the world.
Rather than feeling repetitive, each route expands the narrative in meaningful ways, making every additional playthrough worthwhile.
Fast, Fluid Combat
PlatinumGames is renowned for creating satisfying action combat, and NieR: Automata is no exception.
Combat is responsive, stylish, and easy to learn while offering plenty of depth for experienced players.
Players can:
- Chain together light and heavy attacks.
- Equip different weapon combinations.
- Use Pods for ranged attacks and powerful abilities.
- Dodge with perfect timing to trigger devastating counterattacks.
- Customize chips to enhance nearly every aspect of gameplay.
The game constantly switches between hack-and-slash action, twin-stick shooter mechanics, side-scrolling sections, bullet-hell encounters, and even classic arcade-inspired gameplay.
Instead of feeling disconnected, these transitions keep the experience fresh from beginning to end.
A Beautifully Lonely World
The world isn’t massive by today’s open-world standards, but every location feels purposeful.
Ruined cities covered in vegetation, abandoned amusement parks, flooded coastlines, deserted factories, and forgotten deserts all tell silent stories about civilizations long gone.
Environmental storytelling plays a major role. Every area encourages exploration without overwhelming players with unnecessary collectibles or repetitive objectives.
The world feels empty—but intentionally so.
That loneliness becomes one of the game’s greatest strengths.
One of Gaming’s Greatest Soundtracks
Few video game soundtracks receive as much praise as NieR: Automata’s.
Composer Keiichi Okabe delivers an unforgettable musical experience that perfectly complements every emotional moment.
Songs dynamically change during gameplay, shifting languages, arrangements, and intensity depending on what’s happening on screen.
Tracks like “Weight of the World,” “City Ruins,” “Amusement Park,” and “A Beautiful Song” remain some of gaming’s most recognizable pieces of music.
The soundtrack alone elevates countless scenes into unforgettable experiences.
Characters You’ll Never Forget
Although the main cast is relatively small, nearly every important character leaves a lasting impression.
2B initially appears cold and emotionless, yet gradually reveals incredible emotional depth.
9S evolves dramatically throughout the story, becoming one of gaming’s most fascinating protagonists.
A2 offers another perspective that completely reshapes the player’s understanding of previous events.
Even supporting characters and seemingly simple machines develop surprising emotional complexity.
Many side quests contribute significantly to character development and world-building rather than serving as simple fetch missions.
Visuals Still Hold Up
Despite launching years ago, NieR: Automata continues to look impressive.
Character designs remain iconic, enemy animations are fluid, and artistic direction easily compensates for occasional technical limitations.
The game doesn’t rely on photorealism.
Instead, its stylized environments, lighting, and visual effects create an atmosphere that still feels distinctive in 2026.
Performance has also improved significantly across modern platforms, providing smoother frame rates and faster loading times than the original release.
Side Quests That Matter
Unlike many RPGs, side quests in NieR: Automata often expand the central themes of the game.
Rather than simply rewarding experience points or equipment, many quests explore:
- Machine consciousness
- Love and loss
- Fear
- Memory
- Family
- Identity
- Purpose
Skipping these quests means missing some of the game’s most memorable stories.
Replay Value
NieR: Automata offers exceptional replay value.
Instead of merely encouraging another playthrough with higher difficulty, the game actively builds its narrative around multiple routes.
There are dozens of endings, though only a handful represent complete story conclusions.
The famous Ending E delivers one of the most emotional finales ever created in gaming and remains a powerful example of interactive storytelling.
What Hasn’t Aged Perfectly?
Although NieR: Automata remains outstanding, it isn’t flawless.
Some side quests involve repetitive travel across the map, and fast travel only becomes fully convenient later in the game.
The camera can occasionally struggle during chaotic combat encounters.
Certain environments also reuse assets more frequently than modern AAA titles.
Additionally, newcomers may initially find the storytelling structure confusing until multiple routes reveal the complete narrative.
These issues rarely diminish the overall experience but are worth noting.
Pros
- Outstanding philosophical story
- Exceptional soundtrack
- Fast and satisfying combat
- Memorable characters
- Creative gameplay variety
- Excellent replay value
- Emotional storytelling rarely matched in gaming
Cons
- Some repetitive travel
- Camera occasionally causes frustration
- Multiple playthrough structure may confuse new players
- Several side quests require backtracking
