Nier: Automata is an action-RPG (action role-playing game) video game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. It was released in 2017 on PlayStation 4, PC and later on Xbox One. It is the spiritual sequel to the game Nier (2010), itself a spin-off of the Drakengard series. Created under the direction of Yoko Taro, a creator known for his complex narratives and philosophical explorations, Nier: Automata has captivated players around the world with its dynamic gameplay, richly symbolic world, and profound reflections on the human condition.
The Story: A Conflict Between Androids and Machines
Nier: Automata takes place thousands of years after the events of the first Nier game, in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has fled to the Moon after an invasion of alien machines. Earth is now a battleground between enemy machines and androids created by humans to represent them in this fight. The player takes on the role of three main androids: 2B, a stoic fighter, 9S, a curious and empathetic reconnaissance android, and A2, a more mysterious deserter.
The game begins by following 2B and 9S on their mission to destroy the machines on Earth. However, as the story progresses, the lines between friend and foe blur, and questions about the nature of consciousness, freedom, and existence itself emerge. The machines that 2B and 9S fight begin to develop emotions and intelligence. The plot then takes a philosophical turn, addressing themes such as suffering, sacrifice, and the purpose of life.
Gameplay: A Fluid Blend of Genres
One of the standout features of Nier: Automata is its hybrid gameplay, which combines multiple genres with disconcerting fluidity. Although primarily an action-RPG, the title incorporates elements of hack and slash, shoot ’em up, and even 2D platforming. Combat is fast-paced and dynamic, reminiscent of previous PlatinumGames titles like Bayonetta. Players can customize their androids with chips that enhance their abilities, ranging from attack strength to automatic health recovery.
Perspective shifts are frequent, switching from third-person to overhead or side-scrolling. This variety keeps the gameplay from becoming monotonous and also reflects the fluidity of genres that Nier: Automata implements in its storytelling. Indeed, the game regularly changes tone and visual style, following the evolution of its plot and the revelations that shake up the player’s initial vision.
Unconventional Narrative: Multiple Endings
One of the most intriguing aspects of Nier: Automata is its unique narrative structure, organized around multiple endings. To fully understand the story, players must complete the game multiple times. Each “playthrough” offers a new perspective on events, revealing additional details and shifting perspectives. The first three main routes (known as Route A, Route B, and Route C) allow players to experience the story from different perspectives, including through the eyes of the three androids.
This approach is not just a narrative device, but an ingenious way to explore themes of identity and repetition. Players relive key moments in a different light, questioning the notions of destiny and free will with each new game.
There are a total of 26 possible endings (one for each letter of the alphabet), but only a few are really important to understand the plot. The others are humorous or offbeat alternative endings, characteristic of Yoko Taro’s irreverent style.
Philosophical Themes: What Defines Humanity?
The heart of the video game Nier: Automata lies in its philosophical questions. It explores deep and universal themes through its characters and events. The androids, although devoid of true free will according to their programming, begin to feel human emotions such as love, fear and hate. Machines, too, evolve and adopt behaviors that are eerily similar to those of humans.
The game addresses topics such as nihilism, existentialism and the nature of the soul. At several points, it references famous thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche. For example, some machine enemies are named after philosophers, while the game’s title is inspired by Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
As the game progresses, the lines between humans, machines, and androids become increasingly blurred. This leads the player to question what truly defines humanity: is it the ability to feel, think, or choose? Or is humanity a more complex construct that goes beyond these simple elements?
Soundtrack: An Immersive Emotional Experience
The music of Nier: Automata, composed by Keiichi Okabe, has been widely acclaimed for its emotional impact. Its soundtrack combines chants in invented languages, majestic orchestrations and softer melodies that perfectly support the melancholic atmosphere of the game. The music accompanies the strong moments of the plot, reinforcing the emotions of the characters and the immersion of the player.
The soundtrack, often considered one of the best in the history of video games, has won several awards and has been the subject of concerts around the world.
Critical reception and cultural influence
The video game Nier: Automata has been praised for its innovative gameplay, ambitious storytelling and philosophical themes. The game has received critical acclaim, praising both the depth of its story and its ability to integrate varied gameplay elements in a coherent manner. It has also been a commercial success, exceeding Square Enix’s initial expectations with over 6 million copies sold to date.
Nier: Automata’s influence has extended beyond gaming. Its exploration of existential questions, rich world setting, and unique approach to storytelling have captivated gamers, critics, and even philosophers. The game is often cited as an example of how video games can be a medium for deep, emotional narratives.
