In 2010, Yoko Taro’s NieR was not particularly well received by most, but garned quite a cult following. Senior Editor Eric Layman reviewed it way back then. It did well enough to earn a sequel that has fared much better. Last year’s NieR: Automata is considered by many to be a top ten game of 2017, and it was heralded by our own Eric Layman in his original review. However, unlike the original NieR, Xbox owners had to wait until just last week to experience Automata when Square Enix re-released it for the Xbox One. In typical re-release fashion, NieR: Automata Become As Gods Edition is the same game, only this is the most complete version of the experience. It includes the uniquely named 3C3C1D119440927 expansion DLC and several bonus skins, as well as being (slightly) enhanced for Xbox One X. As far as I can tell or have read, that enhancement is “simply” that the game runs smooth and stable framerates in 4K, which is exactly what I have experienced in my 4K / X1X setup.
I have yet to complete Automata’s five different endings, but between Eric’s excellent prose in his original review and gameplay videos available in the usual places, there just isn’t a great deal to add here. This was my first go with a franchise that originally started with Taro’s Drakengard series from generations past. Similar to those games, or at least the first one, there are actually five different endings in Automata, and obtaining each is the key to understanding this intriguing sci-fi tale on a near future world that was invaded and overcome by robots. Successive playthroughs offer different adaptations on play, such as using the slower, but more powerful character 9S instead of 2B. The difference in style is worthwhile and the story is good enough that unlocking its details, from what I can tell so far, is going to be worth the effort. This isn’t a typical 8-12 hour game third person action adventure, though; it’s not unusual to top fifty hours in unlocking all endings, something I’m still a ways out from doing. A strong RPG element compliments the action adventure. Heck, there’s even a touch of Souls here as checkpoints are not placed constantly, and when the player dies you must return to your death spot to avoid losing your experience. Of note, you cannot save your game through the opening battle sequence, which concludes in a pretty tough boss fight after about thirty minutes or so of play. Unfortunately, as I found out, dying here means replaying the entire opening again with the inability to skip cutscenes, but, the gameplay is enjoyable enough it didn’t prove to be a problem. Save points are marked when available, and they’re always a welcomed sight.
Development of NieR: Automata was done in deep conjunction with PlatinumGames, so it’s no surprise that you’re going to experience beautiful, flashy, fast-paced combat not unlike Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and (Capcom’s) Devil May Cry. 2B travels with her trusty bot companion that offers a constant method of twin-stick like shooting, while she wields melee weapons, including swords that allow you to take on foes up close and at some range. Often out-numbered and out-gunned, 2B’s swift evasion moves and combos, along with upgrades for your bot to unleash intense attacks with a cooldown keep the action frantic and engaging. At times, including in the opening moments of the game, you play as though the game were a classic arcade top down shooter, bullet-hell style. Whether in this mode, flying a mech, or engaging in melee combat, NieR: Automata oozes quality and fun.
Being that the game is unchanged from last year, it’s no surprise that the Become As Gods Edition doesn’t disappoint. If you’re Xbox-only and haven’t given this game a go, there’s no better time than the present.
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