The NiER franchise has been around for 14 years and its most popular title “NiER Automata” just hit its seventh anniversary on Feb. 23, 2024. For gamers wanting to get into the NiER series, figuring out where to start can be a bit confusing. Still, with the “Nier Replicant” remake that was released in April 2021, players can jump into that one first and then enjoy Automata while understanding the story and lore-filled games.
However, for fans who can easily find all the NiER Automata content through various YouTube playthroughs, wikis, and so on, is the game worth playing seven years later?
Everyone has their opinions on how they feel playing a game so many years after its initial release date, but it shouldn’t be the only reason why someone should not play a game that is almost a decade old. Players never know if that game may turn out to be their favorite.
So, let’s break down NiER Automata, what makes it so popular, and why it has been a huge success for the NiER Automata team.
As mentioned before, NiER is lore-filled, so much so that it can get confusing at times. The premise of Automata, however, is that humanity has been almost wiped out by hostile machine lifeforms. The player takes the role of an android fighting for the last remnants of humanity, 2B. Armed with her katana and a pod to help navigate her through her journey, 2B will uncover the truth about machine lifeforms, meet new faces, and figure out what she wants to ultimately do.
The game’s opinion may vary from player to player but most people who play the game are often changed by the ending of the game. Quite literally. There is an inside joke in the community that most NiER fans are jokingly depressed because of the subtle but powerful message the game conveys.
The NiER community, developers, and content creators, all truly bring it together and keep it alive. Despite the game being seven years old, Automata is still talked about and 2B is getting more and more recognition. From getting cameos in various games, most recently Grandblue Fantasy Relink to Soul Caliber 6 and who knows what else.
Just recently, the NiER musical production team and Square Enix brought a live orchestral performance of the NiER Automata and NiER Replicant remake to worldwide. With performances around the world such as Germany, France, China, and other various cities in the United States such as Atlanta, GA and Orlando, FL, and Los Angeles, CA. As someone who was able to attend the orchestral performance in Los Angeles, it truly was a chilling and beautiful experience.
There aren’t too many communities that hold events, especially live performances like orchestras, for their fans.
Yoko Taro, the creative director of the NiER series, is a very popular figure, not only for his work within the series but for attending so many events that are around the world. All while wearing his famous Emil head. For those who don’t know, Emil is a creepy but oddly friendly smiling head in the NiER series who is beloved by everyone. So, if by chance you see Yoko Taro, you will probably know it is him just by Emil’s head.
Truthfully, if you want to get into the Japanese Role-playing genre, NiER Automata is a good place to start, especially if you know nothing or just want to experience the game. It isn’t as long as some JRPG counterparts, (Persona), but is a game that can be eye-opening.
The game is an action-packed hack-and-slash with various techniques, combos, and weapons for the player to try. With beautifully orchestrated music, chilling scores, and incredible voice acting. NiER Automata has stood the test of time through the exciting, saddening, and most of all, revealing story that Yoko Taro and the NiER team have created.
There is so much to uncover in NiER both in the game and outside through the community. With many easter eggs, references, and memes about the game. Players will just have to see for themselves to truly appreciate NiER for what it is – an interactive masterpiece.
Stay tuned for more gaming content, including updates to NiER Automata and newly released titles.
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