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Too uch Information for the Brain to Handle

This is more of a personal love letter than a typical review.
NieR: Automata is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by machine lifeforms, the game tells the story of androids 2B, 9S, and A2 as they fight to reclaim the planet for humanity. However, as the story progresses, the characters begin to question the point of their existence and the meaning of their actions, leaving the player with a sense of emptiness and hopelessness, but also a sense of appreciation for the beauty of life and the ability to make choices.
Pros and cons
This game is very well made as there's barely any negatives about this game. The only negative that's reasonable was the poor optimisation of this game and players had to rely on the "Special K" mod. However, this game got an update sometime in 2021 and resolved this issue. But it took Square Enix 4 years to fix the PC version.


🟩 Positives
🟥 Negatives



- Thought-provoking story with multiple endings that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- Well-designed gameplay with a satisfying combat system.
- Visually striking art style that perfectly reflects the game's nihilistic themes.
- High replayability with a variety of side quests and optional content, and a New Game Plus mode.
- A diverse and emotive soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's themes and setting.
- Yoko Taro's attention to detail is so impressive, it's beyond the brain's capacity to understand how this man thought of it.


- Side missions are very tedious and will result in a "go here, do something or kill someone, go back and collect reward"



Story
One of the strongest aspects of the game is its story, which is thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. The game presents a bleak and hopeless world where the characters are fighting for its sake without any real purpose.
Additionally, the game raises questions about the nature of consciousness and what it means to be alive as the androids begin to question whether they are truly alive or just advanced machines. The game's multiple endings add to the replayability and encourage multiple playthroughs to fully understand the story.
Side-Quests
The game's side quests often delve deeper into the game's world and characters. They also provide more insight into the characters' motivations, personalities, and relationships, which can help players better understand the characters and their role in the story.
Some side quests offer a deeper look into the motivations and beliefs of the game's characters, while others provide insight into the history of the world and the events that led to the current state of affairs.
While some side quests may seem like filler content, they actually pay off in the story, adding to the world building and characterisation of both the main and side characters. The subtle foreshadowing throughout the game leads to a really visceral turn of events, making players feel emotionally invested in the story and its characters.
List of Important Side Quests you should focus on


⬛️
⬜️



- Amnesia
- Anemone's Past
- Terminal Repairs
- Find a Present
- Data Analysis Freak 1+2
- Memories (You should play Nier Replicant for context)
- 11B's Memento
- YoRHa Betrayers
- The Wandering Couple
- Devola's Request


- Popola's Errand
- The Twins' Request
- Heritage of the Past
- Gathering Keepsakes
- Determination (You should play Nier Replicant for context)
- Jean Paul's Melancholy
- Family Squabble
- Lost Girl
- Play with Us!



Art Style
The game's art style is another standout feature, perfectly reflecting the game's main theme. The world is a desolate and empty place, with a mix of futuristic and ruined environments and a faded colour palette. The game's world reflects the idea that humanity is long gone, and the androids are fighting in a war that has no real purpose.
The characters' designs also reflect the game's themes, with the androids having a humanoid appearance but with a mechanical and artificial feel. This reflects their nature as machines and how they are losing their humanity as they are just advanced robots programmed to fight.
The game also features some breathtaking moments, such as the game's open-world sections, where the player can see the vast emptiness of the world. The ruins of civilisation are scattered around, giving a sense of loneliness and desolation. I especially love when we are introduced to the Amusement park. The visuals accompanied by the music are how I fell in love with this game. It's truly magical.
Soundtrack
The music and soundtrack of NieR: Automata are an integral part of the game's atmosphere and storytelling. The composer, Keiichi Okabe, has done an outstanding job creating a diverse and emotive soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's themes and setting.
The game's soundtrack includes a mix of orchestral and electronic elements that creates a unique and powerful ambience. For example, the game's open-world sections are accompanied by a haunting and melancholic soundtrack that perfectly reflects the game's desolate and empty world. On the other hand, the game's combat sections are accompanied by an energetic and action-packed soundtrack that perfectly reflects the fast-paced and intense nature of the game's combat system.
It also includes a variety of vocal tracks, the main theme "Weight of the World" is a perfect example. It's a powerful and emotive track that perfectly reflects the game's theme and the characters' emotional journeys.
This dynamic use of music helps to immerse the player in the world and create a sense of atmosphere and tension. It also serves to highlight key moments in the story and emphasise the emotions that the characters are feeling.
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, NieR: Automata is well-designed and offers a satisfying combat experience. The game's combat system is fast-paced and fluid, with a variety of weapons, abilities and skills that the player can use to defeat the enemies. The game's open-world sections, while not being the most interactive, offer a good variety of side quests and optional content that can be explored on subsequent playthroughs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NieR: Automata is a must-play for fans of action RPGs and those who enjoy games that make them think. The game not only tells an engaging story but also presents it uniquely and visually strikingly, adding to the game's overall atmosphere. The gameplay is solid and satisfying, and the multiple endings, side quests, and optional content offer high replayability. The game's heavy themes of nihilism and the human condition are thought-provoking and well-integrated into the story and characters. The game's art style and music/soundtrack also add to the immersive experience.