PlatinumGames. (2017). NieR: Automata [Video game]. Square Enix.

NieR: Automata is an action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix in 2017. A sequel to NieR (2010), it is set in a dystopian future where Earth has been abandoned by humanity due to an alien invasion. Players control combat androids—2B, 9S, and A2—who are part of a proxy war between human-created androids and alien-created machine invaders. The game blends philosophical themes, existential questions, and dark storytelling with a unique and genre-defying gameplay structure.

The gameplay is a hybrid of several styles, including hack-and-slash combat, bullet hell shooting, and platforming. Combat is fast-paced and fluid, utilizing light and heavy attacks, evasion, and the support of a flying pod for ranged fire. The game also transitions seamlessly between gameplay perspectives, moving from third-person exploration to side-scrolling segments and even top-down shooter views. NieR: Automata features an open-world environment with RPG elements such as leveling, gear customization, and side quests.

An innovative aspect of the game is its multiple playthrough structure, with each subsequent playthrough introducing new perspectives and expanding the story. The first two playthroughs focus on 2B and 9S, while later ones follow A2. Gameplay mechanics and narrative elements shift with each character, deepening the player’s understanding of the story. Additionally, NieR: Automata integrates meta-narrative and unconventional mechanics, such as its in-game save system and an emotional finale requiring player sacrifices.

Acclaimed for its storytelling, music, and gameplay design, NieR: Automata was a commercial success, selling over 7.5 million copies as of 2022. Its blend of genre experimentation and philosophical depth has earned it widespread critical praise and a lasting cultural impact.