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NieR: Automata |OT| "I wouldn't expect too much from this game if I were you."

Antiwhippy

the holder of the trombone
Finished the game last night.
Read the message about playing the story again. Immediately started again.
This is so cool...

I went into this game knowing nothing about Yoko Taro's work. Now I've started watching some videos about Drakengard and NieR, I feel like this could be a particularly deep rabbit hole.

Is it true that a current-gen NieR remaster is a possibility? Think I'd be down for that.

Mmm, one can be hopeful, but I doubt a nier remaster would happen anytime soon.

Also trust me when I say that you did not finish the game. Not even close.
 

Hektor

Member
Finally got my Emil pillow

C-QYyKXW0AAylBS.jpg

Looks great, but the filling is a bit weird. It feels like very soft sand.

Not sure if i want to unpack it tho lol
 
S

Steve.1981

Unconfirmed Member
...trust me when I say that you did not finish the game...

Yeah I know, I just wasn't sure if that was considered a spoiler!

I watched a video on YouTube that claimed a NieR remaster was a possibility if Automata performed well, but I haven't looked into it. Would be cool, that game looks very good (and I missed it).
 

jett

D-Member
It's not mandatory. You just get sent back to the main menu as you would for all the previous endings.

Also, that reminds me - if they want to carry the
save deletion
gimmick forward in future games, it might be a good idea to use it as a mid-game fakeout, where you have the option to
sacrifice your save to perform a useless sacrifice because you played the last two and thought that was what you were supposed to do. The rest of the game could only be accessed by saying no
.

I honestly barely see the point of the save deletion gimmick these days, especially on PC. As soon as I smelled shenanigans during the credits I backed up my save immediately. :p
 
My Nier Automata OST pack arrived yesterday, it's lovely!

After my (route E spoiler)
gigantic fuck up of thinking the whole thing about deleting your save file to help others was a big Yoko Taro test/joke I'm still not sure if I'm ever going to effectively start the game over again. I'd got endings A->E and like 5 or alternative endings but had plenty of side quests still to do. Only cloud save I could rescue is about 18 hours in (mine got deleted on ~60 hours)...
 

Antiwhippy

the holder of the trombone
Man you guys are weak.

Deleted without backup, no regrets.

Playing through OG nier now and will probably start a 100% automata run after that, especially seeing the DLC will be out by then.
 

sloppyjoe_gamer

Gold Member
Could finally buy the game, but I'm still waiting for the patch to Download.

Hope the patch doesn't screw up the txt in your menus like it did mine and many others.

WTF SE.....how is this not patched yet? It's been over 3 weeks since you put a patch out to the US Nier Automata that you already knew was broken when you deployed it to the Japanese version.
 
Man you guys are weak.

Deleted without backup, no regrets.

Playing through OG nier now and will probably start a 100% automata run after that, especially seeing the DLC will be out by then.

That's what is gonna suck me back in, for sure. Feel very mixed about re-playing OG Nier - I want to experience it again (x 1000 when you get the recreated library/Project Gestalt files in route C/D) but it was a very specific moment for me and I dunno if it will have the same impact. Either way, I'm not getting the fucking seed/plant trophy. Lowest I went was sitting on a boar and leaving my controller on the sofa whilst I went to make a cup of tea for one trophy.
 

Antiwhippy

the holder of the trombone
That's what is gonna suck me back in, for sure. Feel very mixed about re-playing OG Nier - I want to experience it again (x 1000 when you get the recreated library/Project Gestalt files in route C/D) but it was a very specific moment for me and I dunno if it will have the same impact. Either way, I'm not getting the fucking seed/plant trophy. Lowest I went was sitting on a boar and leaving my controller on the sofa whilst I went to make a cup of tea for one trophy.

Oh I don't care about trophies really for OG nier,
and at least I can buy the tedious ones in automata. :p
 
Oh I don't care about trophies really for OG nier,
and at least I can buy the tedious ones in automata. :p

Oh word - I think it's just thinking of motivations to go back. Know it's a pretty lame argument but it feels like one of those games where the initial playthrough was such a big deal for me that I feel like the effect would be less enjoyable second time around and i'm not sure how well it would have aged. Like going to see an old band who are super important to you and it either being class or super disappointing. Plus, you know, backlog guilt. Not sure why I'm still spoilering these comments but shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
 

Antiwhippy

the holder of the trombone
It'll be my first time playing OG nier. Before automata I knew taro through drakengard but not nier so I bought it planning to play it before automata, but I got too lazy to hook up my PS3 hah.

I read up everything I could on nier after I finished automata, but I thought I might as well play through it because you don't really get the characters just watching analysis videos and if I'm going to watch LPers I might as well just play it.
 
It'll be my first time playing OG nier. Before automata I knew taro through drakengard but not nier so I bought it planning to play it before automata, but I got too lazy to hook up my PS3 hah.

I read up everything I could on nier after I finished automata, but I thought I might as well play through it because you don't really get the characters just watching analysis videos and if I'm going to watch LPers I might as well just play it.

Oh cool - I was the opposite really. I played OG Nier and found out about Taro but had no idea about the linkage to Drakengard until a year or so later when I dug into the lore a bit more.

Totally worth playing, agree it's more than worth it if you're gonna watch LP's anyway. So fucking goooooood.
 

Weebos

Banned
So, I'm curious about this game, but I'm not convinced that I will like it.

Background: I mainly play RPGs, especially turn based ones. I've tried Bayonetta 2 and Wonderful 101 before, but I found the gameplay really boring and not to my taste.

Is the gameplay of this game similar to those? Is there more to this game outside of gameplay than there was to Bayonetta 2 and Wonderful 101?
 

Hektor

Member
So, I'm curious about this game, but I'm not convinced that I will like it.

Background: I mainly play RPGs, especially turn based ones. I've tried Bayonetta 2 and Wonderful 101 before, but I found the gameplay really boring and not to my taste.

Is the gameplay of this game similar to those? Is there more to this game outside of gameplay than there was to Bayonetta 2 and Wonderful 101?

NieR: Automata is a bit more RPG mixed with Bullethell mechanics, but if you can't stand Bayonetta 2 and the likes at all, you most probably won't enjoy the gameplay of this game either.

The game got amazing story and characters, but i doubt you're gonna want to slog through a game you don't enjoy just for those elements, especially given the fact that the game takes quite some time to really get going in that regard.
 

Golnei

Member
So, I'm curious about this game, but I'm not convinced that I will like it.

Background: I mainly play RPGs, especially turn based ones. I've tried Bayonetta 2 and Wonderful 101 before, but I found the gameplay really boring and not to my taste.

Is the gameplay of this game similar to those? Is there more to this game outside of gameplay than there was to Bayonetta 2 and Wonderful 101?

It's definitely nothing like Platinum's action games - though the melee combat uses the same foundations as Bayonetta, the addition of reasonably comprehensive ability customisation, projectiles and Pod programs (essentially spells) - along with the automation of the basic attack inputs - leads to it playing completely differently. But even if you do continue to be bored by it, I'd advise against writing off the game entirely, as the melee combat is a pretty small part of the game's overall appeal - even just talking about the central combat loop, you'll be spending about equal time in twin-stick shooter or side-scrolling sections, and the flexible difficulty system allows you to completely automate combat if a particular section is a slog.

Regardless, the vast majority of the appeal of the game comes from the narrative, characters and music; which are completely different in style from the games that are usually identified with Platinum. It's very much a regular ARPG that has some of their influence in the combat system, not an action game. I guess it depends on whether those aspects resonate with you enough to take a chance on the rest.

Also, you should be aware that the PS4 demo and prologue chapter are much more linear and action focused than pretty much all of the full game.
 
So I just started the game and I'm seeing side quests pop up but I can't get to them, are they behind locked doors or I just haven't found the correct paths?

For example there's a ??? between the desert and what I assume to be a mall but I can't reach it, there's a locked door in the mall is that the path?
 
So I just started the game and I'm seeing side quests pop up but I can't get to them, are they behind locked doors or I just haven't found the correct paths?

For example there's a ??? between the desert and what I assume to be a mall but I can't reach it, there's a locked door in the mall is that the path?

Every red dot that pops up on the map should be reachable as soon as it appears. It's just that there are a lot of little hidden paths in this game.

The big red circles on the other hand are sometimes not reachable as soon as they appear.

Locked doors won't matter until you're supposed to open them.
 

Ferrio

Banned
So I just started the game and I'm seeing side quests pop up but I can't get to them, are they behind locked doors or I just haven't found the correct paths?

For example there's a ??? between the desert and what I assume to be a mall but I can't reach it, there's a locked door in the mall is that the path?

The map is also 3D, if you're looking directly down on the map you may not notice that the dots may be way below or above ground.
 
That's what is gonna suck me back in, for sure. Feel very mixed about re-playing OG Nier - I want to experience it again (x 1000 when you get the recreated library/Project Gestalt files in route C/D) but it was a very specific moment for me and I dunno if it will have the same impact. Either way, I'm not getting the fucking seed/plant trophy. Lowest I went was sitting on a boar and leaving my controller on the sofa whilst I went to make a cup of tea for one trophy.
Nier is pretty timeless. I started replaying it earlier this year, and the opening dialogue from Kaine makes me cringe now, but once I actually started playing I was right back in that world.

People talk about Automata's use of music a lot, but Nier set that precedent. The background music is so strong, and the way it captures the essence of the areas and characters therein and builds into future story beats is just sublime.
 

Golnei

Member
It's interesting that you bring up the original's opening monologue making you cringe now, because I was thinking about how that generally still works for me, while 2B's opening lines about killing God still come off as awkward and forced, even knowing
the actual context of her situation, and how the general sentiment fit it completely.
Maybe I can excuse the former due to the very different delivery? There's undoubtedly a nostalgia factor to consider too, but I still think that Kaine's speech is a fun set of lines, whereas 2B's deadpan monologue is going for a different tone that doesn't allow it to fall back on that.
 
It's interesting that you bring up the original's opening monologue making you cringe now, because I was thinking about how that generally still works for me, while 2B's opening lines about killing God still come off as awkward and forced, even knowing
the actual context of her situation, and how the general sentiment fit it completely.
Maybe I can excuse the former due to the very different delivery? There's undoubtedly a nostalgia factor to consider too, but I still think that Kaine's speech is a fun set of lines, whereas 2B's deadpan monologue is going for a different tone that doesn't allow it to fall back on that.
I have a feeling that if I were to hear the lines in their proper context again, I would still love them like I always did. I still appreciate the hell out of that opening, though, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
 

Antiwhippy

the holder of the trombone
Knowing kaine the delivery definitely works for the monologue, though i think 2b's one is pretty fantastic for her situation. Kira buckland does really good work for as much attention kyle mckarley gets.

Without that kaine line at the start you'd honestly think this is your bog standard arpg, with all due respect. At least that line shows there's some curve coming.
 

Golnei

Member
Without that kaine line at the start you'd honestly think this is your bog standard arpg, with all due respect. At least that line shows there's some curve coming.

In hindsight, it was probably due to the opening being edited after the fact from the Japanese version which lacked the line, but the entire monologue playing against a static SQUARE ENIX logo really helped set the tone when I played it for the first time.
 
In hindsight, it was probably due to the opening being edited after the fact from the Japanese version which lacked the line, but the entire monologue playing against a static SQUARE ENIX logo really helped set the tone when I played it for the first time.

Is that true? Such a strange yet perfect decision. I wonder whose idea it was.
 

Kindekuma

Banned
So I finally got back into this game after weeks of not touching it. Persona 5 coming out didn't help either because whenever I was like "Man I should play NieR", I turned my PS4 on and played P5 instead.

Anyway, finally got the A ending. EMOTIONS ARE PROHIBITED (;_;). I hear E route is some crazy shit, so I'll work towards getting that done as well. But now I guess I'll be playing as 9S for a while. Not sure how I feel about the hacking yet.
 

Kvik

Member
Hacking is alright for the most part, but I hated the variant with the constantly moving orange cubes, since I can't help bumping into it at every opportunity.
 
I've just started playing last night and the game is clocking at 10 hours already.

I'm aware that there are lots of endings of the game, and I have questions:

1. which endings should I pursue if I want to get the true Nier Automata experience? (from what I've read I believe it's A, B, and C?)

2. these side quests are starting to get on my nerve (running through the whole map, back and forth, multiple times, really?). So in my 2nd playthrough onward later, will I have to do them again?

3. I've encountered some locked chests. I believe I'll get into them later, but earlier I've also encountered a side quest which requires me to open one. When will I get to open them?
 

LotusHD

Banned
I've just started playing last night and the game is clocking at 10 hours already.

I'm aware that there are lots of endings of the game, and I have questions:

1. which endings should I pursue if I want to get the true Nier Automata experience? (from what I've read I believe it's A, B, and C?)

2. these side quests are starting to get on my nerve (running through the whole map, back and forth, multiple times, really?). So in my 2nd playthrough onward later, will I have to do them again?

3. I've encountered some locked chests. I believe I'll get into them later, but earlier I've also encountered a side quest which requires me to open one. When will I get to open them?

1. A-E are the main routes.

2. If you haven't already, wait to unlock fast travel before doing side quests. In the 2nd playthrough, you only have to redo it if you failed to complete the active ones you had started on time. 2nd playthrough also gives you new side quests as well.

3. There are two kinds of locked chests you could be referring to. One is only able to be opened by 9S once you play as him, the other is only able to be opened through starting the side quest found in the
Forest Kingdom by a robot that is in the area.
 
1. A-E are the main routes.

2. If you haven't already, wait to unlock fast travel before doing side quests. In the 2nd playthrough, you only have to redo it if you failed to complete the active ones you had started on time. 2nd playthrough also gives you new side quests as well.

3. There are two kinds of locked chests you could be referring to. One is only able to be opened by 9S once you play as him, the other is only able to be opened through starting the side quest found in the
Forest Kingdom by a robot that is in the area.

Oh, there is fast travel? Thank god (sorry, 2B).

I've yet to unlock it, I'm about to go into the cave-in after the certain event and boss battle earlier. But unfortunately I've completed most of the side quests, hence it took me 10 hours to get to this point.

What do you mean by
Forest Kingdom, is it the robot village by the amusement park?
 

Golnei

Member
Oh, there is fast travel? Thank god (sorry, 2B).

I've yet to unlock it, I'm about to go into the cave-in after the certain event and boss battle earlier. But unfortunately I've completed most of the side quests, hence it took me 10 hours to get to this point.

What do you mean by
Forest Kingdom, is it the robot village by the amusement park?

You're just about to get fast travel after completing the current area. As for the
Forest Kingdom
, you'll get access to it as the story progresses.
 

EdmondD

Member
Finally got my Emil pillow



Looks great, but the filling is a bit weird. It feels like very soft sand.

Not sure if i want to unpack it tho lol

That's awesome. I'm jealous of all your Nier swag. Make sure you punch that pillow everyday to truly simulate those tragic Emil feels.
 

Weebos

Banned
NieR: Automata is a bit more RPG mixed with Bullethell mechanics, but if you can't stand Bayonetta 2 and the likes at all, you most probably won't enjoy the gameplay of this game either.

The game got amazing story and characters, but i doubt you're gonna want to slog through a game you don't enjoy just for those elements, especially given the fact that the game takes quite some time to really get going in that regard.

It's definitely nothing like Platinum's action games - though the melee combat uses the same foundations as Bayonetta, the addition of reasonably comprehensive ability customisation, projectiles and Pod programs (essentially spells) - along with the automation of the basic attack inputs - leads to it playing completely differently. But even if you do continue to be bored by it, I'd advise against writing off the game entirely, as the melee combat is a pretty small part of the game's overall appeal - even just talking about the central combat loop, you'll be spending about equal time in twin-stick shooter or side-scrolling sections, and the flexible difficulty system allows you to completely automate combat if a particular section is a slog.

Regardless, the vast majority of the appeal of the game comes from the narrative, characters and music; which are completely different in style from the games that are usually identified with Platinum. It's very much a regular ARPG that has some of their influence in the combat system, not an action game. I guess it depends on whether those aspects resonate with you enough to take a chance on the rest.

Also, you should be aware that the PS4 demo and prologue chapter are much more linear and action focused than pretty much all of the full game.

Thanks for the opinions, didn't realize there was a demo. I'll give the demo a try if I ever see the game on sale.
 

jett

D-Member
I cannot imagine finding Bayonetta's gameplay boring. I cannot imagine what would that dude make of the combat in NierA, which is slower, simpler, and easier all around. :p
 

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
Man the beginning of the C route is fucking rough. I got through the...encounters just fine, but then I got to that one special one and I just can't survive long enough
 
Okay, I need to figure out fishing once and for all.

Sometimes the pod never sinks under the water but you get a catch anyway. How are you supposed to know when to reel in if it never sinks?

I also plan to finish arcade mode to the end. Somehow, the first 15 or so simple ones are the hardest to get through unscathed.
 

J_Viper

Member
I'm struggling to stay awake during
9S' portions
of Route C. I'm on the third energy resource tower and I just can't do it anymore.

The story still has me interested, but man I am done with this gameplay. The hacking mini-game was cute the first time, but after what seems like a hundred of those, I never want to see them again.

The ending to C better be some good shit.
 

tjlee2

Neo Member
About 15 hours in on Route A. The pacing for the story so far is kind of weird.
Progression from one segment to another feels disjointed, starting with fetch quest between Anemone and Pascal, leading to goliath in city and crater to alien ship. I think it's in part due to there really being no direction to which the characters are focused on and they are kind of running around aimlessly
. I feel like that didn't progress quite that smoothly as it could have.

As far as gameplay goes, I'm enjoying it a lot. The combat isn't predicated on 1v1
(which might be detrimental to boss fights, as so far it's been fairly blend. However, most up to this point are to serve as introduction so it's too early to judge)
, and the most fun engagements are when there is a lot of chaos. Crowd control and general awareness is more important than optimized combo on a single target. Difficulty(as assessed by enemy level) is kind of variable at the moment, which somewhat contributes to the previously mentioned problem as well
(Specifically, having a lvl15 fight in amusement park followed by a lvl5 or 6 in the city after)
. It is also just a lot of fun to run around. The amount of freedom in movement makes traveling enjoyable. My only complaint is sliding on sand being way to sensitive to trigger, but that's hardly a major issue. I also like that some side quests add pieces of details to backgrounds that adds to the main story.

I'm hoping that the story's pacing will improve a bit, but other than that this is a fairly enjoyable experience thus far.
 
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