Platinum Games’ NieR: Automata was a total blockbuster hit when it was released on the PS4 and PC via Steam last year. Its cryptic storyline, characters, setting, and especially its empowering gameplay made NieR: Automata an unforgettable gem . A year following its release, Square Enix has finally decided to bring the game on the Xbox One, giving a chance for Xbox One owners to experience what the game is really about. With my second playthrough of the game, I then realized something – NieR: Automata is really a great game and it’s easily one of the games Xbox One owners should definitely buy and play.
[Editor’s Note: Feel free to check out our original and detailed review of NieR: Automata back when it was released on the PS4 last year.
For those who never played NieR: Automata, the game takes place in the distant desolate future where humanity has been pushed back and alien invaders threaten to destroy everything humanity has worked for. To stop their forces, androids by an organization called YorHa was created to join the fight and push back the invaders. Having a base of operation in the Moon, androids must formulate a plan to stop the invaders once and for all.
The Xbox One version of NieR: Automata is the same version that Square Enix released on the PS4 and PC. Nothing has changed when it comes to the content but the DLC released for the game last year is included in the game. In other words, what Xbox One players are getting is the definite package of the game where all of the previously released content is all here.
Gameplay-wise, NieR: Automata on the Xbox One remains the same. It’s still one of the best action games on top of Bayonetta that Platinum Games has released. Throughout the lengthy playthrough of NieR: Automata, players will be switching from side scrolling shooter, vertical shooter, to your typical hack and slash game where there is depth to each action performed by its main character 2B. Fans of Platinum Games who are looking for flashy combos, they will not find it here as 2B only performs somewhat basic ones but deadly finishing moves.
As far as story goes, it may be bland at first but as you go deeper into the worlds that 2B and 9B will be traversing, there are a lot of mysteries that present themselves, with some unexpected answers. There are branching paths that also explain more about the enemy and other such things. Pretty much, the world of NieR: Automata isn’t all about having a happy ending. It’s actually grim and the endings that you get to see won’t always be a happy one.
Compared to the PS4 Pro version, NieR: Automata runs perfect on the Xbox One X. While the Xbox One X version doesn’t really provide true 4K resolution, the game however still provides smooth gameplay capping at 60 frames per second. I didn’t notice any slowdowns in my playthrough and I found the Xbox One X version to have a clearer image over the PS4 Pro version, which is not surprising. Also, the stuttering that I noticed on the PS4 Pro version is gone on the Xbox One X version.
Sadly, we didn’t test the game on the regular Xbox One S or the original Xbox One. While the older model Xbox Ones won’t have the same performance as the one on the Xbox One X, the game still looks phenomenal, especially with its well drawn character models, and environments that really depict a post-apocalyptic world. Whether you are playing on the X or the regular Xbox One, I suggest to search every nook and cranny as there are a lot of secrets to uncover in the game.
Verdict
NieR: Automata Become as Gods Edition is the definitive version, especially for those with an Xbox One X. The strong combat system makes for a fun experience, one that is enhanced by multiple endings of varying amounts of importance. Combine this with a complete adventure, one that includes the expansion, and it makes for a solid offering. Sure, it might not be on par with previous titles, such as Bayonetta or Vanquish, nut NieR: Automata still proves to be one of the best action games of this generation.
[Editor’s Note: NieR: Automata Become as Gods Edition was reviewed on the Xbox One X platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher.]
