Buy NieR: Automata Created by eccentric director Yoko Taro, Drakengard and its spinoff Nier are greater than the sum of their parts. The strange world and characters carry gameplay that varies from bad to average. Perhaps that is why Nier: Automata works as well as it does.

A hallmark of excellence. It may have some flaws, but they are negligible to what is otherwise a supreme title.

While I strongly feel it was a crime both NieR and Drakengard 3 were grossly overlooked by the media and blatantly judged only by their flaws, it was about time Yoko Taro's genius got the deserving attention and praise in the form of NieR: Automata .

When NieR released in 2010, it was an odd mashup of RPG, action, and bullet hell. While it did a lot of things right, and the story was interesting enough to capture your attention, there seemed to be something missing.

Fluid twitch action combat; Lots of playstyle customization; Beautiful soundtrack

Some frame-rate hitches; Camera and controls need adjusting

On paper, it's surprising that NieR Automata even exists. The original game didn't really sell that well and only became a critical darling after its release. Its bizarre concepts didn't really feel like they would lend themselves well to a sequel.

NeiR: Automata has a high risk of being looked over just because of all the other large titles that came through early on this year. However, if you find yourself with any breaks, or if you're a fan of a great action game with polished combat, make sure not to overlook Automata .

After a few stumbles with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Fox Zero , it seems joining up with Square Enix and the eccentric director Yoko Taro ( Nier , Drakengard series) has ignited a return to form for Platinum Games.

The original NieR was one that seemed impossible to ever get a sequel to, with it's niche design and lukewarm reception seeming to spell the end for the Drakengard spin-off. However, here we are seven years later with a continuation, with director Yoko Taro teaming up with PlatinumGames to give the...

A fantastic mix of explosive action and thoughtful storytelling, that results in one of the most unpredictable and ambitious action role-players of the modern era.

Classic Platinum action combined with a deep role-playing system filled with customisation options; Excellent script manages to approach big subjects with surprising subtlety; Great music

Role-playing fans may not take easily to the action elements; Weak voice-acting and dull side quests

The story of Nier: Automata takes place thousands of years after the events of Nier . Humanity has fled to the moon after aliens and their machine army invaded and took over Earth.

Amazing combat; Great story; Beautiful aesthetics

Storytelling style may be jarring for newcomers