Overview
NieR: Automata is an action-RPG developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, released in 2017. It is directed by Yoko Taro and follows on from NieR, in the same universe.
Story and world
In the distant future, Earth has been invaded by machines from elsewhere, and what remains of humanity has taken refuge on the Moon. To take back the planet, humans send combat androids, among them 2B and 9S, members of the YoRHa unit, whom you follow on their missions.
It is a game that only truly makes sense once you have finished several endings: the first ending is just a step, and you need to start the game again to discover what comes next. It constantly plays with the conventions of the medium.
Gameplay
The action is by PlatinumGames, the studio behind Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising, and it is snappy. The game also keeps switching up the way it is played: you go from 3D exploration to side-on or top-down sections, or to shoot 'em up sequences.
Graphics and music
The soundtrack, composed by Keiichi Okabe and his studio MONACA, is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard.
Verdict
NieR: Automata is a game you have to see through several endings before it reveals itself, carried by PlatinumGames' snappy action and an exceptional soundtrack.