I'll start off by clarifying the fact that I came at this game as a Platinum Games fan, but an even larger Yoko Taro/Nier fan. And allow me be another to say, Nier: Automata is another incredible title to be contained within the archives of both Taro and Platinum. I begin by saying this because this game is stunningly apt sumation of what occurs when industry gameplay gods like Nier:Potato's developer, and literary intellects like Taro amalgamate their talents. Platinum has finally given Taro's universe the life, respect and most importantly, fun it deserves.

The fun in Nier: Tomato, commences the moment you read the title and continues till far after you've beaten the game countless times, collecting all 26 unique endings. Mechanically, Platinum comes as hard hitting as usual, offering sometimes challenging, visually stunning, and always engaging gameplay. Even smashing low level machines to bits in a single stroke or stab remains as sadistically satisfying up until you rest your hands from keyboard. Furthermore, the game is far less mind-numbingly grindy like its predecessor (I remember spending literal weeks farming a specific item for an achievement.) Which frees your time and attention toward a more genuine enjoyment of the game and its components.

Graphically, Nier:Onomatopoeia is little above average for "The current year." What helps amplify the aesthetics of the game, is exactly that aesthetics. Atmosphere helps drive the realism of the setting through an amazing soundtrack and a simple-to-follow planogram for the Open World.

What truly had me gripped beyond anything my first playthrough had to offer was of course, Taro's work. This game will ellicit all sorts of emotion from a player, mostly focussed on a comedic/abstract approach to literary themes. Theres a lot of sadness in Taros world, however, the sadness is blanketed by a relative apathy, not dissimilar to themes of entertainers like Bill Hicks or George Carlin, though different in sophistication.

With retrospect, Nier's latest addition is absolutely stunning, and I will continue to have lots of fun, likely collecting all endings and such. I would highly recommend it to any fan of Taro or Platinum, undoubtedly, but further, anyone who is looking for an extremely sound action adventure, with an engaging and fun story behind it.

9/10

I'll start off by clarifying the fact that I came at this game as a Platinum Games fan, but an even larger Yoko Taro/Nier fan. And allow me be another to say, Nier: Automata is another incredible title to be contained within the archives of both Taro and Platinum. I begin by saying this because this game is stunningly apt sumation of what occurs when industry gameplay gods like Nier:Potato's developer, and literary intellects like Taro amalgamate their talents. Platinum has finally given Taro's universe the life, respect and most importantly, fun it deserves. The fun in Nier: Tomato, commences the moment you read the title and continues till far after you've beaten the game countless times, collecting all 26 unique endings. Mechanically, Platinum comes as hard hitting as usual, offering sometimes challenging, visually stunning, and always engaging gameplay. Even smashing low level machines to bits in a single stroke or stab remains as sadistically satisfying up until you rest your hands from keyboard. Furthermore, the game is far less mind-numbingly grindy like its predecessor (I remember spending literal weeks farming a specific item for an achievement.) Which frees your time and attention toward a more genuine enjoyment of the game and its components. Graphically, Nier:Onomatopoeia is little above average for "The current year." What helps amplify the aesthetics of the game, is exactly that aesthetics. Atmosphere helps drive the realism of the setting through an amazing soundtrack and a simple-to-follow planogram for the Open World. What truly had me gripped beyond anything my first playthrough had to offer was of course, Taro's work. This game will ellicit all sorts of emotion from a player, mostly focussed on a comedic/abstract approach to literary themes. Theres a lot of sadness in Taros world, however, the sadness is blanketed by a relative apathy, not dissimilar to themes of entertainers like Bill Hicks or George Carlin, though different in sophistication. With retrospect, Nier's latest addition is absolutely stunning, and I will continue to have lots of fun, likely collecting all endings and such. I would highly recommend it to any fan of Taro or Platinum, undoubtedly, but further, anyone who is looking for an extremely sound action adventure, with an engaging and fun story behind it. 9/10