NieR: Automata

The main pros of the game

• Deep and Emotional Story: Many players highlight the game's profound narrative, exploring themes of existence, free will, and the human experience, which resonates deeply and evokes strong emotions.
• Incredible Soundtrack: The music is frequently praised as one of the best aspects of the game, enhancing the overall experience and atmosphere.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The game offers a blend of hack-and-slash combat with various gameplay styles, including bullet hell elements, which keeps the gameplay engaging.
• Rich World-Building: The game's setting in a post-apocalyptic world is described as beautifully crafted, with a lot of detail that draws players in.
• Character Design and Development: Players appreciate the complexity and development of characters, particularly the main androids, which adds depth to the story.

The main cons of the game

• Repetitive Gameplay: Some users find certain aspects, such as the routes and side quests, to be repetitive or tedious, with some routes feeling like a retread of previous gameplay.
• Camera and Control Issues: Several reviews mention frustrations with camera control, especially during combat, and the overall responsiveness of controls, particularly when using a keyboard and mouse.
• Backtracking: Players have noted that the game relies heavily on backtracking, which can detract from the overall enjoyment and pacing.
• Tutorial Design: The tutorial has been criticized for being unhelpful and punishing, as dying during it forces players to restart the entire tutorial.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved Map and Navigation: Users expressed a desire for a more detailed map and navigation system to help orient themselves better in the game world.
• Less Repetitive Side Quests: There are calls for more varied and meaningful side quests, as many are perceived as simple fetch tasks that do not add significant value to the experience.
• Enhanced Graphics: Some players noted that the graphics feel dated compared to more recent titles, suggesting a desire for a graphical update or remaster.
• More Diverse Gameplay Options: While the gameplay is praised, some players wish for more depth and variety in combat mechanics to sustain interest throughout the game.

Summary

• Overall, NieR: Automata is celebrated as a masterpiece with a powerful story and emotional depth, though it has its share of gameplay and design critiques that some players feel could be improved.

Summary generated on: October 8, 2025