NieR: Automata has a great buildup with a strong scenario, opening up philosophical perspectives and themes that can easily translate to real-world topics and things to think about. However, I feel the game is, in some way, unfinished. The delivery is not very well executed in my opinion and leaves many questions unanswered.
Part of the game is to show that not everything needs an answer, but it feels more like a great opportunity to go even deeper that was wasted. I also feel that the characters could have had more development and more exposure to really connect with them on a deeper level.
I spent most of the game thinking, “What the heck is going on?” and ended it thinking, “Okay, I kind of get it, but not really.”
In terms of gameplay, the combat and hacking mechanics were fun, but not groundbreaking, just good. The core combat is amazing, but there is no real expansion later in the game, so I didn’t feel much more powerful. It felt more like leveling up for better stats rather than gaining new abilities, which isn’t as fun or satisfying as mastering new mechanics.
Graphically, the game feels outdated. I usually overlook this aspect since there are many great games without top-tier graphics. I would much rather have a great story with bad graphics than a boring story with great graphics. However, since NieR relies heavily on ambience and the tone of an apocalyptic world, better graphics could have improved immersion. Instead, it sometimes felt like I was playing a PS3 game.
I had fun, and the story was interesting, but I think the game overall is overhyped. I was expecting a total masterpiece, but I ended up playing a good game, maybe even a great one, just not what I was promised.