Some games come and go without leaving much of a mark. Then there are the rare few that carve their place in gaming history – the ones that stay with you long after the credits roll. NieR: Automata is one of those. Scoring an astonishing 19 out of 20 and an 88 on Metacritic, this action RPG from PlatinumGames has been hailed as a masterpiece since its release in 2017. And now, it's the complete Game of the YoRHa Edition, available for under 16 euros on PS5 – an unmissable deal for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced it.
When machines rule the Earth
Set in a far future where humanity has fled to the Moon, NieR: Automata throws you into a hauntingly beautiful world overrun by alien machines. You play as a trio of androids – 2B, 9S, and A2 – sent to reclaim Earth for humankind. What begins as a straightforward war between humans and machines slowly turns into something much more layered: a meditation on purpose, consciousness, and the meaning of existence.
One of the game’s great strengths lies in its multi-perspective storytelling. You don’t just finish the story once – you revisit it, each time through new eyes, each time with fresh understanding. It’s the kind of narrative design that makes you pause mid-battle and wonder who the real ‘enemy’ is.
A combat system that feels alive
Gameplay-wise, NieR: Automata is pure kinetic poetry. PlatinumGames – the studio behind Bayonetta – delivers a combat system that’s fast, fluid and endlessly satisfying. One moment you’re slicing through mechanical foes in elegant slow motion, the next you’re dodging a storm of bullets in a top-down shoot ’em up sequence. The game shifts perspectives so seamlessly you barely notice the transition – it just feels natural.
There’s a deep customisation system, too. Your androids can equip chips that alter everything from attack patterns to defensive skills, allowing you to shape your playstyle to perfection. Whether you favour all-out aggression or tactical precision, the game rewards mastery and experimentation in equal measure.
A world that lingers in your memory
Beyond its mechanics, what truly elevates NieR: Automata is its atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by Keiichi Okabe, is nothing short of extraordinary – ethereal vocals and orchestral swells that breathe emotion into every encounter. Combine that with the striking visual design – a world at once desolate and full of life – and you’ve got a game that’s less about conquest and more about contemplation.
It’s the kind of experience that lingers. You’ll remember the lonely cityscapes, the eerie calm after battle, and the melancholy beauty of a world that seems to ask whether life without meaning can still be beautiful.
Why it’s worth rediscovering
When NieR: Automata first arrived, critics and players alike were unanimous: this was something special. Even years later, few titles have matched its blend of action, philosophy, and artistry. Its writing, guided by creator Yoko Taro, manages to be deeply emotional without losing accessibility—a rare balance in storytelling.
Now that it’s available for less than the price of a takeaway, there’s never been a better time to dive in (or replay it). For under 16 euros, you’re not just buying a game – you’re stepping into an experience that challenges, surprises, and moves you.
In a market full of sequels and safe bets, NieR: Automata remains proof that games can still be profound. And if you’ve yet to take up your sword as 2B, this might be the perfect moment to see why this cult classic still stands tall among the greats.
