The Beautifully Intertwining Layers of Nier: Automata | A Story Analysis | JCG
17Nier: Automata's story is unique, not soley because of its character and setting, but rather because of the way the story is structured. It invites players to enter the world of Nier: Automata one route at a time, using each character’s perspective to explore different themes that, while shared between playthroughs, are very distinctive based on the character. To what extent can each playthrough build up Automata's layers? Let's discuss why this is the structure that makes the game so memorable.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
3:45 - Automata's Context
5:44 - The Warring Android (Route A)
10:10 - Route A Is Only An Introduction
17:23 - The Dark Side of YorHa
22:57 - The Curious Android (Route B)
27:02 - How Route B Tells Its Story Differently
36:18 - Understanding The Machine Psyche Through 9S
41:55 - Leading Into Route C / D
45:20 - The Jaded Android(s) (Route C/D)
54:20 - A2 and the Machines
01:01:49 - 9S and Nihilism
1:08:55 - Ending C and D
01:12:39 - The Meaning Of It All (Ending E)
Game Information:
Nier: Automata is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. It is a sequel to Nier (2010), itself a spin-off of and sequel to the Drakengard series. Nier: Automata was originally released for the PlayStation 4 and Windows via Steam. It was ported to Xbox One in June 2018, and Nintendo Switch in October 2022.
Nier: Automata is set during a proxy war between alien-created Machines and human-crafted androids, focusing on the actions of combat android 2B, scanner android 9S, and rogue prototype A2. The story requires multiple playthroughs, with each playthrough revealing new story elements. The gameplay combines role-playing elements with action-based hack-and-slash combat. It also includes gameplay from other video game genres, with elements varying from shoot 'em up to text adventure.
Nier: Automata was announced at E3 2015; it received stage plays and novels expanding its narrative, and both downloadable content (DLC) and crossovers with other games. Critics praised the game's story, themes, gameplay, music and characters but gave criticism for some visual and technical problems. The PC release drew a mixed response due to technical issues that were not officially addressed until 2021. Sales surpassed expectations and as of December 2024, the game had sold over nine million copies worldwide.
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