Nier Automata Info Compilation - Everything You Need to Know

It’s going on seven years since Square Enix introduced the video game world to Nier, a melancholic oddity that toyed with expectations through cryptic, often bizarre storytelling and multiple endings. Hatched as a spinoff to Square’s fantastical Drakengard series, the action RPG eventually spawned a cult following, and that fanbase has long voiced its desire for a full-blown sequel.

Turns out those prayers have been answered in the form of Nier: Automata, a current-gen follow-up coming by way of PlatinumGames. Bayonetta 2 notwithstanding, it’s fair to say the developer hasn’t been firing on all cylinders of late, and the cancellation of Scalebound was enough to leave Xbox One owners (and PC players, too) lamenting what could have been. When it comes to Automata, Platinum has committed to delivering a sequel worthy of the Nier title.

So, you’re ready to take a deep dive into Platinum’s proxy war? Not so fast! In anticipation of its NA launch on March 7, we’ve scoured the four corners of the internet — and the PSLS archives — to compile all the necessary information you could ever need pertaining to the studio’s über-stylish RPG.

Following its Japanese debut on February 23, Nier: Automata will make a beeline for North America (March 7) and Europe (March 10). But do you plan on picking up Platinum’s sequel at launch? Or will you gravitate more towards Horizon Zero Dawn? Let us know.

Essential Reading:

Nier: Automata info dump

Everything You Need to Know

For Nier fans, Automata has been a long time coming. But Platinum’s sequel is almost upon us and rest assured, we’ve covered all bases ahead of its NA launch on March 7 (March 10 for Europe).
What is Nier: Automata?

Nier: Automata (or NieR: Automata) is the follow-up to Square Enix’s underrated RPG gem. It’ll pick up the story strands from the game’s fourth ending (more on that later) and is considered a spinoff of the core Drakengard series.

Production began in earnest two years ago and now, Automata is on the verge of its international launch.
What’s the Story?

Earth has fallen, and with the remnants of humanity now housed up on the moon, a fleet of android soldiers known as the YoRHa unit -- one headed up by protagonist 2B -- is dispatched onto the field to do battle with those pesky mechanical organisms.

Here's the official logline:

"Invaders from another world attack without warning - unleashing the machine lifeforms. To break the deadlock, a new breed of android infantry is sent into the fray: the YoRHa squad. NieR: Automata is a fresh take on the action role-playing game (RPG) genre that gracefully blends mesmerising action with a captivating story."
A World in Ruins

Said to take place around the year 12,000, Nier: Automata promises a captivating story set within a largely uninhabited world. But there's beauty to be found in this apocalypse.

Here's what Square Enix Marketing Lead Francis Santos had to share:

“The world is in ruins, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden caches strewn across the harsh, dystopian landscapes. The game is open world, and with double jumps, mid-air dashes, and super speed, 2B can reach heights and treasures that no mere human ever could.

“Mankind has fled to the moon… but life is not completely gone. Yes, don’t forget about the wildlife that inhabits Earth! Using special items to lure them, you can mount creatures to traverse the world and even attack your foes until they’re scrap metal.”
How Does it Play?

It's a third-person action RPG in which you control a battle-ready, emotionless android called 2B.
Almost Titled Nier: Android

According to Game Director Taro Yoko, Platinum almost settled on the title Nier: Android, before ultimately changing the subtitle to Automata.

"Because it’s a story about androids, I wanted to call it Nier: Android. Obviously Google’s for the trademark [on Android] and we were worried about it. There was no title fixed by the time E3 came, so we had to do the presentation without."
How Long is Nier: Automata?

Depending on your playstyle, Series Director Yoko Taro estimates Automata lasts for around 25 hours in total, while completionists can take anywhere between 55 to 60 hours to discover all of the various nooks and crannies.
Gone Gold “Long Ago”

Turns out Nier: Automata has been in the can for a while, after producer Yosuke Saito noted that the action RPG went gold “long ago.” It’s officially locked in for launch across February 23 in Japan, March 7 in North America, and March 10 in Europe for PlayStation 4.
Glory to Mankind

Here, you'll get an extended look at 2B, 9S and A2 in action, along with “their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.”
A Taste of What’s to Come

In anticipation of release, you’ll be able to find a demo build of Nier: Automata on PlayStation Store (North America, Europe). At roughly 4.5GB in size, it’ll chronicle the story of androids 2B and 9S as "they try to reclaim a machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machine lifeforms."
PS4 Pro Vs. Standard PS4

Curious to know the major differences between Nier on PS4 and Pro? Allow Square Enix to clue you in:

"If you’re a PS4 Pro owner, NieR: Automata will run at 1080p/60fps, complete with improved lighting & shadows. On a standard PS4, it will run at 900p/60fps."
Extended Gameplay Demo

In the latest episode of PlayStation Underground, the folks over at PlayStation Blog sat down with members of Square Enix to present a 29-minute demo of Nier: Automata.
Even More Gameplay
Because sometimes a 29-minute long demo isn't enough, there's also an extended gameplay video that spotlights Nier: Automata's many features.

Here's an overview:
- 11:54 to 23:10 – Demo Gameplay
- 24:17 to 34:22 – Sub-Quest and Bug Explanation
- 35:53 to 50:44 – Plug-In Chip Explanation
- 50:44 to 58:04 – Collaboration Weapons Gameplay
Platinum Doubles Down on Quality

In light of Scalebound's cancellation back in January, Platinum released an official statement in which the developer doubled down on its commitment to "high-quality games."

"Going forward, we will strive to continue delivering high-quality games to you, starting with NieR:Automata in March, and including products like GRANBLUE FANTASY Project Re:Link and LOST ORDER [both only confirmed for Japan so far] in the future.

"We will keep working hard to meet your expectations and we look forward to your continued support!"
Quirky to the Core

Maintaining the quirky spirit of the original, Square has fully embraced Nier: Automata's status as a genre oddity, as evidenced by the recent pre-order video.
Cheeky Controversy

Following the launch of January's demo, Yoko Taro tackled the recent 'butt' controversy surrounding the character of 2B. As it happens, it turns out the image in question was Photoshopped, leading Taro to claim that:

"Due to the 2B butt controversy, many outrageous drawings are being made. Collecting them to share individually is a pain. It would be great if we can group them together to make it easier to distribute them every week."
A Delightful Soundtrack

If you played the original Nier, you'll be pleased to hear that Emi Evans and composer Keiichi Okabe are joining forces once again for Automata's soundtrack.

You can get an early sample of that haunting score here.
Nier Remaster Not Off the Table

Can Automata generate enough interest in a PS4 port of the original Nier? It's not off the table, it seems, with Producer Yosuke Saito noting that “there is a very high possibility if Nier: Automata sells like hotcakes, yes.”
PC Port Inbound; Xbox One Up For Question

Despite the original Nier launching fro Xbox 360 back in 2010, so far Automata remains exclusive to PS4 and PC. When quizzed about why this is, Producer Yosuke Saito noted:

“The main reason for this is that the Japanese market for Xbox One is not strong, so the decision was made to focus on PlayStation 4 rather than to split our efforts across two platforms. The biggest benefit to developing on one platform is that we did not have to split our time, allowing us to focus more on the quality. It is not about whether one platform is better than the other, it’s that from a development point of view were can devote more time to one platform.”
Trophy List

In anticipation of Automata's launch, Exophase has uncovered the RPG's official Trophy list, which you can find through here.

News of Nier's accolades came hand-in-hand with a new gameplay trailer, one designed to spotlight weapon types, combo system, and battle mechanics.

“The game will feature four weapon types available to protagonist 2B (small swords, large swords, spears and combat bracers) that can be switched mid-combo to maximize 2B’s range of abilities and effectiveness. Players can also unlock a diverse arsenal of weapons and upgrades to the player’s Pod support system to enhance their gameplay.”
Going Broke, the JRPG Edition

In previewing the current slate of JRPGs, our own Cameron Teague pinpointed the many Japanese role-playing games set to reduce his wallet to a dusty old husk. Nier: Automata was once such JRPG that made the cut.
Black Box Edition
Priced at $189.99, Automata's Black Box edition comes packing the following odds and ends:
- A sleek black Collector’s Edition box housing the below exclusive content.
- The Nier: Automata game.
- Exquisitely crafted YoRHa “2B” Figurine.
- Hardback 64-page artbook detailing the stunning artwork and illustrations from the game.
- Exclusive steelbook case featuring artwork from renowned Akihiko Yoshida (Final Fantasy XIV / Bravely Default).
- Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack containing 13 live recorded songs from Nier and Nier: Automata, composed by veteran Keiichi Okabe from Monaca, Inc. (Tekken / Drakengard / Nier).
- All Day One Edition digital content, including: Machine Mask Accessory, Grimoire Weiss Pod, Play System Pod Skin, Retro Grey Pod Skin, Retro Red Pod Skin, and Cardboard Pod Skin.
Day One Edition
Bundling together six pieces of exclusive digital content, Nier: Automata's Day One Edition ($59.99) includes:
- The Nier: Automata game.
- Six pieces of exclusive digital content, including: Machine Mask Accessory, Grimoire Weiss Pod, Play System Pod Skin, Retro Grey Pod Skin, Retro Red Pod Skin, and Cardboard Pod Skin
Our Review

No word yet on when Automata's review embargo lifts, but we'll update this gallery if and when Square Enix nails down a concrete date.