Confession time: I never played NieR. It’s a game I heard about in passing a few times over the years. I know the franchise has its cult following, and I know it’s not your typical title.
I also know NieR was directed by Taro Yoko, a Japanese developer with a penchant for always wearing a mask like this.
Seriously. That’s him at an E3 press conference hosted by Square Enix.
So, why in the world would I have been excited to check out the newly released NieR: Automata demo on the PlayStation 4? Two reasons, really. First, it’s free. Free things are wonderful. I love the idea of free demos for consumers, so I download and play nearly all of them in order to show my support.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, NieR: Automata is being developed by Platinum Games. Is there a Japanese studio better at making action titles right now? I’m not sure. Bayonetta, Vanquish, Transformers Devastation, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. You get the point. This studio has a penchant for making incredible action games.
Are they always deep and meaningful? Certainly not. Platinum does know how to make a fast, rewarding, easy to play, tough to master action-RPG experience. That’s what I’m looking for, and that’s what’s offered up in NieR: Automata.
The demo checks in at around 30 minutes to play through. You’ll fill the role of 2B, an android sent on a mission to disable a potentially massive weapon somewhere in a factory. You have limited access to weapons and techniques. That’s really about it.
The demo itself absolutely sings on the launch PS4. It easily maintains a 60fps experience throughout, and it’s a blast.
Right now? I’m sold. NieR: Automata has earned another customer, and I’ll be checking out the game when it launches on March 7, 2017, on the PS4.
Download the demo. Do it. You’ll like it. IGN captured their run through the demo, too, so check that out below.
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