You know, it’s actually kind of crazy to me that’s already been about two whole years since I was first introduced to Nier: Automata. It’s been on my replay list ever since I finished it the first time, and I kind of can’t believe I wasn’t able to work my way back around to it until now. Yet, this is indeed the state of things. It took way too long, but I’m nonetheless glad to have made it back.

Revisiting Nier: Automata after all this time has been an interesting experience. I still remember the broad strokes, but I’m kind of stunned that I forgot so much about this game. Things like how good the combat feels, how it’ll sometimes quickly switch from one gameplay style to another, how heavy the story’s events and themes weigh on you as a player. It’s been a lot to take in, and I’m still loving it for the most part. There are a few drawbacks though.

I’m finding myself a little bit more impatient than I was the first time around. Since I know what the stories broad strokes are already, I’m not as interested in the intermediary periods between plot points. I’m still having fun, but I often catch myself thinking “I can’t wait to get to that one part!” even while fully engaged in combat or something. I try to keep myself grounded in the moment, but the desire to experience future story elements keeps manifesting itself. This has kind of put something of a damper on things overall.

Something that has been pretty fun though is exploring all of the different “endings” the game has to offer. These largely function as jokes that exist outside the official story line, and I’ve been doing my best to keep track of them this time around since I only saw a handful of the full count of 26 in my first playthrough. The results have been interesting to say the least, and it has me thinking that this version of the world is much more hostile (and more silly) than the world as seen only along the normal story path. If you haven’t played the game or sought these endings out yet, I highly recommend doing so.

For the most part, I’m glad that I’m playing Nier: Automata again. The initial magic of discovery is gone of course (as with return visits to any game) and the impatience left in its absence is annoying, but it’s still a fun an exciting game wit plenty left to offer. It also helps that there’s some combat-oriented DLC available now, so I’ll hopefully get plenty of enjoyment out of the return visit. For those who haven’t gotten around to trying Nier: Automata yet, I can’t recommend the game enough. Its action is fun and easy to understand, it’s alternative gameplay styles keep things feeling fresh, and the story runs the gamut from dark and depressing to hopeful and optimistic. It’s an experience that’ll stick with you for a very long time should you decide to give it a try.

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What do you think of Nier: Automata? Have you tried it yet? If not, have you had a similar experience with another game?

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