It was about time that NieR: Automata showed up on the Switch. After being released on everything else, it’s just in time for the anime series to show up. Automata exists in a strange space, it’s a sequel to a game where the biggest conversation around it at the time was that the protagonist in the original NieR was redesigned for western audiences and made all buff and ‘manly’. On top of that NieR is a spin-off from another series from the PS2/PS3 era. Never fear though, NieR:Automata doesn’t require the original game to be enjoyable, so come join me as I jump into this franchise blindfolded ready to see if the wait has been worth it.

NieR: Automata is a story centred around androids 2B and 9S, designed to fight the alien robot invaders while humanity is hiding out on the moon. On Earth you’ll join the resistance, exploring the post-apocalyptic remains of a world long since abandoned by humanity. There is so much to discuss about the androids’ journey, while also being very mindful that it won’t just be long-term fans going for a portable Automata. 

I do want to discuss about how good the music is throughout, with an eclectic soundtrack where I wouldn’t mind running around and backtracking at times because the areas theme is just that good. I didn’t expect so much singing throughout the overworld and the area specific tunes, but it all works so well. Standouts for me being the music for the Machine Village and Emil’s song.

I am intentionally leaving out a fair chunk of the full scale of this game for those who haven’t yet experienced the story, while wanting to annoyingly indicate that there is much more to the story and the main characters within it. While the game is about 5 years old at this point, the way NieR plays is still refreshing and newcomers are in for a treat. The game invites multiple playthroughs, and to see the full scale of the story you’ll want to/have to. The world varies so much - from the desolation of the desert, to the peacefulness of the city overrun by nature, to the amusement parks’ colourful lights and inhabitants and lush forest kingdom. In the wide open areas the game world appears vast, however the different areas connect in a way where there is usually a shortcut to get back to another section. If I had to have an issue with the game, it would be that in the earlier hours before fast travel is unlocked some of that backtracking is still a slog, especially as you’re getting your bearings.

While a lot of the messing with players' expectations is entertaining and worth the praise it’s gotten over the years, there is at least one which is more of an annoyance. It risks leaving you feeling sour towards the game from the start. One of NieR’s (less serious) multiple endings comes at you during the first mission, while the game purposefully holds back on letting you save. This can bite if you die during the boss of this part. Prepare to play the entire mission all over again, cutscene and all.  All in all it’s a minor issue, and it only sets you back as long as you linger around that intro. Otherwise, it’s easy to get caught up in the leaps between game styles and the big twists and the quiet contemplation about humanity, machines and the very distant future. It manages to casually stroll around dishing out revelations from early on and continue until the game is just flipping over tables. 

To experience the story 2B and 9S have a lot of fighting to do, how else will you deal with all these robots! The fluid and frenetic combat screams Platinum Games as you quickly unleash a torrent of combos on your enemies. If you’ve played Bayonetta you’ll feel right at home with the combat. Linking light and heavy attacks, swiftly dodging and activating a witch time-esque slow down as you rain down gunfire from your Pod that hovers around you. You can easily switch between two weapon sets, meaning you can easily get around lethally lithe finesse or big and brutal with oversized axes that devastate when they hit. 

Given it’s been a while since the original game came out, the big question regarding a Switch port is of course; how does it run? And while it shouldn’t surprise much that a PS4/Xbox One-era game can run just fine, NieR: Automata has had a bumpy history with performance previously. Don’t expect the game to be running at super high resolutions, it’s not the lowest either despite some fairly ordinary textures. Docked it looks pretty good, on the big screen the compromises made some of the barely textured scenery show even more. It also manages to keep to a solid framerate. While it’s not 60fps, I can’t complain with the 30fps it sticks closely to. Even for the games age, it is still a great port job to get NieR running so well.

This version of NieR:Automata not only has the game, but is also packed with a heap of DLC that has been released since the original launch. This includes outfits, combat arenas and some extra story. There is also some Switch-exclusive DLC available on the eShop to give you a few more cosmetic items. It’s always nice to have former DLC included with the game; there’s no giant expansion pass story content, but the main game has more than enough. With the Switch there is also the option of motion controls, but after trying it out it very much feels like it’s there just because they could. 

NieR:Automata The End Of YoRHa Edition is not only a great port of a great game, but with the added portability should put this way up there as one of the best ways to play this game. I know it’s hardly the first time I’ve said it of a Switch port, but being able to play through multiple playthroughs without needing to be tethered to a TV does make it much easier to see the whole story through for time poor players. 

If you’ve been holding off for NieR:Automata to hit the Switch then what are you waiting for?! If this isn’t your first copy of NieR:Automata, you should know it’s a great game to play anywhere.