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NieR: Automata Reviews: Is It Worth Playing, and Which Edition Should You Get?

NieR: Automata pairs android-led dystopian storytelling with melee and ranged combat. Review counts differ by edition, and current evidence does not identify a best-performing platform.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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NieR: Automata is worth considering if you want a story-led action RPG built around androids, a machine-ruled dystopia, and a mix of melee and ranged combat. Critics have reviewed the base game widely, but the available evidence does not establish a best-performing current platform or a definitive edition choice. Match the review and edition to the version you plan to play.

What is NieR: Automata about?

Square Enix’s Steam listing describes a story about androids 2B, 9S, and A2 fighting to reclaim a machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines. The same listing describes melee and ranged attacks against enemies and bosses across open-field maps, and labels its offer as single-player. These are store-listed features, not a substitute for a review of how the game feels in play. See the Steam listing.

What do reviews say?

Metacritic’s base-game page displayed 101 critic reviews when accessed on October 8, 2026. That count is a live snapshot and may change; it is not a score or a permanent measure of reception. The page also displays sharply different user-review excerpts: one calls the game a “masterclass in game design,” while another criticizes its open world and save system. Those are individual reactions, not representative statistics or a consensus measure. Check the base-game Metacritic page.

Edition names matter when comparing review coverage. Metacritic has a separate page for NieR: Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition with its own critic-review set. Do not treat its reception as interchangeable with the base-game page. Check the Game of the YoRHa Edition page.

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#1 Best Overall
Nier, Automata Game of the Yorha Edition - PlayStation 4
  • Game of the YoRHa Edition includes the game along with DLC and bonus content for the full experience of the award winning post-apocalyptic action RPG; See description below for complete details
  • Action packed battles and fluid combat perfect for both newcomers and experienced action gamers
  • Includes RPG elements such as leveling, different weapon types, combat skills, and customizable load outs
  • The desolate open world features beautiful vistas and a wealth of sidequests in addition to the main storyline
  • Pods assist in and outside of battle and can be upgraded with new attack variations and abilities

Which edition or platform should you choose?

Square Enix’s official page references PlayStation 4, Steam, and Nintendo Switch releases, including Game of the YoRHa Edition and a Nintendo Switch edition. It confirms named releases, but does not establish current regional availability, stock, price, or which version performs best. See Square Enix’s official page.

  • Choose by the exact version you will play: Read reviews and technical coverage for the specific platform and hardware generation. Performance findings for one port do not establish how another performs.
  • Check edition contents before paying more: Confirm included add-ons or cosmetics from an official listing for that exact edition. The available information does not establish a complete content comparison among editions.
  • Account for access and preference: Portability, hardware you already own, and physical versus digital format may guide your choice. Verify the current listing and availability in your region before buying.

A related Xbox release is named Become as Gods Edition, but the available information does not provide a detailed official comparison of its contents with other editions. No current comparative performance figures are established here, so there is not enough evidence to rank platforms or call one the best current version.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... - PlayStation 4
Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... - PlayStation 4
A mesmerizing iconic soundtrack, newly recorded by NieR:Automata composer, Keiichi
$26.89
Bestseller No. 3
Nier Automata: Standard Edition (PS4)
Nier Automata: Standard Edition (PS4)
Action-Packed Battles; Beautifully Desolate Open-World; Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters
$29.99
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nier: Automata (Game Soundtrack)
Nier: Automata (Game Soundtrack)
Import Game - Japanese Version; Compatible with US systems (region free); Japanese language (other languages may be included)
$30.96
Best Value
NieR: Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition (PS4)
  • Action-Packed Battles - Players will switch between using melee and ranged attacks in battle against hordes of enemies and challenging bosses across a variety of open field maps.
  • Beautifully Desolate Open-World - The game seamlessly joins together hauntingly beautiful vistas and locations with no area loading.
  • Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters - NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their ferocious battle to reclaim a machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful weapons known as machine lifeforms.
  • Elements of an RPG - Players will obtain a variety of weapon types, level up in battle, learn new combat skills, and customise a loadout that caters to their playstyle.
  • Utilise the Pod Support System to Assist In and Outside of Battle - Pods can attack the enemy in both manual and lock-on modes.
Rank #4
Sale
Nier: Automata (Game Soundtrack)
  • Import Game - Japanese Version
  • Compatible with US systems (region free)
  • Japanese language (other languages may be included)
  • Manual and packaging in Japanese language
Rank #3
Nier Automata: Standard Edition (PS4)
  • Action-Packed Battles
  • Beautifully Desolate Open-World
  • Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters
  • Elements of an RPG
  • Utilise the Pod Support System to Assist In and Outside of Battle
Rank #2
Sale
Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... - PlayStation 4
  • Uncover the truth behind the world of NieR and prepare to question everything in this dark, twisting tale
  • Journey alongside an unlikely group of allies through a ruined world, plagued by sickness and monstrous horrors
  • A mesmerizing iconic soundtrack, newly recorded by NieR:Automata composer, Keiichi
  • Fight back dreadful enemies with a visceral, uniquely customizable blend of swordplay and powerful magic
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to read a review before buying

  • Check whether the review covers the base game or a named edition.
  • Match its platform and hardware generation to the system you plan to use.
  • Look for discussion of the story, combat, open-world structure, and saving, since these are among the aspects reflected in the store description and individual user reactions.
  • For a technical recommendation, consult platform-specific testing rather than assuming results carry across ports.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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