NieR: Automata - 3 Years Later

Can a video game go beyond art? We discuss NieR: Automata and its impact... 3 years later.
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Acoustic cover of Pascal Village by ehezkielCR
Wallpaper Art of 2B by Trung Tin Shinji

[@DownwardThrust]

NieR: Automata is an incredibly philosophical and artistic game. Here, I share my thoughts having played the game a second time... 3 years later. This video is as spoiler free as I could make it. I hope you enjoy my new style of video creation. *Don't FORGET to tune in (hopefully on Saturday, 4/25) for my new show that I hinted at last year. It's going to be... different and fun.* Special thanks to anyone who has supported me on Patreon this last year, as I was able to upgrade my camera and buy new audio equipment (used in this video) for the channel with the donations. Thanks again! -Loke

[@MrAndromedis]

I'm glad guys like you make videos like this to make people realize what great games they might have missed like this one are out there

[@Felsmukk]

Too bad "Japanese PC port" happened.

[@gliglimp]

Surprising that you mentioned the game is a CYCLE. Since an automaton ( in software engineering for the base logic of Artificial Intelligence) is a constant cycle/loop. Which is what all these machines and androids are boiled down to, essentially they are Just state loops and automatons. I love how you said when you reach the end you expect something but no it just loops back and it's futile. Kinda made me think, When an AI gets to the final state in a state machine (if it has a conscious) maybe it thinks it's at the end of it and will break free and be independent and discover more to life. But then it just loops back through each state. I hope that makes u see also how deep the game is ✌️

[@endershepard7117]

Downward Thrust I just gave this video a like bc you’re dog looks so cute back their on your bed. 😂

[@spiritoetilico]

All who say games are not art, clearly did not play, chrono trigger, mass effect, the witcher, Nier, Fez, metal gear or the Myst saga. That is why, as gamer i know i'm lucky that i could experience such "non art", and also hope one day a movie will be able to move me as those games did.

[@goktuggorduk7308]

One of the best game of this generation and sadly one of the most underrated game of this generation too. This game is pure Art. Story, songs, characters, atmosphere. Everything.

[@moviefilmstudios9828]

The game sold 7 million copies, so I wouldn't call it completely underated.

[@bruhtonbruhkkinson6848]

@@moviefilmstudios9828 If that was the USA alone, it wouldn't be too bad. But if you project that onto Japan and Anglo nations also..

[@fravinci8491]

I love it so mutch 😳💕

[@ameen2441]

@@moviefilmstudios9828 i believe it only sold 4.5 million

[@MrMadmaggot]

Underrated? in Steam this game has a maximun 30% discount.

[@jon-umber]

"Art is what you find in a museum, video games are the museum." Wow, this Kojima quote really resonates with me.

[@choramais9057]

Kojima its Just a overated shitlord, Get over it

[@billylukman5205]

@@choramais9057 if you're a hater yeah sure

[@lamphong6171]

@@choramais9057 you are too oblivious to know what Kojima have done to the industry man

[@m.r.1514]

@@billylukman5205 You could say he is a bit overrated. Don't misunderstand, I love the guy and what he's done so far, all the works he's produced are extremely valid and hold a deeper content than most other games, he's still one of the best minds around in this field, but it's a bit jarring to see fanboys losing their minds to such an extent over him, making him out to be some kind of genius übermensch. He's not dumb or incompetent by any means, far from it, but venerating him like that just feels wrong and dumb.

[@billylukman5205]

@@m.r.1514 Did I said I venerate him?. Are you dumb?. Your logic so stupid. So hating for someone that didnt do anything to you is a opposite of wrong and dumb?how old are you kid?

[@ReverentGhost]

Nier: Automata is one of my favorite games ever. a beautiful world filled with beautiful music and silky smooth combat. but that's not all, the game challenges you not just ethically, but philosophically. you start questioning why you do the things you do, and provokes emotion with every cutscene, not to mention the 4th wall breaks. I might be ignorant but I can't think of another game to blend all those factors into one game.

[@cjrensh]

Pascal 😭😭😭😭😭

[@zsurvivalist7996]

Maybe nier or drakengard...though I've never played them

[@ReverentGhost]

@@zsurvivalist7996 same, unfortunately

[@vanillacream2383]

Nier Replicant is getting a remaster so that’s a plus

[@tucknrolls4102]

I love this game as it holds a special place in my heart but something that makes you question your actions and your own thoughts, a game that gives me the same vibes would be Detroit become human

[@jordick8427]

2017 had quite a lot of great games, but this one was probably my most favorite. It's a shame that Nier: Automata didn't get the amount of attention that it definitely deserved.

[@Rakka5]

..except it did? It has sold 4 million copies and I haven't passed a week since it's realase where I didn't see it mentioned somewhere.

[@justiadykalvianto1064]

@@Rakka5 no really. It didnt receive the recognition it deserves. The hype over ffxv and ffvii is way higher. And a lot of people, even rpg player dont really know this game. Except really hard core player. But casual player know about ffvii n ffxv. And will buy it. Play it. And say how good it is. But not many pay attention to nier automata. Im a hard core rpg player, but only last year that i found out about nier automata

[@vanillacream2383]

I only heard about Nier:Automata through seeing various arts of 2B because of obvious reasons. Seen her in SoulCalibur 6 as a playable dlc character as well. A recent sale was around for Japanese games on PS4 and I saw Automata in there. Bought it, played it, and enjoyed it. Not to mention being interested the lore behind its previous games as well. With Replicant on the way for a remaster, that’s a plus in my book. Automata is more accessible nowadays as well, so to an extent I agree it didnt get that much attention.

[@justiadykalvianto1064]

@@vanillacream2383 very true.. nier automata has very little promotion and ads compare to other games, but nier automata quality is waaaay higher. it really deserves more recognition and popularity. its quality surpassed recent ff series like ffxiii and ffxv

[@tearyourwings]

@@justiadykalvianto1064 Nier Automata got it's own raid (in multiple parts) in ffxiv, a lot of promotional merch collabs (shoes, plushies, keychains, music scores, musical boxes), it will have a spin-off mobile game this May-June, the Nier Replicant remake is on its way and a lot of concerts and scene plays based on it and of the lore (Yorha Boys, The A2 story etc.). It deserves a lot more attention,but we can't say it isn't a hit. There is still tons of...nsfw art...made of 2B. We will never forget this game. Just hope we get the Drakengard remake. (A fully remake. I don't want that blonde freak to reappear in the state he is)

[@CarlosLuna-ue6ql]

For me, this game has the most beautiful music ever. Hearing weight of the world in the end section will break me everytime.

[@Josef_1186]

The music of Destiny is the only thing that comes close im my opinion.

[@cainiwakura]

tbh it's pretty expected from the guy who makes a hack and slash games with 6 minutes rythm games final boss and that game actually kinda all bout music like the power of music and something.

[@davepatois297]

it's in a different style, but i think another game which has a really special atmosphere due to it's sound design is darksouls. the dead silence until you reach a climactic bossfight is really hyping up the bosses and makes you feel the grim darkness of the world the game is set in.

[@Convoluted-and-Exiled]

@@orangestapler8729 Actually, there's one other dynamic Game Soundtrack I'd like to add for you: .Hack// Infection, Mutation, Outbreak and Quarentine. (A bit Ironic talking about those now though...I know..) Those were the first I knew of that did that, (not to say the first ever...I honestly don't know. Just the first I personally have heard do it). So when Automata did this, it was incredible...But it also reminded me of those ;) Howrver, don't get me wrong, Automata is more dynamic and a masterpiece even over those. But they're all good in their own ways for sure. I can never get tired of this soundtrack though. No matter how many times I've heard "City Ruins" it will always be beautiful to me. And yes, "Weight Of The World" hit me hard from the very first time I heard it... So beautiful but so fricken powerful too. But every song in his soundtrack is in it's own ways to me too.

[@Convoluted-and-Exiled]

@Sora's Sky Agreed. However, Soundtrack is multiple Songs, no? Don't you mean Track or Song?

[@Spectacular_Insanity]

Even to this day I still tear up a bit when I hear any section of "Weight of the World". The True Ending of that game still resonates that much with me. My only complaint is that the game ended. But man, what an ending it was. I'll never forget it.

[@harper1234567890]

Me too, thats y I bought the music box that plays weight of the world

[@loucollazo9584]

Nier: Automata is a milestone in modern day video game story telling. It was said in a review shortly after release: "If history forgets Nier:Automata, then f*ck history."

[@yorha2b278]

And then this a**hole rated the game 9/10... F*ck him.

[@roberteriksen6434]

What's problematic is that the rest of mainstream media didn't really evolve with SOMA, Ex Machina and Nier Automata. These gems are so far ahead even new shows or games that are still going 'RoBoTs HavE FeElIngS ToO'. The entire point of these games aren't really about robots more than they are about giving a new perspective on the importance of particularly memories and how they shape a person. It's still about the human experience, not just some 'RoOoOBoOoTs aRe CoOl ToO' In like 10 years maybe we are gonna get a mainstream series that tackles consciousness as though you weren't a fucking child like these pieces did. But normally i hate this subject in media because these bad bois already tackled it so well and most other stuff is just so insufferably worse.

[@frenzybacon369]

I second this

[@stm4ever]

meanwhile Trupm voted in for presidency, the economy collapses and populist nationalism on the rise on every corner of the world while the global elite vowing ideas how the next WW could be beneficial. so yeah 10 years maybe if we crumble and loose 50% of population, and the new ways of thinking can be stronger after that - which has a very very small chance considering how people act in survival situations - otherwise we are kinda doomed rather than enlightened about consciousness or anything for that matter

[@Convoluted-and-Exiled]

Wait... You lost me at the end there. Please elaborate a bit more at the end? (third paragraph). Because the end of your comment seems like you're against the game when you started off as supporting it... Yeeeah... Ya lost me lol. Not an insult, I genuinely want to understand more about what you were trying to say there. I agree with the rest though, most definitely.

[@roberteriksen6434]

@@Convoluted-and-Exiled I was a bit fired up so it's not too wellwritten, im sorry :D My point is just that SOMA, Nier and Ex Machina are some of the few if not only pieces of work that deal with their themes without assuming that you're a child like most pieces of media we see today. Most media pieces today about these sort of themes are kinda just sending out the message that robots are super cool and maybe humans should just die out already, when the point of these three pieces were never to really comment about robots, but to explore the human condition through a robot story. It's still all about humanity, which i like. If that was incoherent as well, TL;DR Nier, SOMA and Ex Good, most other works Bad

[@Convoluted-and-Exiled]

@@roberteriksen6434 Lol, I see. No problem :) Ahh. That is more clear, thank you very much!! I appreciate it and for not having an attitude, that's honestly very rare these days! Wishing ya well!

[@kartikay7951]

Yoko taro knows how to give people depression

[@holgerkilumets1278]

Gatling3.8 The true ending is ultimately optimistic

[@kartikay7951]

@@holgerkilumets1278 I am not saying the story makes you depressed, it's that what story makes you think about can get you to think about your life and the way story hits can still make a person pretty sad

[@Cyber_Engineer]

Not a depression. The true ending is good. It fills all emptiness inside of you with it's thoughts and philosophy and you can't live the way live before. It show us the most complicated sides of our life. The 3rd act of this game is incredible.

[@Fate_37]

Haha, just like Hideaki Anno!

[@cyansaint]

Funny that you say Anno. I find the end of evangelion to be very optimistic despite all the bad shit that happens in the movie . The shinji asuka relationship is really good and complex. Kinda like 2b and 9s

[@Ritualist2]

Despite it's flaws, this has to be the most memorable game I've played thus far. It's unfortunate many didn't get past the first route to understand the brilliance of this game.

[@iM7SnaKe]

Seems like weebs never read any book so they find this original. Ehm ok.

[@nehh_aksat]

It was flawless, stupid. It was the best.

[@__Razer]

This game is a masterpiece. The best game I've ever played. It is an experience that cannot be recreated or adapted to other mediums like a movie or a TV show, as much as I would love to watch it in that form, they would never do the story justice. You can't get that same experience watching a moving picture. I wish more people had access to it and had the patience to complete the game entirely. I know too many people who quit as early as the tutorial level because they died and had to restart.

[@zepzzz7714]

Who's excited for new upcoming nier replicant?

[@comradeluftwaffles1322]

Ze pedz zz don’t know if you knew its a remake. Europeans and Americans know it as NieR: Gestalt, asians know it as Replicant

[@rakib5756]

and reincarnation

[@BMXR0]

I heard they might revise the soundtrack, so hell yeah I'm waiting for it

[@NeonDefense385]

Hell yeah, I never played the first NieR so this might motivate me

[@BMXR0]

@@NeonDefense385 If you liked Automata, I recommend you to at least watch some let's plays of the original NieR. It has some clever gameplay motives like one time it changes the camera view to something reminiscent of the first Resident Evil, or one time the whole area is a text adventure. The characters are quite well written, but the combat gets a bit repetitive. I wonder if they remake the combat in the remake

[@NoKOzKamui]

Amazing video Tonald. It makes me happy to know that you appreciate this game as much as I, and many others do.

[@Zhengrui0]

Meanwhile, at Gamefaqs, its being outvoted for GOTD by...Pokemon Silver and Gold remakes? Yeah, crazy world we live in.

[@averagesoul8256]

my favourite game of all time.Nier is something truly special.Dont blame that list,its probably made for the general audience.Its truly a shame that not more people played this game.Simply cant wait for the nier 1 remaster

[@davevd9944]

Because best game is most votes apparently.

[@narukami6364]

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver? This is the first I’ve heard of this polling, but you make it sound like HGSS are bad in any way. They are outstanding Pokémon games - Whilst I love Automata, think that it’s story and presentation is a step above all, HGSS are arguably the peak of Pokémon that has most likely touched the hearts of every child with a Nintendo DS. Effort and soul shines through that game, the emotions it subtly evokes within you as younger kid going along this journey and becoming a Pokémon Master is what hooks so many people to the series even more as they get older. No, it’s not as deep as NieR, nor does it tell a story half as good, but it does something different to NieR and it excels at it, too.

[@Zhengrui0]

@@narukami6364 tl; but I read. Next time make a vid and link. I'll just say this: I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY fighting *SPOILER* as the final trainer. ...in 1999.

[@Bobandy902]

@@narukami6364 that's a great take on it. And the people comparing these games is just not right to do. Nier only has a handful of games that can even be compared

[@Longshanks1690]

Oh thank Goliath, I couldn't go any longer without my monthly thrust. 😫😫😫

[@cosmoreverb3943]

Has Rag's's's's's's's gotten his monthly thrust yet?

[@LeHobbitFan]

Do not mention He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named in the holy presence of Lord Tonald, Son of the Cosmic Chicken!

[@Dunmerdog]

You’re getting the thrust on tonald’s bed 🤯🤯🤯

[@devilgamerknight5486]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGziX5_hNt5aNE

[@massivetism]

Greetings fellow jeb-pilled hate mongers, may the Don bless your celestially epic feelings and pipe weed.

[@issa37031]

Nier Automata is the heart of game. To anyone who didn't play I really recommend to try and enjoy it. 😊😊

[@metacooler5947]

Bloodborne

[@kylecgobel]

Make sure to do a min of 3 play throughs

[@ievanpolkka1738]

Already played it,uninstall after 1 hour gameplay..

[@issa37031]

@@ievanpolkka1738 good u enjoyed it. 😉

[@hiding_behind]

I don’t have ps4 ✌️😔

[@seras1235]

As someone that played nier 1 first than nier automata I can say the nier series is an absolute master piece and yoko Torra is an absolute mastermind being able to construct such complex simple and emotion games

[@chrips154]

im so hype for nier replicant

[@ultragamer4465]

*tarou not torra

[@SquidJoe]

@@ultragamer4465 Is not Tarou neither, is Taro.

[@tovi3280]

Ikr DOD3 is my personal fav in the series

[@Shadowfur]

Nier has been one of the most emotional, thought provoking, and influential pieces of media I have picked up to date. Nothing will come close to affecting me like Nier has. Taro is a genius and I'm glad I pulled Nier: Gestalt out of the bargain bin at GameStop.

[@akiinmoonlight79]

Nier: Automata will be a masterpiece, even 20 years from now on ♥️

[@H.K._G36C]

Agreed

[@brothinkhecarti69]

Nah, in 20 years there will be games that would absolutely destroy this game in quality, soundtracks, gameplay, story and everything else.

[@nicholashildenbrand8632]

@@brothinkhecarti69 that would be nice but then again how many games are made strictly for mainstream consumption? How many games will be strictly service based instead of story focused? Nier seems like a dying breed

[@kazuha1572]

@@brothinkhecarti69 not for soundtrack i bet, i mean come on, soundtrack cannot outdated

[@Mrcryptidsarereal]

Bless us with your videos Lord Tonald!

[@FurieMan]

8:40 Optional quests does thankfully stay completed trough the repeating sections.

[@averagesoul8256]

ye and also even if they are maybe a bit dull and repetitive in gameplay,their overall adition to the story and the workd buikding is too good to pass

[@averagesoul8256]

@inyrui ye me too

[@TNTITAN]

@inyrui even Speed Star?

[@DrAlexandrius]

My biggest problem with video games being labeled as art is that most games require a compromise of their artistic attributes in order to make the game user friendly and accessible to more people, (or people in general, regardless of the number) a game's ultimate goal is to make money for the company, there might or might not be passion involved but that doesn't change the true purpose of the game's development. Video games posses art in themselves but only in certain segments, and most of the time that art suffers because of the game's ultimate goal, models are simplified, textures are compressed and mechanics are dumbed down. I believe Hideo is right when he says that video games are more of a museum than an art piece, but that being said when you break down the game most of the time you get mediocre art pieces at best. Things in video games are not made for the sake of being made, they are made for the sake of appealing to someone else other than the game's developer, therefore the game's overall appearance and design is dictated not by the creator but by someone who will eventually consume that product. Another thing that bothers me with games being labeled as art is that all games are made as a sort of a playground that allows the players to be creative in some way, therefore i would much rather be inclined to label them as a new media canvas of some sorts than a standalone art piece. I haven't played NieR, but by your video's analysis it seems like a game that creates a setting, asks the questions, and then answers them. Also i don't believe that art has to be many-worded to be deep and therefore good, really simple and seemingly irrelevant things and motifs can drive someone to deep contemplation concerning something such as life or death or free will, just having something be thoroughly set up and based around a seemingly deep subject doesn't equate to it being deep and/or good. I understand your point, that the game does well, trough it's presentation and mechanics, to convey a certain message that it's trying to convey to the player, i don't believe that that makes it art, however i would say it's a good use of the medium and as such a good idea and narrative conveying piece, if that makes sense.

[@ArawnOfAnnwn]

The vast majority of the paintings, sculptures and music in existence was also created to make money - artists are still human beings with human needs and wants, after all. They were not made simply "for the sake of being made". Some of that is still considered great art. A commercial incentive does not preclude passion or artistic vision.

[@DrAlexandrius]

@@ArawnOfAnnwn Yes i agree with you on that part, but today's concept of art isn't the same as the one before the enlightenment period, which basically gave birth to the contemporary meaning of art, and not only that, but it also gave birth to museums and galleries, where art pieces are exhibited on their own, without external context. I do not consider NieR art only by today's standards, from which point my original comment was made. Even great masters of old didn't consider themselves artists most of the time. What I'm trying to say is that when written down, the essence and meaning of art isn't the same as it used to be when those great sculptures and paintings were made, in that regard if NieR was made in that time it would by all means be considered art by those standards. The art of that time was never meant to be exhibited in a gallery or a museum, as you said it was made to serve a purpose, but at you look at most art that was made after the great revolution (and most during), you can see that the general concept has greatly changed. In essence, art has become a work of an individual, and and extension of oneself.

[@EvanAnderson64]

Not even gonna lie I teared up at the end to. Whenever the weight of the world starts playing I still get a little choked up. This honestly quickly became one of my favorite games ever it's amazing

[@Shadowfur]

Nier has the most powerful soundtracks, from Kaine's theme to Weight of the World. I have the Gestalt playlist, and I frequent Blu-bird (Hansel and Gretel fight music) and Emil's Song. Weight of the World deserves a spot on the "Must listen" playlist.

[@Ramses4821]

Nier automa is next up on my quarantine game list. I’ve been wanting to play it for years but had too many other games to finish and multiplayer games for in the way.

[@profilore]

Dude, you're so Lucky. Sadly, you can never play it for the first time agan T_T

[@AndrewLee-hp6zz]

Either a very appropriate time to play it, or a very lonely time to do so depending on your perspective

[@TailorBlaze]

Make sure to not skip the sidequests, they're good, collect weapons, pods, pod mods, joke endings, switch up your playstyle by changing and merging your chips to upgrade them so you become more powerful so buy the chip space extension from the lady in the Resistance camp as soon as you're able to. Oh, And don't stop after the first ending(ending A), After you play through the game a second time as 9S (mostly the same as A but with new game mechanics but you keep your lvl and stuff) (ending B), you unlock a third character and the second half of the story starts from there. That's right, the second half of the game and the story is locked behind the first 2 playthroughs and there are people who stop after they're at ending A, despite the game even saying "Congrats on beating 1/4 of the story, new game+ unlocked" and they miss out on the middle and ending of this beautiful game which breaks my heart. Good luck soldier, stick through the end... *For the Glory of Mankind.*

[@profilore]

@@TailorBlaze dude, spoilers, delete plz, let him make his own mistakes

[@TailorBlaze]

​@@profilore You know 33% of players stop at the first ending, right? there are no spoilers in this, dude wtf

[@objectismy6434]

Tonald videos are art. I pray to the cosmic chicken that they will not end

[@Flameshadow22]

Is it just me or has Downward thrust rising in quality? Wow. Haven't seen any clickbait videos about the death of . Rather, it's been thoughtful critique videos. Kudos to DT on turning the channel around

[@Dunmerdog]

Flameshadow22 Yeah it started with his video on Jedi: Fallen Order, Tonald really been putting out actually great content.

[@6th_Army]

It's as that one person said 3 years ago. The master you'll never play

[@hispanic88]

I recently played this through on PC and took my time with the game and absolutely loved It. Made sure to not skip side quest's and strived to get all weapons and pods.

[@shadoweater9805]

Dude I play it before one year .really bad port micro stutter and laggy cutscenes. What you say?

[@hispanic88]

@@shadoweater9805 I never had any of those Issues thankfully. I know a few did but I didn't experience one crash while playing.

[@shadoweater9805]

Did you play the original or the game of yorhaedition

[@hispanic88]

@@shadoweater9805 The original. I do have a pretty nicely custom spec'd PC so idk If that had anything to do with it.

[@shadoweater9805]

Thanks and i wish a good year bro

[@felixbelanger2659]

Played it for the first time recently after lusting over it for 3 years. Definitely a work of art... Maybe my favorite game ever

[@franpineda8334]

One of my top 3 games of the generation, great review again Downward. Cry like a child with the true ending :_( Greetings from Spain :)

[@jakqatif]

3 years and years to come, this game will always stay my favorite game EVER

[@kadosho02]

I found Automata on sale a few months ago. Dived in, the endings convey so much. But E.. the entire journey is amazing That boss fight at the end though. that broke me

[@charliegaudino]

Good to see that someone is still talking about this because I picked it up last month when it was $20 but had wanted to play it forever! It's definitely one of a kind and doesn't get enough credit.

[@Clouds23x]

I still listen to Nier Automata OST every day, it's just so amazing, a true masterpiece.

[@vajra6888]

After hearing "A beautiful song" I knew I had to play this game, I started watching videos about it while trying to not spoil myself. I eventually saved up for a decent computer to play it and it's my favorite game of all time, I've replayed it a few times and listen to the soundtrack a bit too much lol. Now I'm really excited to play the nier remake when it comes out

[@szirsp]

I love Nier:A so much. It raised the bar for video games for me. Such a great story in a gorgeous video game. I wish I could play, experience more things like it. But it is heavy, I'm still not over it... and probably will never be ...until I die.

[@szirsp]

There are other works I like that touch on futility, loneliness and meaning of life...

[@m1569752]

Dude nice painting!

[@jeffsmith6240]

I agree I don't think of games as art in a traditional sense. This game made me rethink that premise as it truly is an experience I have never had in a video game before. Other games may have better stories through a straight narrative but this game goes beyond that into existence and meaning of life itself. Truly a masterpiece kinda like bioshock in that regard.

[@lisslevimolly]

The passion behind this game is unmatched in my opinion. You can tell how much love and devotion went into every single inch of this game by how it pushes boundaries and how beautiful it is. Everything between the music, the story, the themes and the ending E makes this game a masterpiece. One I will likely never forget. This game is one that has a real power to resonate, one that can actually move people to look inward on themselves to ask how compassionate of a person they are and if they are willing to prove it. Game of a generation, for sure.

[@Sigma993]

Came for the super hot and thicc android waifu but stood for philosophy and the emotionally sad tone! 10/10

[@darreideamos2309]

Came for the thighs, stayed for the cries

[@fiercepierce1999]

@Eternal why even comment... Like damn, maybe you’re not happy with anything in your life but why make fun of others for enjoying something ?

[@LadyViolet1]

7:10 You only have to restart Nier Automata once about halfway through the game. I'm pretty sure that's the opposite of countless.

[@spiritdetectived6006]

This game is one of the most beautiful games I've ever played.

[@lieutenantnomad9198]

Thank God that Tonald has been uploading more. Join the intelecutal Toxic Brood Tonald! It is... inevitable!

[@ragnarokgaming7802]

Dont worry, the spiders have foretold it! They can tell the future so its 100% happening eventually

[@askaliu2943]

i am just glad there are people who acknowledges the true meaning of the 3 different story line. i have seen review vids where the content creator says something along the lines of "the game gets you to repeat the story line with a different charactor with minor change to the story line", i am like, you really haven't been paying attention at all have you...... and that ending credit fight... who ever came up with it is a bloody genius

[@zycane]

Still my favorite game, 3 years on. Need to play it again, with some, 'Delicious mods'.

[@bananasean5145]

Wow what are the odds I was just listening to the the soundtrack.

[@MrJpc1234]

For me odds were high cos I'm ALWAYS listening to the soundtrack haha

[@ravenwarjoy]

Your videos have greatly improved with time! Love to see you grow as a creator, hope you find success.

[@EMNemesis]

Last time I played this masterpiece by Yoko Taro was back in August 2019. Finished it from A-Z including a hidden ending with music video related to the machine story.

[@ninoo3186]

"music video related to the machine story"? which ending ?

[@EMNemesis]

@@ninoo3186It's a 3C3C1D119440927 DLC so you need to get it if you haven't. First you need to complete all of the Colosseum to be able to unlock it. Once you've achieve the Colosseum challenges, then head to the Circus where there's a hidden elevator with a clown machine beside the basement, but you need to play as 9S to be able to find it.

[@Zer0Hour17]

My favorite game of all time. The only point I would push back on is that things do actually change quite a bit each playthrough. The second, while replaying many of the sections of the 1st, has new sections as well as well as adding to the narrative in the parts that do repeat through the unique ability of 9s, hacking. Playing through as him is also a major difference. The 3rd playthrough is completely unique and takes place after the 1st and 2nd. The first NieR's multiple playthroughs actually function much closer to how you described.

[@remuvs]

There has been no game which as blown me away like Automata has. I didn’t expect it to be as detailed as it was. I reluctantly picked it up late 2019, now it’s my story favourite game. To this day I’m still in that satisfying reflection phase as if I’ve just finished all endings (especially ending E). Like god damn that all happened, it made me actively think about themes and most importantly FEEL and care for the characters which most games fail to made me do. I’m ready to sink in another 40 hours to explore the world again and play to absolutely completion.

[@lilithz]

i actually recently wrote an essay for a art history and visual culture on a similar topic. my thesis was that nier automata as an art piece and as a narrative could only fully be expressed as a video game, and the story could never be the same expressed as any other medium. nier automata is my favourite game. this video is very eloquently put and i'm glad you made this video essay!

[@KoongYe]

I never finished the game because I got tired of playing any game in general. But this game has a special place in my heart because of the feel of it. The desolate post apocalyptic city with robots running around. I am an artist myself and I can really say, though it may not be the best game in terms of gameplay, it is one of the masterpieces of art(or a museum as some people in the comment says). I still listen to the soundtrack and watch screenshots to get inspired.

[@MAGNUSMORTEM]

the OST was one of the most memorable things I have come across and the game itself is stunning. Yoko Taro put art in a way he saw fit and called it a game

[@user-pl2go8wf8z]

I did not expect such an in-dept video so long after the game has been released. Nice

[@sciencethygod]

The entire franchise (except DG2) is astounding, it's not a Work of Art, it's Art incarnate! Nier:A is a but a fraction of the mythos of the universe it inhabits, and personally not the best in the bigger picture for me DG3 still holds that crown.

[@m3ng252]

How come that video games, as a combination of all forms of art doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as some splashed paint in an museum? Maybe because videogames hasn’t existed for nearly as much but I believe one day they’re gonna surpass every other form of art.

[@alanwong5440]

Nier Automata was beautiful in many ways, the character arcs, main plot, musics, environment, ideology, philosophy... The beginning of the third play through is disastrous, everything happens so quickly that I don't have time to think and breathe !

[@simonreed8986]

Funny enough I slept on this game for a long time. Of course I had seen it a bit but never knew much about it. I’ve sunk about 20 hours into Nier:Automata now and so far and It’s amazing. Definitely brings me back to playing kingdom hearts and final fantasy games when I was younger.

[@jorgecorea7528]

Playing through this game and completing it's main endings not only was a roller coaster of emotions, but an experience that changed my way of perceiving life. Through most of the campaign I felt full of sorrow and despair, and just like the game characters I felt (and feel) trapped, crushed by the unbearable suffering of existence. But when going through ending E, and getting taunted to give up I truly felt like I couldn't keep going, not just in the game, but in the real life, I've held that feeling of wanting to disappear for quite a while. Without spoiling ending E, when the game finally presents it's proposition of how to continue existing in a meaningless world, I couldn't hold my tears back. It truly has changed me and has helped me to get on my feet and keep going. If a random person reads this, please, give this game a go, I promise, even if you don't quite feel like I feel, you won't regret it.

[@BaldorfBreakdowns]

So not only can this dude jam out like a master on guitar, he can make crazy ass abstract art too? So much talent in one man!

[@pezdispencer113]

In relation to the sidequests being the weakest area of the game I disagree to an extent. While the quests themselves are fairly mundane and dull, the detail and world building that they add is absolutely phenomenal. I like to think of it as the world building and conversations are the reward the game is giving you for the mundane fetch quests that you're asked to do. Also to clarify a common misconception. There is no YoRHa cycle, this is the first incarnation of them and it is not going to be rebuilt. The YoRHa project achieved its objective. The reason people think its a cycle is due to the game stating that the combat data collected will be utilised to create more advanced combat models. These models are not YoRHa model androids.

[@tobiweinmann3790]

NieR: Automata is a once in the Decade Event (hell could even be one a life time) in gaming just alone at the graphics or the story there is no game like it. it is one of my favourite games of the last decade for the prospective it trys to tell and the way it tells the story i nver felt that characters are more alive in any other game than this one and that allone is a pice of art

[@unicorntomboy9736]

NieR Automata has been quite influencal in my work as a university student doing a BA Degree.

[@JayOne44]

The way you string words together is like poetry. Very mentally stimulating to me for some reason 🤔 great review and I'm buying into this game.

[@Borderlines]

Glad to see you looking at NieR again!

[@ErbBetaPatched]

Your content has drastically improved since returning from your hiatus

[@STUPIDGUARDIANS]

I don't like art games. I never understood the appeal of them and I rarely find them fun or engaging. Then I played Nier: Automata. A game that showed how video game storytelling can be so much more than what we are used to getting. Jim Sterling said "If history forgets this game, then [screw] history." I agree with the spirit of that quote.

[@dethswurl117]

Planning on starting this today for the first time, feel like I've missed out for too long based on this game's amazing reception Wish me luck :)

[@DarkDareAL5]

Side quests are actually one and done after your first play through on route A. Route B can offer those side quests if you hadn’t them plus adds ones for 9S specifically. You do learn more about the world and the android resistance on earth. Plus a little into 21O and 6P personalities and desires. I enjoyed the side quests and didn’t find them bothersome

[@profilore]

Agreed. I thought all of them were either funny, interesting, or had fun challenging combat, or all three.

[@sarahanderson2856]

Awesome video thank you for bringing attention to everything that matters about this amazing, wonderful experience!!

[@geraltofrivia7448]

Still one of the best video games of all time Too bad it was not sold as well as other games I feel like it deserved tons more recognition

[@UnknownUser-uk2gx]

Played it for the first time when it was put on Game Pass and it blew my mind. I completed Ending E with all achievements and I'm still concerned that it won't hit the same if I play it all over again. But I look forward to when I do. I cannot explain how profoundly I love this game, other than saying it's probably the best I've ever played. The games with the "greatest impact" on have been Pokemon BW/BW2, Halo Reach/4, Kid Icarus Uprising, and Titanfall. Most of them were either the firsts I played, the ones I spent the most time with, or the oens that stood out to me the most, so I completely understand that many might find them lackluster sources of impact. But that should not discredit the fact that NieR: Automata so easily blew me out of the water and became my favorite game of all time. This game even got me interested in reading philosphy, so I can develop a greater appreciation for it. I'm also hoping to find somewhere to read about all of the NieR lore.

[@TahmidA150]

ONE OF THE BEST GAMES I'VE EVER PLAYED. The gameplay variety, the character, the lore and most of all the main STORY this GAME WAS A TRUE WORK OF ART and one that will leave a lasting impression on me forever.

[@commandertoothpick8284]

The first time I played it, everytime I got into a new area I'd just stop what I'm doing and just listen to the music being played. Good times.

[@David-ms6si]

i just feel bad for the ppl who missed out on this game bcuz they saw an animated girl on the cover and said i am not a weeabo so i am not playing this game. i guess this is what art is about, ppl who appreciate it would know what to look for.

[@PhantomHalf]

Straight up you have come a long way in making videos im enjoying what you are doing now more than a couple years back. Im looking forward to your next videos.

[@frewtlewps1152]

The main things that I care about in games are fun gameplay, smooth pacing, interesting main and side content, an impactful story, as well as good music. NieR:Automata is one of the very few games that excels in all of these areas. I hope more people play this game because it is one of the most mechanically creative games of all time, and is a true work of art.

[@WeAreN1nja]

Not to be that guy, BUT THE HIPS ON THE COMMANDER. There was no reason for her to be that caked up... Forget mankind. Glory to the Commander.

[@wtfzalgo]

I've been fucking saying that videogames are the ultimate form of art for like 10 years now, and NieR is one of the best examples: - storytelling? check - music? check - sculpting? check - painting? check - interactivity? check - has to be compelling to the user? check No other art has all of this at the same time.

[@Lupus_Dei_]

Tonald is back! Welcome back you wonderful person filled with entertainment!

[@mrrm5456]

Wolf is round of you Love this video you’re doing great job

[@jellyfishwithwifi6870]

This is probably going to get lost among the sea of comments, but I recently just got the game and therefore new to the series as well as the community, and I have to say, I'm really in love with the game so far! Everything from the world, the characters, the soundtrack, and the story are nothing but beautiful, imaginative, and unique. To be honest, I've never seen a video game as remarkable and amazing as this one. And I'm really glad that despite the game being fairly old and underrated, that there are people who still play and appreciate it. Thank you so much for revisiting this game, I truly love it and is one of my favorites :)

[@phased-arraych.9150]

When I started playing this game, I got completely hooked and had a hard time putting down the controller. I ended up forcing myself to take a break because my PS4 Pro was getting too hot. After 50+ hours of gameplay and achieving all the main endings, I can confidently say this is one of the best games of the generation.

[@realnaste]

I used to think the combat in this game is overly simplistic since I buttonmashed my way through it. Then I saw a youtube vid of a person that actually knows how to play this game.

[@blueg3027]

Really hope everyone had a chance to play nier 1. Such a good series of games.

[@willinglyalive7758]

They're remastering it on mobile and pc. Nier replicant something something numbers. The info is mostly on Japanese so look through the comments on people who understand what is going on the video.

[@Lueserloo]

Mariana Orozco the mobile game isn’t Nier replicant/gestalt it’s a spin off in the same universe

[@lordplague3555]

@@Lueserloo I really hope they make it for consoles later on, even if it is just like a small DLC i would buy it

[@christoferrage]

Lord Plague it is for consoles

[@PantakesVGP]

Fs in the chat for mira-heni's, Swainy's, Alternative's, GloriousC's and Tom's data.

[@BobaT__]

I just beat the game today. One of my favorite games of all time. 10/10 for me

[@kylecgobel]

Definitely an underrated masterpiece!

[@LegoLad01]

Ur dog is Adorable!! I platinumed this game last week for the second time...it is still one of the best and unique games around and i need a sequel ASAP

[@einherjar8147]

You'll get a remake of the first NieR title soon, if you didn't play that one.

[@LegoLad01]

@@einherjar8147 i only own Nier on Ps3 and Automata on ps4 liked the ps3 one but not as much as automata...very different game but i'm interested in anything NieR...just love niche and unique games especially from Japan

[@roykong7024]

Nier might not have been a game I played the most, but it is by far the most impactful and memorable one. I am proud to have experienced it, and I hope that it would be timeless

[@carllouiedelacruz4588]

i just finished nier automata and it was such a masterpiece. Its not just a game, its an experience T_T, i cant move even if i have finished all of the side quests... i still wander within the game, dashing there and everywhere...

[@leonidasthanatos1182]

That ending really got me worked up thanks to the continue messages slowly getting more extreme going from, will you continue? To, will you admit this is pointless? Ending with, will you admit videogames are pointless? With "weight of the world" quietly playing in the background cycling between languages, then just as you reach breaking point a gamertag pops up on screen offering assistance, you accept & the song bursts in full volume "WE'RE GONNA SHOUT IT LOUD! EVEN IF OUR WORDS SEEM MEANINGLESS! it's like I'm carrying the weight of the world." Your little pointer is now surrounded by others that represent other players that deleted their saves so you could do this & each time you get hit you see a little message saying (random gamertag here)'s data has been lost. It just manages to hit at your very core & that's thru gameplay in some bullet hell mini game, not a cutscene like Final Fantasy X.

[@TrajGreekFire]

We love you Tone

[@syahmim2897]

Nier automata supported 5.1 surround audio, so when I first came to the Resistance Camp, I was slammed by full 5.1 HDR Soundtrack Peaceful Sleep (maybe 4.1 because the center is exclusively for dialogue). I was like, oh theres a jukebox, lets sit and hear the OST for awhile...

[@loope9421]

This game saved me from my depression after my first break up.

[@GrumpyDadGaming]

I finally finished routes B-E a few months ago and it was absolutely incredible. Why I waited so long after finishing A I'm not sure. Such a beautiful story really different than most everything else out there. Fantastic video by the way

[@WaniMedia]

This game made me cry.... 2nd one after Aerith died of FF7, but not because of death, because of the story as a whole.

[@Sycophantichallenger]

Just played all endings for the first time about a month ago. Fucking game of the millenium.

[@Tempestelterna]

i remember playing this game and being very happy at how good it was - but you are right, its very thought provoking and in some parts, very depressing. but wow, is that game good - music, gameplay and storytelling. very well done.

[@denchua]

I played this game in December of 2018. I'm thankful for experiencing it as it helped me go through some tough times. This game lingered in my mind for 3 months after completing it. No other game has done that. I still listen to it's soundtrack to this day. I can definitely say, for me at least, that Nier Automata is one of the best games of all time.