Nier Automata Retrospective - 6 Years Later, Still One of a Kind

[@manicorabs]

Fun fact the first people to help with the credits would be Yoko Taro and the rest of the development team. When the game released they rushed through live copies of the game to ensure that there would be help for others during the credit. It had something to do with the fact the development kits didn't let them access the servers they needed until it went live. Thats why there is a skip right at the start of the game. To let them quickly make sure they could help others.

[@LeoFalcon]

Yeah, it really awesome to know the game developers did all that. The only sad thing is that servers must be up for anyone to access ending E. If you are not online (play a pirated version) you never get help...at least you can use cheats and never die but you loose the purpose of the ending.

[@ryancoughlan7205]

@@LeoFalcon he literally said that in the comment

[@arshiaa001]

All of this doesn't sound right to me, both how they had to complete the game themselves (who doesn't have access to their own servers?!) and the fact that for each new player running through the credits who may or may not delete their save, 5 or 6 others are lost. So each run of ending E produces maybe 1 new data and loses many more, which would obviously drain the pool of available data if the data was actually deleted. I don't think they actually delete the data, they just let pretend that way to make it that much more emotional for you.

[@ThBrando]

I don't know if this is true but it sounds true and that's good enough for me

[@maninblack3410]

@@arshiaa001 yeah I don’t really buy it. The logistics don’t really work out like you said, and it doesn’t make sense for them to have to rush to beat the game when they could’ve just added themselves in development. I *do* believe this is something yoko taro would say even if it isn’t true though lol. That scamp. Edit: weird how the comment put your name in the middle of the sentence like that… Edit2: oh maybe it didn’t put your name in the middle of the sentence, it may have just put your name on the right hand side. 🤷‍♂️

[@ironmaidenmetalgod]

I never thought I'd cry playing space invaders, but there I was during Automata's true ending....

[@blankets5782]

Trust me, when the chorus entered- 😭

[@MikuKing]

All these years later and ending E still makes me tear up.

[@hieioni3354]

Ending E is that special :)

[@tylerb5764]

Tear up,? I was full on sobbing by the first sign of the credits

[@hieioni3354]

@@tylerb5764 I got misty-eyed when the credits arrived. Good stuff.

[@DantoriusD]

I think Ending E also hits differend when you delete your save without a PS+ Backup back then. My whole journey is gone all i have left is my Memories on this amazing Masterpiece. I really wish i could help someone with my Data.

[@hieioni3354]

@@DantoriusD yeah, from a gameplay standpoint, ending e makes you feel empty, like you don't know what to do after deleting your save files. And it depends on your actions that you'll feel a bit satisfied for sacrificing your save data afterwards or you'll feel meh for not sacrificing the save data.

[@teakay0161]

40:30 when you are talking about the Japanese singer for Weight of the World and mention she *sounds* like she is on the verge of tears. No she actually was, out of all the takes of the song they did for composing it she got emotional and was actually on the verge of tears and struggling to keep her voice together from quivering. That part always hit me hard, but knowing it’s genuine really hits me hard now.

[@hieioni3354]

She was always on the verge of tears whenever she sang it at the concerts. I was lucky to see her break into tears singing the Japanese version of Weight of The World on a video on youtube once.

[@Speckmantelmade]

You can hear that well before the last few words of the song. As a reasonably well-trained singer myself, I am amazed by the amount of control she has over her voice despite almost crying. She powers through that like a champ, and I’m glad they chose this take because it is hauntingly beautiful. It’s so hard to even breathe right if you start choking on tears, let alone hitting notes (hence the note drop in the last portion of the refrain), but man does it hit you like a bus.

[@hieioni3354]

@@Speckmantelmade Yeah, she's an amazing singer. The Japanese have so many amazing artists. I respect them a lot.

[@zirotsero6951]

Meanwhile haters: the crying ruins the song and breaks up the flow, song would have been great but the singer ruined it

[@projektEnigma]

This game gave me existential crisis after I completed the true ending and I loved it. One of the best soundtracks too!

[@hieioni3354]

This game should have received Game of The Year Award back in 2017. I like Breath of The Wild, but its story was too simple. And no games have ever done anything like Automata's ending E. But I digress, Automata will always be a special game in my heart.

[@yourdude9942]

@@hieioni3354 Nier Automata is literally "textbook" philosophy for middle school. Its not really that deep.

[@drakkenmensch]

My steam review for this game reflects that. "Came for the cute robot twink and thicc robot waifu. Now I'm crying."

[@alteredendeavor]

@@yourdude9942 a lot of people don't think about the concepts explored in this game. It's a great way to jump into these philosophical questions.

[@hieioni3354]

@@sckshakex4308 I already played the whole thing.

[@NeverduskX]

Somehow this game made a twinstick shooter segment be the most emotional moment I've ever had in a video game. Just bringing up those credits literally made my eyes water up. I only hope my data helped someone else out there. Glory to Mankind!

[@TiGGowich]

This game is something so unique... I really wish I could make everyone play this game

[@claudijatzandrapova3347]

@@TiGGowichI came back to 2B in prep for Stellar Blade since she and Bayonetta inspired ShiftUp to create Eve. 2B broke me back then especially how we flow occasionally from Bayonetta to like Diablo perspective or Castlevania, and back. I found Replicant though so boring and slow in comparison with too many perspective shifts

[@jjcoola998]

Well this is incredibly sad.. I have up on second playthrough like "oh it's a game that makes you beat it over and over for for thirty seconds endings, dang industry had me jaded as I started playing in the NES era

[@Leeland554]

This legitimately is my all time favorite game. I feel bad for people who don’t get to experience it. Also definitely still get feel about the final ending, that was such a cool thing to happen.

[@hieioni3354]

A great game, to be sure. The way ending e was portrayed is thought-provoking and masterfully emotional.

[@mp32298]

Don't feel bad personally I feel bad wasting so much time on it its a horrible game so it may be lucky for you to have experience it

[@mp32298]

@@hieioni3354 But for others there lucky not to have wastes there time

[@wolfi9180]

​@@mp32298 Sounds like a you problem tbh, maybe pay more attention, or play the game past route b?

[@Slender_Man_186]

@@wolfi9180 or maybe they could just make a story that isn’t somehow even more pretentious than the first Neir, which this game’s plot seems to be completely disconnected from.

[@erylaria398]

Literally just SEEING the ending E credits again made me cry. I don't even need the music. Just the visual. The experience was so powerful that even 5 years later, i can't stop crying just looking at these stupid credits. It took me a WEEK to recover from Nier:automata the first time i played it. And i don't mean that in a haha funny way, i mean i was depressed as fuck. I couldn't eat, i couldn't smile, i couldn't do ANYTHING except listen to weight of the world on repeat and stare at the wall and cry. I'm currently replaying the game and there's just... SO MUCH in there. So much subtext, so much meaning. There's an entire dissertation worth of philosophy and themes there. I LOVE this game. It's probably my favorite game ever. Not the one i had the most fun playing, but the one that's most important to me on an almost spiritual level. So yeah. Automata is special.

[@cister4708]

Are we the same person?, I played it for the first time during a super hard time for me, quarantined from all the people important to me, some close family died, I couldn't hold on but I couldn't break I was simply existing, this game just made me feel all those emotions at the same moment. As a history/philosophy nerd I was super excited with all the references this game had, its music, its themes. After experiencing all this characters and crying a lot after ending E there was one thing I was certain about, I was still human. We still have worth even if it all seems meaningless. What makes us humans isn't simply existing, it's not thinking, it's feeling. That was what made me fall in love with this game, the one that broke me and rebuilt me. Quoting you: So yeah. Automata is special.

[@Scantronacon]

My best friend and grandpa died in 2019, then covid happened, this game and its music touches my soul, especially live in concert😭🎶 So yeah. Automata is special❤✌

[@LamaeBaal]

Are we all the same person? I think it's quite impressive how this game made so many people live the same feelings. I recognize so much of what I went through in your comments. I too was going through a rough period when I played it for the first time, and I nearly dropped the game so many times, the worst part, was Pascal. I didn't know I could just walk away, I learned that way later, so in what I thought was mercy, I killed him. And while I didn't care for him when playing 2B and 9S, I really got attached to him while being A2, and it was hard. I was quite lonely in real life at the time, so seeing the few characters I grew to love, even if fictional, die one after the other, was really difficult, losing 2B, the operators, 9S becoming insane, killing Pascal.. the only thing keeping me from just quitting, was A2 herself, I wanted to see what she'd become, and so endings C and D happened, and it broke me. In the end, no one survived, is that the conclusion of this game ? That no one lives happily ever after? But instead everyone die in front of us ? Then what's the point ? Why make us love so many characters just to kill them and takes our hopes away from us ? But we were warned, weren't we, at the beginning, 2B told us how it would go. And I got to ending E. And I cried so much when I deleted my save, because I knew I was going to make another one to complete the game at 100% and I knew I'd have to live through it all again, but at the same time I cried because I understood that so many players before me made that sacrifice. I cried at the last scene, because this game, at one of the worst point in my life, showed me that for all the hurt and death in the world, there's always hope. So yeah. Automata is special.

[@ajaxslamgoody9736]

I guess as a male ex-soldier who was beat as a child and raised on a farm, don't cry that easy...I guess Generation Z and WOKE SJW's would call me Toxic Masculinity. I have cried over real things though especially after I became a Therapist and worked with Abused children...also when I was homeless one time.

[@TiGGowich]

We have all been there. I still watch that 14:36 minute long video with the credits scene and Weight of the World all the time. This game was just brilliant. I have recommended buying this gem to anyone and everyone I know.

[@jparkerj20]

Oh, the fucking "I made a family" guy quest. That quest was a revelation for me. It made me realise true horror can break out in the matter of seconds. Coupled with that particular background music that played almost exclusively to that quest... Oh and fun detail. The field deployed androids have blindfold visors because they cannot see the truth, and the operators have veils over their lower half of their faces because they can't speak the truth.

[@beansfebreeze]

Automata is an incredibly important game to me. It's one of my absolute favorite pieces of media and I'll always be thankful I had the opportunity to play it. Yeah, I'm talking like it literally saved my family from a cocaine bear with chainsaws for hands or something but the game is simply that important to me

[@hieioni3354]

The game is important to me too. It's so groundbreaking that it opens up a lot more paths for future video games to deliver gameplay and storyline to the players (and Stray is one of them, even thought it doesn't have hack and slash gameplay like Automata). Also, the soundtrack is soooo good! Can't stop listening to the songs.

[@jenniferrannila1414]

An hour long Nier Automata retrospective by one of my favorite KZbinrs to talk about the series? This is the best birthday gift I could get!

[@Francisco-Danconia]

Happy birthday 🎉🎉🎉

[@MariKurisato]

Happy Birthday!

[@badpiggy2403]

Happy belated birthday!

[@SaaitanK]

Ah yes, the memory of playing the credits through tears and emotional uproar. I think it's time to replay it once again. 😌

[@hieioni3354]

Hope you have fun playing it again! As for me, not sure when I'll be able to play it again :(

[@blueblazer9991]

I replay this game at least once a year, it is still my favorite game of all time

[@john_smith_john]

have you tried Tetris?

[@hieioni3354]

Man, I lost my physical copy of Automata and my PS4. Not sure when I'll be able to play Automata again.

[@jpmarques5866]

Damn how con you handle the emotional distress every year?? I 'll probably play this game once every ten years because I was BROKEN FOR WEEKS when I finished the first time...

[@szaka9395]

@@jpmarques5866 its been like 3 months and im still broken...

[@tofu042]

6 years later, still my favourite Game.

[@samf.s.7731]

7 years later, they still haven't made one like it 😊

[@ninogamingvariety6594]

Still to this day one of the greatest pieces of art I’ve ever experienced, Yoko Taro is a unique genius for creating the nier series, Replicant was also a masterpiece and very close to the level of Automata too

[@nottoday9182]

I want to ask; I've never played a "Yoko Taro" before Automata. I can say without hesitation it is in the top 3 best games ever created. So I'm really nervous to play replicant. Not because I think I'll dislike it, more that it's a game that was dated even at the time. Is the story as compelling? Or does it rely on nostalgia?

[@ninogamingvariety6594]

@@nottoday9182 I played the version of replicant that released 1-2 years ago so at least in my case it isn’t nostalgia speaking, if you’re expecting the same experience with automata you would be slightly disappointed because the games is set 1000 years before it so in terms of atmosphere it’s quite different, the story structure remains the same, gotta beat the game 3+ times to get the full story and if you liked automata i don’t think you would mind this one too. The story itself was absolutely incredible, amazing characters, very creative and smart writing and some moments really hit in the feels, I don’t want to mention any spoilers but if you liked automata then at least IMO you’ll like replicant as much or even more, hope you give it a chance and enjoy it, there aren’t that many of these kinds of experiences out there

[@nottoday9182]

@Nino Gaming & Variety thanks! That is all I needed. No one I know personally loves Neir even to my extent so it's good to hear from a fan. That'll be my next purchase for sure

[@ninogamingvariety6594]

@@nottoday9182 I wouldn’t call myself a fan of anything, I just appreciate quality art, whether it is games, tv shows, anime etc, but I’m glad I was helpful at the very least, hope you enjoy it, and just a word of advice, you shouldn’t care what people around you like or not, it’s important what YOU like, don’t try to force yourself.

[@nottoday9182]

@Nino Gaming & Variety that's fair. I don't mean to lump you in with "fans". I forget that's a word for weird incels and hateful people. Thanks for the input! You've 100% sold me on at least giving the wider Neir universe a go!

[@TheBeird]

I'd heard a lot about Yoko Taro's work for years beforehand, and Automata being my first taste of his work did not disappoint. A work of art as far as I'm concerned.

[@Onisshoku]

59:18 Actually there kinda was a hostage situation to get the game made. According to an interview conducted by gamespot, the producer Yosuke Saito threatened to leave the company if he couldn't make Automata, and pushed through internal appovals with that. Man held himself hostage. Source: Gamespots "Nier: Automata’s Developers Talk Game’s True Meaning, Forcing Square Enix To Let Them Make It"

[@Vatghan]

As i finished Nier Automata the first time i just sat there for a couple of minutes, processing what just happened and at the same time realizing that i never felt that way after finishing a game. There are experiences in life you dont get aware until it ends. It is a weird symphony of high contrast feelings. While you sense the joy, excitment and gratefullnes of achieving a gift and understanding its value , at the very same moment, fate takes it away, leaving you with sadness and melancholy, knowing that it is gone forever and not coming back. Finishing this game just felt like that. I still enjoy gaming and there are a lot of great games out there but i cant stop my self reminiscing that expereince because, still nothing came close to that. And probably never will 🙂🙁☯

[@emesar5233]

So True. You're not alone. I remember crying & wondering why. There is a lot of investment when you've worked hard to get your characters to where they need to go. The story is so heavy with morals & principles that it takes you to a whole new personal level. And ya, it was a game but it's not like any game I've ever played.

[@hieioni3354]

Yep. There are no other games quite like Nier: Automata. It's truly one of a kind and deserves love. Ending E was emotionally awesome.

[@mp32298]

Uh huh noob just copy your save so dumb this game yes

[@mp32298]

@@emesar5233 And that's were you are wrong other games and animal have done it better

[@mp32298]

@@hieioni3354 There plenty even more so when it comes to the anime this game copies

[@OP10thNakama]

Man when ever I look up the ending to relive the events. The moment you answer the final "don't give up line" and other ships start surrounding you and the entire choire booms in the song was so moving.

[@marie_p3203]

i will never forget the experience that was playing automata omg the plot, dialogue, music, the side quests, the gameplay, the theme of humanity, the endings! It really impacts you at such deep level, the nier franchise is outstanding.

[@hieioni3354]

Me neither. Replicant and Automata were such great games. I love most of the characters in both games but my fav has to be Kaine and A2. Also, like you said, the music in both games was phenomenal :D

[@samf.s.7731]

There's nothing quite like it. I am here after both Lies of P and Stellar Blade have been released, clearly both trying to tackle the same subject matter to different levels of success. But NA still feels like End of Evangelion, a very important milestine for the gaming industry. Then you got Lies of P which is like the Full Metal Alchemist brotherhood equivalent... I really can't put Stellar Blade in the same... Category in terms of story and execution, but even though it looks really good, it seems more like something I'd compare to Highschool of the Dead 😅 It's good, it's directed by Tetsuro Araki, it's just not like those two it's a different vibe/feel. It's not gonna give you an existential crisis for sure... But hey, you can still enjoy it for what it does right 😊

[@Aryasvitkona]

One thing I like a lot about Automata is something I said to a friend yesterday, and you brought up early on here. The NPC interaction. It's something I rarely see done so efficiently, the NPCs all feel like they're *actually* conversing. Even the Androids to their Pods, ESPECIALLY A2. It's incredible, none of the NPCs feel like NPCs, they feel like *people*

[@GlacierRain]

finishing this game is a profound "emotional damage" trip. can I have more please mister Yoko Taro? I need more pain in my heart and more tissues in the can...

[@HimeBurrito]

Nier👏 replicant 👏

[@hieioni3354]

Have you played Nier Replicant Remastered? If not, you should! They added a new ending to the game!

[@alexamderhamiltom5238]

drakengard 1. if nier automota is yoko taro at his best, drakengard is yoko taro at his most.

[@hieioni3354]

@@alexamderhamiltom5238 At his most what?

[@Notius]

@@hieioni3354 just his most

[@matrodsilver]

I could write an essay about Nier and why me and so many people love it, like you beautifully made in this video Brando. But instead I just wanna thank the Nier community and everything surrounding it, it's a part of my life. Thanks y'all.

[@Neldog13]

the Nier series is one of the few (maybe even the only one) released in recent times that gave me the same feels as when i was young kid/teen playing stuff like Xenogears and Chrono Cross and having my mind blown by the combination of story/characters/music etc

[@PTM_97]

Got into your channel from the Nier lore videos, played Replicant and Automata back to back earlier this year and loved it. Automata is one of my favorite games ever, excited to finally see your deep dive of it!

[@Gambit2483]

The Switch port was absolutely amazing. So glad that many more people get to experience this masterpiece.

[@Chaoslordx13]

The ending credits scene first time didnt hit me till i started writing my message then I realized those were other people... i will admit.. I cried

[@deathk7690]

not gonna lie this game had me in my feelings for like 5 months

[@Still_Cold]

Brando is back with another banger, appreciate the effort a lot dude, you're the one who made me fall in love with Yoko Taro's works, keep it up:)

[@Danny-mg1hu]

I think he just compiled all the old videos and made it into just one.

[@ThBrando]

I don't think I did tbh

[@Still_Cold]

@@ThBrando yeah, I've watched all your nier stuff, you definitely didn't, just didn't think homie deserved the response

[@szaka9395]

Nothing in this world did hit me as hard as Automata did. I needed few days to process the feelings alone. For 3 months i had NieR in my head. Its still there. Some question still unanswered. God this game is something else.

[@InterstellarCloudd]

*I posted this earlier today on the subreddit;* After almost 80 hours on my first playthrough(got 9 dif endings and the secret music video ending); This game hit me harder than anything I’ve ever experienced,. and I’ve gone through my fair share of life to say the least. Every decision felt as though I was making them myself(duh), but not as a player; as myself. It’s such a weird nuance I’ve never actually experienced in any form of media - an epiphany? Idk. But, its still something I can’t fully comprehend or even begin to try and dissect. I had glimpses of introspection that I didn’t even know I was able to have? I feel as though I’m usually able to understand what I’m reading, hearing and seeing,. This was simply the first thing I was able to connect with though. Things weren’t just going in one ear and going out the other, I was genuinely enthralled wholely by this game. Seems as though this game has a pretty profound impression, regardless of who you are, and where you are in life. Call me extra, but this game fucked me all the way up,. In a game all about the end of humanity, it low-key restored mine? I plan on buying the entire Drakengard and Nier series now as I have all the time in the world and means to - crazy to think I found this game by accident cause of a random discussion thread I came across the Church Hoax thing..

[@claudijatzandrapova3347]

Yoko said once they finish up a project, NieR is returning. He also told us to buy Stellar Blade xD but yes- NieR returns in a couple of years to us

[@Aot]

Finished 6x, Finished Replicant 3x, the game is just a timeless masterpiece. A2 and Replicant still underrated though

[@PaulHofreiter]

Gestalt/Replicant deserves sooo much more love.

[@Mark-xw5yt]

I love replicant. I always knew automata was praised but I'm a lazy person when I comes to games. But I saw Kaine one day on a KZbin video and she was hot enough to convince me to play replicant immediately. Love that game so much. Sadly automata didn't hit me in the feels like it did for other people. I think It's because I rushed straight through it for most of my playthrough, and also took weeks between playing (lazy when it comes to games). Now I feel like I'm missing out cuz the game just didn't hit me too much unfortunately. Im considering replaying and actually taking my time, doing sidequests and stuff

[@szaka9395]

A2 is perfect.

[@twistedpixie1407]

Nier Automata gave me stage 3 clinical depression and was more terrifying then any horror game i have played in years. a master peace of a game and a master class franchise

[@brentgrisier1738]

There is an in-game reason the machines look like Emille: when they invaded, Emille was one of the first to fight back and hold the line. It cost him his body (the reason he is just a head in this game), and they used him as the base for the machines design.

[@NoNameNoWhere]

Has this been verified? I heard this theory, but it was admitted to be speculation. Though, it would make a lot of sense.

[@gangganggang2219]

Absolutely love your videos. Your summation of this game actually got me to tear up. Obligatory Nier Automata testimonial: I played this game during one of my worst depressive episodes. I was stuck in an apartment away from all my friends and family for multiple months in another state and had dropped out of the college I had moved there to attend. It was winter time and my apartment was always filled with smoke from terrible roommates. The message of genuine hope, of holding on to a maybe, no matter how fragile, absolutely annihilated me. It cemented in me, that no matter how hopeless and horrible everything feels, the future is something approached day by day. I can do things to influence that future into something I may actually want to be around for. It might all be pointless in the end and I might fail many times, but just maybe there might be something brighter further down the road. And I don't want to miss the opportunity to be there for it. God I hope we get another Nier game or something big from Taro's disturbed and beautiful mind. A third Nier game announcement after the anime ends would be perfect timing because then people could jump right in if the anime covers all the important bits of Automata.

[@DemonKingHiei]

Even in this video watching you talk about the credits, they still manage to get me to cry. I want to quote a comment from a video of the credits theme. “The weight of the world isn’t heavy if we all carry it together”

[@dominicharris5851]

Finally got the chance to play this masterpiece earlier this year on Switch and no game will ever come close to topping it.

[@Ytnzy250]

Any negatives playing this on the Switch? Have you played on PS4 as well, if so how did they compare?

[@Midas526]

@@Ytnzy250 I have experience with both, and, the Switch is definitely fine. There are visual downgrades (A few textures are lower res and certain effects - like the way the sand responds when you slide on it - aren't as well done), but nothing that I would say compromises the experience, and performance is good. Still certainly no less of a beautiful, powerful, and evocative work, and generally a well done port.

[@BurghezulDjentilom]

so ... Automata hit my very soul with the weight of a particularly heavy white dwarf star. I almost cried like, 3 times just watching this video analysis. There is no understating how powerful it was, and only reinforces its status as my favorite game. Thank you Brando PS: I did cry after all, at the shmup section at the end

[@MariKurisato]

Excuse me, I LOVE you for doing this. I’ve loved all your Nier and Final Fantasy videos, but this was a great Christmas gift! Thank you!

[@ColonelMidi]

i stood up from my sofa and walked to my keyboard to compliment you for bringing up a pkd novel, if even tangentially. cheers.

[@horstschlemmer9578]

I was playing both Nier games back to back last year for the first time. I literally had a sort of melancholy for about a month after.

[@elvishladdy3404]

Absolutely magnificent video my man! By the time you got to ending E, I had tears in my eyes at the nuance and unique way they handled the final portion of the experience. This game is a special one for sure, and your content never fails to be some of the best on the platform. Nothing but love and support your way.

[@DiegoHernandez-fd3du]

Man,I just finished the video, great work. And I want to tell you it's ok to change your mind, it's ok to look back and say "I want to tell something else" or "That's not my opinion any more". We are in constant change of many things, I'm glad I don't think like when I was 15 anymore. Don't be afraid of change your opinions man. Good luck

[@garbageplate]

2b was my first cosplay! I will never get over this game!

[@lazlo_bananas8285]

Honestly life changing story. Being able to challenge your thinking and emotions in a way I could never dream of. I have never been more happy to be made sad, and everytime I think back about the game, it just gets better and better.

[@BetaVoltzDK]

You mentioned the RPG element of Automata's gameplay and noted the difficulty setting - that Normal feels too easy but Hard is just "a bump in numbers". While I was nodding through the entire video, agreeing with every single point you made, I still feel like it's unfair to brush over the fact that most - if not all enemies - get a boost to their attacks. The large bipeds, for example, has its smash attack, which on Hard has an added explosion when it hits the ground. This makes for a much more interesting and exciting second playthrough on Hard. Anyway, aside from that little nit picky note, I absolutely adore this video and I thank you a million times for making it. It truly speaks every word I want to say about Automata and the work of Yoko Taro + the team who worked on it (and yes, the Accord references in both Nier and Automata? I freak out every time).

[@Zagadka06]

Nier: Automata is a rare experience. If I ran the world, no one could graduate until they had completed all endings. The world would be a better place. (Also, Fruits Basket would be required viewing.)

[@DEDManGamingWins]

Ending E always gets me. Even right now i'm crying my eyes out because it's SO special. To me the message is finding the hope in hopelessness, to continue on, even when you don't think you can. This was such a wonderful video Brando, thank you so much

[@sladeofriviatv]

One of the best video game soundtracks ever made. I can listen to Weight of the World on repeat.

[@JuliusCaesar103]

Played this a while ago, I could not start another piece of media after it for days, it left me with that empty feeling we all want from art but also dread, astounding game.

[@Simili84]

I liked the visual novel exposition parts, they were very well written. They reminded me of the memories you recover in the Xbox game Lost Odyssey by Mistwalkers which came out in 2007 and I still think about it to this day. Those memories were some of the best ingame writting I ever experienced, they were an emotional and philosophical journey into what its like to live for thousands of years as an immortal.

[@tk423b]

Six years is more than half a decade.

[@ghostchuu7836]

great video. the nier series has such an incredibly special place in my heart.

[@FinalHarps]

Going off from the title but will watch fully tomorrow. I agree it is kind of one of a kind.

[@egebamyasi2929]

The definitive NieR Automata review. It's a Lightning in a bottle-type game. Also, the humour was great in this video if that's something you're stressed about. Poignant and relatable

[@datditdet]

At the beginning play with 9S "the fuck I need to play with shota!" At the end "my best boii"

[@benturtl9076]

I 100% agree with how special the music is. Everytime I listen to it all the nostalgia, memories and thoughts about this game and life just come flooding in. It feels so surreal and I am certain when I grow old and hear these beautiful pieces again I will start crying in an instant. Hell I even cry to this music already. Props for the edit at 41:44 this had me laughing really good. Nice edits overall and a nice amount. Lovely video.

[@szaka9395]

Nier and drakengard music is magical.

[@koheikyouji]

You uploaded this literally the MOMENT my sister opted to finally play route B xD Ive had to sit here sulking and waiting for her to finish her play session so I could finally watch the vid >.>

[@brandonhollar2990]

No,thank you Brando for all your coverage and dedication to Nier in general and touching FF13 and all 3 parts of it I've been subscribed for awhile now and honestly thank you for everything you been doing

[@keyblade123321]

Your line at the hit home for me about the game asking for someone help and words not being enough and it wasn't until you worded it that way that I realized this game many years later has taught me a valuable lesson about shutting myself off from people and the world. Thank you brandosp

[@X2yt]

I finished Nier: Automata back in like 2019, and ever since then I randomly catch myself thinking about it every other day even now. It's really a unique experience.

[@mp32298]

Not really unless you count bad game design mix with typical anime story line unique

[@wolfi9180]

@@mp32298 Weak troll attempt, do better.

[@X2yt]

@@mp32298 Definitely weak sauce.

[@mp32298]

@@wolfi9180 No troll just upset that so many act like the game was good when it wasn't honestly I wish I had that experience but the game is just too bad but fanboys defended so much sex sales

[@wolfi9180]

@@mp32298 you thinking that its bad doesn't mean anything, you know that, maybe you are the one who is pretending, sound like someone who didn't even play past route A. if you are that upset maybe log off the internet. I am not defending the game, i am just attacking your shitty opinion. Know the difference. The point of the story probably flew over your head. also ffs use punctuation dude. i barely can even make out what you say.

[@ZeroBagger]

I strongly suggest jumping back into Reincarnation and playing through the remaining two story arcs. The final chapter comes out in march, and without spoiling anything I will say that it finally has linked in with the greater Nier story in a satisfying way. You may have already guessed what the deal is with “The Cage” but having it confirmed via some some very cool cutscenes etc has been great and I’m very hopeful that the final chapter will give us some hint at what the future holds for Nier. Cheers man, and great video as always

[@arshiaa001]

50 points to Griffindor for recording the Japanese voice overs. And I'm actually at a point where just hearing 2B's voice makes my eyes tear up.

[@highroller6244]

I don't really get it. The english voice actors are so good in this game. Especially the ones that speak 2B and 9S are doing quite the peformance. It might be just a subjective thing or an age thing. To me Japanese females always sound to high pitched and males like they make their voices artificialy deeper. But i m not trying to tell anyone what and what not to like. Just wanted to give Credit to the english speaking actors.

[@arshiaa001]

@@highroller6244 I'm not saying the English voices are bad, and they put tons of effort into translating the game in a way that's as close in meaning and emotions to the original as possible, but still, it's a translation. No translation will ever be as good as the original; if you know the original language, that is. I watch lots of anime and play lots of games. The one and only time I didn't quite enjoy Japanese VO was when watching Cyberpunk Edgerunners which, surprise, the world was originally written in English.

[@gunnarschlichting9886]

@@highroller6244 I was the same as you for most of the video, but then I got it when he was describing the Pascal outcomes, and how the specific word chosen in Japanese has a very specific connotation that the English localization/translation couldn't quite convey, at which point I understood. Now, since I don't know Japanese, I'll go English every single time, it is genuinely absolutely amazing, but I can understand why someone who knows Japanese would consider it better, because of things like that.

[@highroller6244]

@@gunnarschlichting9886 Well Yeah, as i said: I am not trying to talk anyone out if his personal preferences. Just wanted to point out how good the english dub actually is. 2B's voice fits her perfectly in my book. 9S is awesome at transporting his emotions to the Player. Even the Pods are really cool. The english cast deserved a mention here. And english isn't even my native tongue.

[@gunnarschlichting9886]

@@highroller6244 Oh yeah, the English voice actors rock, they are a huge part of why the story works so well. I would always play in English myself even if I did know Japanese (which I don't) just because I like them so much.

[@darkhobo]

Playing the final bullet hell section when my wife walks in and asks why "Asteroids" is making me cry will forever be one of my favorite gaming memories. Thanks Platinum games. Also, never seen anyone mention this before. But the Android that rebelled against Yorha being A2 is totally a reference to Julius Caeser's last words, as he was betrayed and murdered by his Mistresses son. "Et tu, Brutus?" Which is of course pronounved A2. Just a little something for yall good people

[@hoshi314]

and so i am reminded of Ending E Epilogue, after seeing the changed ending i immediately thought that Yoko Taro must have something good happened to him for this game to have such happy ending because the original Epilogue ending is so depressing i want to see that into fruition

[@stefan-to4ih]

how ever many years that pass, i'm always gonna appreciate all these lengthy nier videos that break events down. thank you for this

[@BentoBoxBobbyTV]

To put simply, an absolute Masterpiece.

[@Bedxgamer]

I watched this video so many times , your script is so well written! Great points and the pacing is well thought!

[@JGSMusic]

After this game ended I have felt so empty.. I've downloaded and installed tons of games since then trying to fill that void and it's just not working. This was literally the perfect game. I didn't want this game to end . I literally stayed in this game until every last secret and unlockable was achieved. I hope one day the universe will notice me again and create another special game like this for me once more...

[@TiGGowich]

amen

[@itsdokko2990]

if i had to power to erase memories from my mind, i would erase my memories from playing this game, so i could experience it as i did the first time again ;-;

[@JGSMusic]

@@itsdokko2990 This comment literally made me tear up.. Well said..

[@kaporal890]

I'm late to the party but.. Of all the long Nier automata analysis video on youtube, this one is my favorite.I think this is because how genuine this brandoSP dude is ,he doesn't sound like a scholar or a journalist , but as a passionate fan who did his homework an mixed the result with his honest love for the game.Congrat Brando sir, you knocked out of the park on this one

[@Sci-Fi_Freak_YT]

I very recently got done with Nier (ending E) and honestly it has completely ruined other games for me. I love Bloodborne with all of my heart but after finishing this game I sat down and I said “is bloodborne as good as I thought?” This game rewrote my list of expectations for nearly everything in storytelling and made me question what I was doing with myself. After that ending and contemplating I got up and for the first time in years went to the gym and now I’m feeling a lot better than my depressed self beforehand. Thank You Nier.

[@mataeria]

I love how this video seems to be meant also for people who never played the game, but clearly everyone watching this just want to relive the awesomeness of this masterpiece lmao.The amount of love this game gets from it's fans is just overwhelming.

[@HirakiSHIKI]

This game till this day remains my favorite game ever, far and above anything else. After I beat the game for the 1st time I remember not being able to think of anything else for a long, long time. I make it a thing to play the game all over again every 1-2 years, it's such a masterpiece, so much so that it's kinda ruined a lot of other games for me from a narrative perspective. Anyways, that's all to say, thank you for uploading this I was so hyped when I saw this pop up on my FYP this morning. Keep it up with the amazing content!

[@ckay11002]

The reason the machines look so much like emil is because he was the main force they fought, and thus learned from to fight against, so they literally copied emil to beat him. Also fun fact: If you continually refuse help in the ending credits, the game will force crash

[@SaintOfDegens]

Still to this day anytime I hear weight of the world I get teary eyed. And still to this day no other game can give me that whirlwind of emotions automata did. I originally bought the game because haha look at Android butt. But after beating it, it became my favorite game of all time and also helped pull me out of a really dark part of my life. There really is no other game like this and I'm so glad we all got to experience something this unique in an era of live service bullshit.

[@beeghydro1673]

Watching this video dipped my toe into the Nier ocean and cannot thank you enough for that! I will not obsess searching for any news of a sequel

[@johnisthelala]

I beat the ending A of the game and thought yeah that was a really good game I dabbled in ending B but stopped very early on. Then I put it down for years. I then picked it back up years later and got ending E and it is hands down my favorite game of all time now

[@NieR.Amanda]

My sacrifice for the algorithm? Admitting to platinuming all 3 "Voice Of Cards" games, and enjoying them, while waiting for a new major game in the Drakengard/NieR universe.

[@NieR.Amanda]

ALSO: I just got hold of the first collected volume of the manga *NieR: Automata - Pearl Harbor Decent Record* from Square Enix Books, and can't wait for the second and final volume due in March 2023.

[@zackeryparkerson]

Nier: Automata. Come for the thighs. Stay for the cries.

[@lsevent]

I've played this game so many times and just hearing you talking about the final credits moment while working had me fighting back tears... this game was/is an amazing experience. One to remember. Certified GOAT.

[@camma12]

As a Queenslander I can confirm this is in fact the single most inhospitable and dangerous place on the planet 😂

[@whosonedphone]

Great Video! It seems that this game is so heavy or insane no one is talking about it on KZbin! It's quite a chore to pull off. I was going to try and do a low key vid discussing the game in a fire side chat style, just to fill the void. Especially after hearing a KZbinR hating on 9S. Which I couldn't fully understand.

[@ben_sisko2149]

An absolute master piece. I only wish it ran a bit better on consoles (I think the PC version is also... well, a classic Japanese PC port). However, even though Automata did a lot of things better (the combat system, the lack of loading areas and, especially, how it handled the multiple routes and endings so it's not a slog to repeat the story), I still find myself going back to Replicant more often. I don't know why exactly, but I imagine it's a convination of things: the main characters resonate with me a bit more, the music is also more my style and the world is so decadent that it pull me in. Anyhow, I'm really happy Automata became mainstream and put Yoko Taro on the map; he was so underappreciated (and more importantly, his games were way too underbudget to succeed). PS: I'm an OG fan of the series (played the first one on 360 back in the day) and I remember when they announce Automata, being like "yeah, let's go!" while all my friend were like "eeh, what?" 🤣

[@truegamerking]

I agree. I liked the original NieR 's story and characters a lot more, too. Though honestly, I liked Gestalt as the father a bit more than replicant personally. Gameplay wise, Automata was miles ahead, but I really feel music and writing wise the original edges it out, just slightly. And I'm right there with you with Automata' announcement. I was very excited, but having dragged most of my friends through the game to its completion, they were able to share in my excitement.

[@TheManWithNoHands]

Honestly as a person who beat his head against the wall that is the ending segment for almost 2 hours before accepting the game's offer, it hit much harder to realize that the answer all along was to accept the goodwill and assistance of others and not tackle it alone. Maybe it's because I'm so used to single-player experiences giving optional challenges, but when the game asked if you want help, it initially felt like an accessibility tool. The catharsis that hits when your will is shattered and you finally take the hand that's been held out this whole time is insane.

[@omgyeti2049]

I mean, Japanese can pronounce the difference between double and w, but that doesn’t stop them from almost universally subbing the latter for the former. Sometimes they just choose an incorrect pronunciation because it’s more convenient or sounds better to them. Automata Theory is something’s that’s been around for decades, and it’s part of the theme of this game. What I’m saying is I don’t think you’ve definitively ended that debate in favor of your chosen pronunciation the way you think you have.

[@DonkoXI]

It's wild that your comment is so buried. Anglicizing the way a Japanese person pronounces a preexisting English word just because it's in the title of a game made in Japan is kinda dumb. It would be one thing if it was being used as a new word with a significant pronunciation difference (like how Evangelion, with a hard G, is used as a proper noun in NGE), but in this context it's just functioning as the word automata which is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. Japanese has a fundamentally different relationship with syllable stress, and so it makes since that a Japanese person speaking Japanese wouldn't pronounce it like we would in English. I'm all for rejecting the linguistic status quo and using language however you personally want to, but this just comes off as pretentious and ignorant.

[@GildaWabbit]

Don't have the time or skill to complete this game, but your work to capture the emotional weight of the story and gameplay translated so beautifully for me. I may not experience the entire depth of the game, but I'm so moved by your video. Thanks for the catharsis and tears!

[@Man-mc7ln]

Yessssss more NieR content

[@suhermanwy1631]

After finished playing totk, replay nier again and i can say nier still the best game ever for me

[@awinn3rism3]

Ending E is one of the greatest gaming moments of all time. That’s not hyperbole. When the chorus came in to help sing, my 36 year-old ass wept like a child. Amazing.

[@fractalfae5418]

Great video and analysis. Trying to explain the impact of this game to people that haven't played it is almost impossible, but now we can show them this. NieR: Automata isn't so much a 'game' as an experience, and one that will haunt everyone that plays it looong after they've finished it. Heck, even hearing a clip of the music still can evoke tears. Can't wait to see what the anime is like, but with Yoko Taro the screenwriter, we can probably anticipate being re-traumatised in all kinds of new ways.

[@airchangel3680]

This game made me have a whole new vision about humans as sentient specie, and also to separate common games from works of art like this, the magnum opus of a man not very understood but admirable for what he does, Yoko Taro.

[@hieioni3354]

Species* . Also, I hope Yoko Taro has new ideas for a new Nier game, a game like Automata. Maybe a sequel even. I'd love to see the android and the machines help each other build a great global civilization as successors to humanity.

[@airchangel3680]

@@hieioni3354 thanks for the correction, English is not my 1st language and i totally agree with you

[@hieioni3354]

@@airchangel3680 Oh where are you from? And thanks for agreeing with me.

[@claudijatzandrapova3347]

@@hieioni3354Yoko, whilst encouraging everyone to buy Stellar Blade which a huge fan of his was inspired to create - said he has a project in the works currently but not to worry, NieR is returning once that project is completed so we are getting more of that world to dive into

[@hieioni3354]

@@claudijatzandrapova3347 Season two of Nier: Automata is confirmed for 2024. Is that the new project?

[@SpicyCinnamonBagel]

Your videos are the only ones of this length that I will watch without hesitation. I actually look forward to it.

[@pappysheart6710]

Nier transcends the medium. I think it resonates so deeply because it artfully holds a mirror up to humanity. We're all looking for meaning and belonging, aren't we? After all, why did I write this, and why are you reading it? ❤️

[@KMFBrawler]

Thank you for this great video! I had actually just Automata and I absolutely feel the same way about this masterpiece of a title! Definitely sending this video to my friends!

[@novustalks7525]

5 years* I played it for the first time recently and it's phenomenal. It's so profound and meta that it forces you to question who you are as a person

[@chrischris824]

This video was amazing. I've enjoy both Nier games, very much. Automata being my fav game of all time. I'm a 39 year old man, and haven't been a hardcore gamer for over a decade...but this game pulled me in and still has me. The game made me cry many times...(I'm not a cryer) and the Weight of the World song still brings tears. The ending sequence to this game...the lessons it taught have actually helped me through real life situations. It blows my mind that a game can do that. I started gaming at the age of 5 (NES) and no other game has touched me like Nier Automata

[@souit957]

Hey man will you summarize the new nier reincarnation stuff in the future. I have no idea what's going on there

[@Swimming214]

Oooooo looking at the time of the video for me excited lol. So glad I found your channel this year have a great holiday man !

[@Ok-po4ou]

Am i the only one that like nier replicant game play

[@hikigayahachiman1486]

Thank you for making this video after 6 years