NieR: Automata is bursting with bonkers moments, so it’s only fitting that it should bring out a wrecking ball for its finale. After three full playthroughs of its campaign (each revealing different endings and routes to its finish line) the title decides that enough is enough – and instead of simply breaking the fourth-wall, it eviscerates it instead. This article will have spoilers, so beware before reading on. You’ve been warned.
With a whopping 26 endings, Route E reveals the “true” conclusion to the game. Considering that things are pretty bleak in the previous five finales, the title tries to inject a little hope in its last lingering moments. And so it whisks you away to the credits screen, and tasks you with shooting down the names of the people who made the game. But this is nothing original, I hear you scream – you’ve seen this kinda thing before, right?
The thing that sets NieR: Automata apart is how the simple act of blasting project managers and art directors escalates. Set to the sound of Emi Evans’ incredible Ending Theme, the difficulty of the minigame increases, until you’re weaving through a screen filled with projectiles. It’s practically impossible, but words of encouragement keep you clicking the retry button. And then something magical happens.
The game asks you whether you need help, and should you accept, other players will rally to your cause. Suddenly, the song breaks out into a chorus, and your firepower increases tenfold. It’s enough to blast through the last names in the Credits sequence, and reach the final ending. But the game leaves you with one lingering choice: will you pledge your support to others? If you accept, then your save data will be wiped in its entirety.
And it really is wiped – every last little bit. It’s an amazing moment because, while the thought of losing all of your progress seems insane, knowing that your sacrifice will help others finish the game is… Just such an empowering feeling. You can even share a message of encouragement that will be shown when others are facing difficult times. It’s such an oddball ending to a bizarre release – but it’s a brilliant one, and easily the best of 2017.
Did you sacrifice your progress for the greater good? What were your thoughts on NieR: Automata overall? Break the fourth-wall in the comments section below.
Comments 25
Thats crazy but cool at the same time. I like the message it sends because in todays world we need postive messages to help everyone believe their is good in everyone.
Absolutely phenomenal game, and I really hope it ends up on Push Square's top games of 2017, because it fully deserves it in my opinion. As many people as possible should play this game!
Found it both, really great and immensely saddening. Especially the way it's sort of "celebrated" when every progress, stat and collectible disappears one by one while you're watching. But the final words from the trusted pods gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and I even took some pride that I'll assist someone else to have a similar awesome experience.
I'd take this one step further and say it has the best everything of 2017. Such a masterpiece, a shame it's not getting much recognition.
Best credit sequence of 2017? Or best credit sequence ever, which still wouldn't be much of an achievement considering the competition is generally a scrolling wall of non-interactive text.
@DrClayman it has got a fair amount of recognition to be honest. And certainly I have not seen many people who have played it say that they disliked it, which is nice.
I know this isn't the intent, but just having this article kind of spoils it.
Some thing's are better left unsaid imo.
The ending sequence was pretty amazing. I had to call in help. Just couldn't do it.
I actually didn't think it was possible at first.
@kyleforrester87 Dunno man, I'm doing the rounds from various press outlets and their end of year lists and it's being significantly overshadowed by games such as Zelda and Horizon. Fantastic games in their own right, but I think Nier is in a whole other league in the way it revolutionises storytelling and combines gameplay in video games while not letting down of any other aspect such as visuals, music etc
To each their own of course, but I feel a lot of people are missing out on something that's way more important than they realise.
@DrClayman I do agree with you, it's sad it's not getting much recognition in end of year lists, which I guess and hope is down to the fact not enough people played it, as opposed to people just not liking it.
Still, it's a niche series which managed impressive numbers and was nominated and won an award in the GOTY awards (for what that's worth!) and we're hearing talk of the series continuing (hopefully with a bigger budget this time!) so things are looking good for the future.
@DrClayman I've surprisingly seen it on quite a few game of the year lists - perhaps not as high as it deserves, but still present. I do agree though, I'd like it to have even more recognition than it's getting, but at the end of the day I think it's already far exceeded many people's expectations for how well it's sold and been received due to how niche it is
@kyleforrester87 it may just be me but I hope it doesn't get a bigger budget sequel. More of the same would suit me to a tee. Much like Deadpool I think a tight budget helped this game shine.
@BranJ0 @kyleforrester87 yeah, can't argue with that, it could have crashed and burnt without anyone noticing, but there is at least some attention thrown its way. It's as you say, no matter what the chat around it is, I feel it deserves more. I just hope more people will play it over the next few years through word of mouth, sales etc.
@Pinkman I love the game but if a bigger budget means a bit more polish in the old graphics department, or more expansive side quests (because lots of them were pretty pants in Automata) I'd be happy enough. Of course more money could mean less creative risk, so there is a fine line perhaps.
I was thankfull for the people that help me defeat the credits sequence, it's a cool moment when I thought I can't defeat it and the help arrived.
@Pinkman I'm okay if the bigger budget goes to graphics and enviromental departement, nier automata character design and movement is really good but the environment is bland since there's only ruin, jungle and desert map.
Probably my favorite game of 2017 if I'm being honest.
This game is amazing and so much emotions behind it. There is so many positive things to say about nier automata and how detail the message is given to each character. It also sounds like today’s government how there can be so much conspiracy and lies that when you beat the game you wouldn’t think what is going to happen.
Probably not in the spirit of the game, but can’t you upload your save data to the cloud and pull it back down once complete?
I’m currently playing this game now. So I’ll hold off reading this article to avoid spoilers.
Yeah I gave up my save file. I thought they were just going to delete it and be done but noooooo. They had to go through every item I picked up, every weapon I fully upgraded and every chip like seriously... but I don't regret it one bit. This was my personal GOTY, it may even be my GOAT. I plan to replay this game anytime I get the chance. I won't upgrade all weapons or pods again but I will at least play through the story again. Best game ever!
An absolute masterpiece of a game and certainly my GOTY
@MadAussieBloke boring pahahaha
My personal GOTY. I sunk more hours into this than I did with Bore of the wild. A true masterpiece.
As far as games released on the PS4 go, NieR:A is definitely worthy of being GOTY more than even titles like Horizon and Persona. Will be remembered for years to come.
I waited until I completed all the main story endings to come back to this article, so I’m a few days late, but I absolutely adore this game. It is my GOTY. Ending “E” referenced here was brilliant. I feel a little guilty, but I did not sacrifice my save data at the end because I may consider running through the last few side quests and endings at some future date. I hope that doesn’t make me a fake fan. 😝
Definitely one of the games of the year for me. While it has numerous flaws, the heart and soul poured into the game shine through any of the cracks. The ending credits and getting the E ending in particular had a massive impact on me for days after playing it. The story of 2B and 9S is pretty much burned into my mind now and I consider this duo to be as classic as Snake and Otacon.
At some point, I intend to come back and platinum this one.
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