NieR: Automata has been a vast action-RPG name since it was first released back in 2017, though the series actually started a few years prior with the base game just titled, NieR, which took place in the same world setting, but thousands of years apart in terms of story. Thanks to the developers Virtuos, and publisher Square Enix, NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is the Switch version of the highly successful series.

It will include all past DLC making it a great entry point to the game for new players. NieR has had significant crossover events with other titles, such as SoulCalibur VI, with the main character, 2B, being a playable fighter. My personal favourite was the YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse raid that was in Final Fantasy XIV, and since then, characters of the series have gone on to appear in other popular titles such as Fall Guys, and the mobile game, SINoALICE. The latest news with the release of the Switch version is an anime being confirmed to be in the works, and the NieR series has a significant backing of a community behind it all the way. The Switch edition also comes with exclusive customs, like the Kitsune mask that was showcased in the announcement trailer for the Switch release.

As the game opens, we’re dropped into the year 11945AD, and sadly, the world really isn’t in a good shape. Looking like something set in the Mad-Max / post-apocalyptic style world, a war between two robotic factions is taking place. On one side, the YoRHa, Androids created by Humans, are up against the Machines, attackers from a distant planet. Players will first drop into the game as 2B, a female android, and her companion Pod, 042, which provides long-range support. You will start by slowly learning how to take part in combat, and in a good old hack-n-slash fashion with the katanas 2B wields.

As you progress through the first level, you will get introduced to another main character, 9S, a male android that supports 2B during the first mission and will later become a playable character. The last character being introduced is A2, another female android that has a history with B2, and you’ll get to learn her story as you play. Finally, the game has multiple endings, which is always a great way for players to get more out of a game.

As previously mentioned, NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition’s gameplay takes heritage from the traditional hack-n-slash style gameplay that we’ve come to know and love. It’s almost a given these days; If your main character has a gigantic sword and is of JRPGs style creation, you’re in for a button-mashing good time! The addition to the game is the shooting aspect, via your assistance droids. On paper, yes, it does appear to be a confusing element to add to a combo-busting, sword-swinging thrill ride, but Nier does an amazing job of combining the two aspects.

Unfortunately, like most JRPGs, the action can sometimes overwhelm the camera, and you’ll find yourself wildly swinging the control stick around trying to refocus on the task at hand, and this does take some of the joy out of the game because you don’t want to continuously switch between the consistent battle of camera angles versus the on-screen enemies, but even so, it doesn’t really hinder the overall product. Eventually, the game presents you with ‘Plug-in’ chips. These are equipped boosters that you can add, or more so, plug into your playable robotic hero, ranging from increasing your HP, invulnerability, an increase of attack, etc.

The sound design for the NieR games has always been on point, with a great cast of sound designers and the use of orchestral music throughout, setting the theme of the game as a whole. The voice acting is another high point worth mentioning, as players can really get a feeling of the characters’ emotions with each line they deliver. The graphics used to create the world of NieR have been definitely the biggest highlight.

I played a little bit on the Xbox One when it first dropped and compared to the Switch version, it holds up greatly with no obvious downscaling in any area. Or at least not that I noticed. The character models and animations are a work of art, and I can see why so many people fell in love with the characters because they look amazing on the Switch screen, and even in docked mode, I still didn’t see any graphics being downscaled. It truly is a stunning game to behold.

The controls have had a slight tweak for the Switch release to allow the motion control feature to be used by moving the Switch to move around, but this setting can be turned off if you prefer to just play in a classic handheld mode. While playing handheld, I did find it a bit uncomfortable during heavy action as I was hitting the wrong inputs, and after hours of finger cramping, playing in the docked mode is where I really shinned, being able to sit back with my pro controller and slash my way into the action. I didn’t see any merit to the motion control aspect of the game it was a feature, and I forgot to turn it off until I moved while holding the Switch. Sadly, the camera controls are still a bit of a down point, especially while in combat. Trying to find the next enemy to fight can be harder than the fight itself, as the camera feels like it’s a secret boss.

In conclusion, NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is a great addition to the Switch. It’s a great title with an amazing storyline that will have players wanting to jump right back in after finishing, if only just to find one of the alternative endings. It also comes with all the past DLC, making for a great entry point for people that have yet to play it and are wanting to see what all of the hype has been about. With the stunning visuals and character designs, you will not want to put this down.

Written by: Shane Walsh