Randomcast Recap Ep#383 – Press Any Key Edition – Nier Automata Demo

Did you play Nier when it came out on the PS3 way back in 2010? If the answer is no, don’t fret: you’re not the only one. In fact, that we’re getting a direct sequel to Nier in Nier Automata is kind of shocking thing at all. It didn’t do all that well either in Japan or in the US. Yet, slowly but surely, it gained a cult following in both countries since its release. And now, Platinum Games and original director Taro Yoko are primed to bring us the next entry in the series.

Recently I got a chance to play the demo that landed on PS4. And, shocker of shockers, the Nier demo has some interesting tricks up its sleeve. It’s certainly not the moody, confusing, and sometimes obtuse RPG of a couple of years ago, but it definitely feels like it’s cut from the same Nier cloth. Naturally, it also feels like a Platinum Games type game. Think flurries of attacks, bullets flying everywhere, acrobatics out of cirque du soleil, and giant-ass robots…and you’re just about there.

However, if this game even hits a tenth of the vibe of the original Nier (which I’m hoping it will), it could be the kind of shot in the arm for a series which didn’t really get everyone in the tent the first time. That being said, it could also alienate the players who’ve been asking for a sequel the most: those who really connected with Nier’s off-brand RPG idiosyncrasies.

On that note, check out my playthrough of the Nier Demo and see for yourself if a follow up to Nier is something you’re interested in. We’ll be playing the full release of Nier Automata when it comes out on March 7th only on our Twitch channel.