It's basically the definition of a flawed game with great ideas and ambition. I like to think about Nier a lot more than I like playing it, but to me that's totally fine, because thinking about it is just that interesting. From a design standpoint, thematic standpoint and narrative standpoint Nier just has a lot of pondering to offer. Definitely not something I'd recommend for everyone, but it appeals to me.
As for playing the game itself. Just chill out and listen to the soundtrack, feel the atmosphere and try to be in the world of Nier. That's the only thing it does well (aside from the best execution of story in NG+ I can think of). I really do enjoy the melancholy and quiet somber tone of the game, and it does stick to it very well. Say what you want about Nier, but it is what it is and it does what it does. I do respect that.
If you have any decent standard for platforming, puzzling or action Nier will fail to surprise or excite you around every corner and sometimes even piss you off. There are easy ways to break the game and make it stupid easy, but that only turns frustrating into tedious and won't change the bullshit puzzles or navigation. For as much praise as the story gets (and I liked it a fair bit) it's maaaybe not the greatest thing since sliced bread. The plot on it's own just plain isn't that great. What is great however is the smaller interactions between characters and the way the plot affects them, the world as a whole and to some extent even the player.
Anyone who knows they have the time and know they can tolerate a fair bit of bullshit and tedium, I think should put in the 10-15h and get ending B. The journey through NG+ really is something else.
Log in to comment