Nier:Automata The End of Yorha Edition Available now on Switch
An Exceptionally Solid Port of a Timeless Classic
About five years ago, the world was stunned by PlatinumGames’ release of NieR:Automata. The more players dug into its rich world of android and robots the more people recognized just how special of a game it was. It has become one of the easiest recommendations for anyone with an interest in video games as an artistic medium and people have been championing it ever since. The characters have shown up in countless other games, including fighters like SoulCalibur VI and mobile games like Final Fantasy Brave Exvius just to name a few. Fan art and cosplay have reached a staggering amount of creations and even director Yoko Taro has commented in interviews that he enjoys seeing fan art, even the lewd ones. Ports have not always been kind to Automata but it appears that the End of Yorha Edition on Nintendo Switch exceeds expectations.
While I haven’t played this port myself (I’ve completed most of Automata and all of Replicant) most of the writing I’ve seen about it from colleagues has mentioned that the game runs surprisingly good on the Switch, adding to the list of miracle ports to the platform. With Automata considered a must-play by those who have slashed through its world, and the release’s $39.99 USD price tag, this is an appealing purchase for many reasons. For someone like me who has yet to finish NieR:Automata, this might be what pushes me into finally seeing things through.
This release has the potential to skyrocket the game even further, making a sequel or new NieR entry only a matter of time. Over 6.5 million copies of NieR:Automata have been sold according to the press release on the End of Yorha Edition. I’ve already explored why NieR is such an important franchise in Square Enix’s catalog and I expect this Switch port to add to that.
Not only does the Switch release have all of the DLC from the original release but it also includes six new costumes, four new accessories, and two pod skins that are based on the mobile game NieR Re[in]carnation. The physical release also features artwork by Character Designer Akihiko Yoshida on the front and Concept Artist Koda Kazuma on the reverse.
A new wave of NieR:Automata fans will likely make for a tidal wave of love for the characters and story with long-time fans having a new reason to play through the game once more. Even those without a Switch will probably go through the game once more just to be involved in the excitement. Regardless, Square Enix took their time with the Switch port and that amount of care will assuredly pay off in a big way.
Learn more about Nier:Automata The End of Yorha Edition on the official website. Assets were used courtesy of a press kit.
Available now on Steam, Life Eater is a horror game revolving around abduction for ritual sacrifice to halt the end of the world. The game is the latest from Strange Scaffold, the team behind El Paso Elsewhere.