Square Enix Teases What Fans Pray Is A New Nier Automata Game
The Future Awaits: Could Nier: Automata Finally Get a Sequel?
Few games have left as lasting an impression on players worldwide as Nier: Automata. Released in 2017, this action-RPG captivated audiences with its deep philosophical story, stylish combat, unforgettable music, and a cast of characters that lingered in the mind long after the credits rolled – and then rolled again, and again. Now, whispers and hopes abound: could this beloved title finally be getting the sequel fans have been dreaming of? The possibility of a new chapter in the Nier universe, especially one directly following the events of Automata, sends shivers of excitement through the gaming community. This isn't just about another game; it's about potentially revisiting a world that challenged our perceptions of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the very meaning of existence.
Nier: Automata, developed by the legendary PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a blend of high-octane action, thoughtful exploration, and a narrative that masterfully juggles multiple perspectives and emotional impacts. Its creator, the enigmatic Yoko Taro, crafted a narrative so intricate and unique that it demanded multiple playthroughs, each revealing new layers and challenging players to reconsider everything they thought they knew. Given its immense success and the passionate fanbase it cultivated, the idea of a Nier: Automata sequel isn't just wishful thinking; it feels like a natural progression, albeit one fraught with the challenge of living up to an absolute masterpiece.
The Enduring Legacy of Nier: Automata
Before diving into the hopeful future, it's crucial to understand why Nier: Automata resonated so deeply. Its appeal wasn't singular; it was a complex tapestry of elements that came together almost perfectly. At its core, it's a story set in a post-apocalyptic world where androids fight a proxy war against machine lifeforms on behalf of a supposedly extinct humanity. But this simple premise quickly unravels into something far more profound.
A Story That Haunts and Inspires
Nier: Automata's narrative is its strongest pillar. It delves into profound themes: what it means to be human, the nature of consciousness, the futility of endless conflict, and the search for purpose in a meaningless world. Characters like 2B, 9S, and A2 are not just combat units; they are individuals grappling with identity, loss, and the philosophical weight of their existence. The game's multi-layered storytelling, where subsequent playthroughs from different character perspectives unveil new truths and drastically alter previous understandings, was groundbreaking. Players weren't just progressing through a story; they were piecing together a complex puzzle, often arriving at conclusions that were both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Yoko Taro's distinctive approach ensures that players are constantly challenged, not just by enemies, but by the ideas presented.
Gameplay That Breaks Molds
Beyond its narrative genius, Nier: Automata offered a gameplay experience that was surprisingly varied and polished. PlatinumGames, known for its fluid and fast-paced action combat in titles like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, brought its signature expertise to Automata. Combat felt incredibly satisfying, allowing players to fluidly switch between melee and ranged attacks, special abilities, and the versatile "Pod" support system. But the game wasn't content to be just a hack-and-slash; it seamlessly transitioned between various genres, from a top-down shoot 'em up to a twin-stick shooter, a side-scrolling platformer, and even a text adventure. These shifts were rarely jarring; instead, they served to enhance the storytelling, often reflecting the changing perspectives or the dire circumstances of the characters. This genre-bending approach kept the experience fresh and unpredictable, constantly surprising players.
An Unforgettable World and Soundscape
The world of Nier: Automata, a beautifully desolate Earth reclaimed by nature, served as a stunning backdrop for its emotional tale. From crumbling cityscapes to serene forests and desert expanses, each environment felt alive despite its emptiness, often hiding secrets and lore that deepened the experience. Complementing this visual splendor was a soundtrack that is, without exaggeration, one of the greatest in video game history. Composed by Keiichi Okabe and his team, the music is an emotional rollercoaster, shifting effortlessly between melancholic orchestral pieces, haunting vocals, and high-energy electronic beats. It perfectly underscores every moment, elevating the narrative and imprinting scenes into the player's memory. The main theme, "Weight of the World," particularly, has become synonymous with the game's emotional core.
Why a Nier: Automata Sequel Makes Sense
Given the immense critical and commercial success of Nier: Automata, a sequel might seem like a no-brainer. However, the Nier series, rooted in the Drakengard universe, has a history of unconventional narratives and often self-contained stories. Yet, several factors strongly suggest that a direct follow-up, or at least another significant entry in this specific branch of the Nier saga, isn't just possible but highly desirable.
Unresolved Questions and Thematic Depth
While Nier: Automata delivers a deeply satisfying and somewhat conclusive ending (Ending E), Yoko Taro's narratives are rarely truly "finished." The cycle of conflict, life, and death, a core theme, implies that stories can always be revisited or continued. Ending E, which offers a glimmer of hope for 2B, 9S, and A2 to rebuild themselves and potentially a new future for androids and machines, leaves just enough room for exploration. What happens next for these characters? How do they navigate a world without YoRHa? What new conflicts arise in the absence of their perceived enemy? A sequel could delve deeper into these possibilities, exploring new philosophical questions about free will, evolution, and finding peace after endless war. The Nier universe is vast, and Automata only scratched the surface of its complex lore, particularly regarding the remnants of humanity, the true nature of the machines, and the origins of the androids' creators.
Commercial Success and Fan Demand
Nier: Automata has sold over 7 million copies worldwide across various platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This level of commercial success makes a compelling business case for a sequel. Publishers like Square Enix are always looking for reliable franchises, and Nier has proven its ability to attract a dedicated global audience. Beyond sales, the passionate fan community consistently expresses its desire for more. From fan art and fiction to ongoing discussions about the game's lore and philosophical implications, the yearning for a continuation is palpable. Ignoring such a strong demand would be a missed opportunity for both creative and financial reasons.
A Thriving Universe Beyond Automata
The Nier universe has not been stagnant since Automata's release. We saw the highly anticipated remaster of the original Nier title, Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139..., which brought the saga's roots to a new generation of players. There's also the mobile game, Nier Reincarnation, which continues to expand the lore and narrative possibilities. Furthermore, the recent Nier: Automata anime adaptation, Nier: Automata Ver1.1a, demonstrates the continued popularity and relevance of the brand. These projects confirm that Square Enix and Yoko Taro are still very much invested in the world of Nier. With the original Nier Replicant having received its definitive version, and the mobile game forging its own path, a true successor to Automata feels like the next logical step to maintain momentum and satisfy the core fanbase.
Challenges and Considerations for a Nier: Automata Sequel
While the desire for a sequel is strong, creating one that lives up to the original's monumental legacy is no small feat. There are significant creative and developmental hurdles that any potential Nier: Automata 2 would need to overcome.
Living Up to Sky-High Expectations
Nier: Automata set an incredibly high bar for storytelling, emotional impact, and unique gameplay. Any sequel would face immense pressure to not only match but ideally surpass these achievements. Fans have very specific expectations regarding the narrative depth, the quality of the combat, and the unforgettable soundtrack. Delivering an experience that feels both fresh and true to the spirit of the original will be a delicate balancing act. There's always the risk of a sequel feeling repetitive or failing to capture the magic that made the first game so special. The unique blend of Yoko Taro's unconventional vision and PlatinumGames' action expertise is a rare synergy that might be difficult to perfectly replicate or evolve.
Maintaining Yoko Taro's Unique Vision
The eccentric and brilliant mind of Yoko Taro is arguably the single most important component of the Nier series' identity. His distinct narrative style, willingness to challenge player assumptions, and often bleak yet hopeful worldview are what make Nier, Nier. For a sequel to truly feel authentic, his direct involvement and creative control would be paramount. However, Yoko Taro is known for his unpredictable approach to game development; he often states that he only makes games when he feels inspired, and he's not one to simply churn out sequels for the sake of it. His preference for ending stories definitively, even if ambiguously, means that convincing him to revisit Automata's direct narrative might require a truly compelling new idea.
Evolving Gameplay Without Losing Its Core
PlatinumGames crafted a combat system in Nier: Automata that was dynamic, fluid, and incredibly fun. The challenge for a sequel would be to innovate upon this foundation without alienating fans of the original. How do you introduce new mechanics, weapons, and enemy types while retaining the satisfying feel of the original combat? The genre-bending elements were a huge part of Automata's charm. Could a sequel introduce even more unexpected shifts, or would it be better to refine the existing formula? Finding that sweet spot between familiarity and innovation is crucial to ensuring the gameplay feels fresh and exciting for returning players while still attracting new ones.
Fitting into the Complex Nier Lore
The Nier series, including its Drakengard roots, boasts an incredibly deep and intricate lore. While Automata's ending offers a path forward, any sequel would need to carefully consider its place within the established timeline and narrative themes. It would need to expand upon the existing mythology without contradicting previous events or diminishing the impact of the original's conclusion. Yoko Taro's narratives often explore cyclical patterns and the idea that history repeats itself. A sequel could embrace this, perhaps exploring a new iteration of conflict, or it could try to break the cycle. Whichever path is chosen, it must be handled with the utmost care to maintain the integrity of the universe that fans have come to love and obsess over.
What We'd Love to See in a Nier: Automata Sequel
Despite the challenges, the thought of a Nier: Automata sequel sparks immense excitement and speculation. If Square Enix and PlatinumGames were to greenlight such a project, here are some key elements that fans would undoubtedly hope to see.
New Perspectives and Returning Faces
While 2B, 9S, and A2 are iconic, a sequel could introduce new protagonists, perhaps earlier models of androids, new generations of machine lifeforms who have evolved further, or even explore the remnants of humanity in a more direct way. This would allow for fresh perspectives on the world and its philosophies. However, cameo appearances or a continued role for the original trio, perhaps as mentor figures or distant legends, would be a welcome nod to the past. The possibility of playing as other memorable characters, even for brief segments, like Devola and Popola, or exploring the origins of Project YoRHa more deeply, also holds immense appeal.
Deeper Exploration of the World and Lore
Nier: Automata hinted at so much more than it explicitly showed. A sequel could take players to unexplored regions of Earth, delve into the moon base where humanity supposedly resides, or even travel to other planets if the narrative called for it. Expanding on the history of the aliens, the origins of the machine network, or the true purpose of the androids' creation could provide fascinating new insights. Imagine exploring the archives of the old world, uncovering more about the Black Scrawl, or learning about other global conflicts that occurred alongside the main war. The possibilities for lore expansion are vast and thrilling.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Building upon the already excellent combat system, a sequel could introduce new weapon types, deeper customization options for Pods, or more intricate character progression systems. Perhaps new traversal mechanics, like advanced parkour or flight segments, could open up the world in exciting ways. The seamless genre shifts were a highlight, and a sequel could push this further, incorporating new gameplay styles or refining existing ones to an even higher degree. More environmental interaction, complex puzzles that tie into the narrative, or even strategic elements could add layers of depth without sacrificing the core action experience.
Even More Profound Philosophical Questions
The heart of Nier is its ability to make players think. A sequel would ideally continue this tradition, tackling new philosophical dilemmas relevant to our evolving world. Themes like post-scarcity societies, the ethics of advanced AI, the meaning of consciousness in a fully digital existence, or the potential for true symbiosis between disparate species could all be explored. Yoko Taro has a talent for making players question their own values and beliefs, and a sequel would be the perfect canvas for new, challenging inquiries that resonate long after the game is finished.
Another Masterpiece Soundtrack
This goes without saying, but a Nier game without a breathtaking soundtrack would be incomplete. Keiichi Okabe and his team would undoubtedly be tasked with crafting another iconic score, blending orchestral grandeur with electronic melancholy and evocative vocals. Fans would eagerly anticipate new musical themes that become synonymous with new characters, locations, and emotional moments, ensuring the auditory experience is as impactful as the visual and narrative ones.
The Whispers and the Future
Currently, there's no official announcement for a direct Nier: Automata sequel. Developers, including Yoko Taro, PlatinumGames, and Square Enix, have been notoriously cryptic about the future of the series. Yoko Taro often jokes about retiring or moving on to different projects, which is part of his charm but also keeps fans on edge. However, the consistent release of Nier-related content – from the Replicant remaster to the mobile game and the anime – proves that the franchise is still very much alive and profitable. This sustained investment, coupled with the overwhelming fan desire, keeps the hope for a proper sequel burning bright.
Fan speculation is a constant buzz in the community. Every cryptic tweet from Yoko Taro, every job listing at PlatinumGames, every slight hint in a Square Enix investor call is analyzed for clues. While concrete evidence remains elusive, the sheer volume of discussion points to an undeniable truth: the world wants more Nier: Automata. The success of the recent projects might just be the building blocks, proving the ongoing viability and increasing the chances of a larger, more ambitious project. Perhaps the silence isn't a sign of absence, but rather a testament to the scale and secrecy of a truly groundbreaking endeavor in the making.
Conclusion: Waiting for the Next Cycle
Nier: Automata wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon, a work of art that pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve in terms of storytelling, philosophy, and emotional resonance. The idea of a sequel isn't just about revisiting a beloved franchise; it's about hoping for another opportunity to be challenged, moved, and utterly enthralled by a unique vision. While there are significant hurdles to overcome, the overwhelming demand from fans, the sustained commercial success of the Nier brand, and the boundless creative potential within its universe make a Nier: Automata sequel an incredibly exciting prospect.
Whether it arrives in the form of a direct continuation, a spiritual successor, or another unexpected spin-off, one thing is clear: the gaming world is ready for whatever Yoko Taro, PlatinumGames, and Square Enix might have in store. We eagerly await the next cycle, ready to once again question everything and experience a story that only Nier can deliver. The possibility of returning to the desolate yet beautiful world of androids and machines is a dream worth holding onto, a testament to the game's enduring impact. Here's hoping the whispers become a roaring announcement soon, bringing us closer to Nier: Automata 2.
from Kotaku
-via DynaSage
