Implementation of Gameplay Mechanics and Other Unique Design Choices
One of the highlights of the NieR: Automata demo was the way the game forced you into certain fixed camera angles as you progressed through the dungeon. The game also transitions into a bullet hell segment during certain boss fights, mixing up the gameplay style, and preventing you from just hacking and slashing away at your foes non-stop. However, Automata also features a few other interesting mechanics that you’ll eventually have to make room for in your play style.
For instance, your second playthrough will reward you with the ability to hack into machines and attack them through there. The hacking mini-game is essentially another twin-stick shooter segment where you have to destroy certain parts of the machine’s system before gaining access to its core. What’s really cool about the hacking mini-game, however, is the fact that whatever music is playing during combat or in the open world turns into a chiptune version as you hack. Y’know, to fit the high-tech vibe of the whole hacking thing.
Just like its predecessor, NieR: Automata also has a few text adventure segments, which the game refers to as ‘Novels.’ This is usually where you’ll get even more insight into what a character is thinking, or learn more about their past. All of this could be presented in a cutscene, but there’s just something oddly charming about reading a character’s thoughts as the game plays some peaceful and sometimes melancholic music in the background. Automata’s writing is fantastic, and the text adventure segments are actually a highlight in the game, instead of being a drag like most might think.
