Nier: Automata Review Roundup

Nier: Automata's launch is just days away. The game comes out for PlayStation 4 on March 7 (March 10 in Europe and Australia), and with the release date now so close, reviews have started to go live for Platinum Games' action-RPG.

The PS4 and PC exclusive launched in Japan in February and reportedly lets players buy trophies using in-game currency. If you're curious to see the title in action, check out gameplay of some hacked allies or this gameplay of a steel wasteland.

In our review, critic Miguel Concepcion said the game "delivers a well-executed and refined combat system, the level of which alone makes Automata well worth the price of admission." You can read more in our full Nier: Automata review.

For a selection of critics' reviews, check out the roundup below. Or for a wider critical reception, take a look at GameSpot sister site Metacritic.

• Game: Nier: Automata
• Developer: Platinum Games
• Platform: PS4, PC
• Release: March 7 (March 10 in Europe and Australia) on PS4, March 17 worldwide on PC.
• Price: US $60 / £42 / AU $100

GameSpot -- 9/10

"Thanks to Platinum Games' knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is Yoko Taro's most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a skillful dance where balletic dodges complement wushu-inspired aggression. Moreover, this multi-ending trip is generously peppered with surprises and revelations, as well as easter eggs that call back to the first game and the Drakengard series from which Nier spun off. It's a meaty, often exhilarating trek that showcases Platinum Games' and Yoko Taro's unique blend of genius." -- Miguel Concepcion [Full review]

IGN -- 8.9/10

"Nier: Automata is a crazy, beautiful, and highly entertaining journey full of nutty ideas and awesome gameplay. It may not include the most sensical story or compelling characters, but its frenzied combat--coupled with beautiful visuals and a stunning soundtrack--make it too much fun to pass up." -- Meghan Sullivan [Full review]

Game Informer -- 7.75/10

"Some parts of Nier: Automata genuinely thrilled and surprised me, but it is a constant exercise in sacrifice. Combat has improved compared to the original Nier, but it still isn't fully engaging. The progression system has cool ideas, but doesn't offer enough depth. The premise is fascinating, but it is dulled by repetition. Ultimately, tapping into the sad and unique story that flows under the surface of Nier: Automata makes these trade-offs worthwhile, but I'm disappointed by how deeply it's buried." -- Joe Juba [Full review]

Destructoid -- 9/10

"Nier: Automata is nearly as good of an RPG as it is an action game, which is a mighty tall order. It's tough to really strike that balance as many action-RPGs tend to favor one element over the other, but Platinum Games, with the help of Square Enix, has tapped into its innate ability to captivate us with combat while keeping the rest of the journey engaging." -- Chris Carter [Full review]