Nier gameplay video shows off RPG elements
Another gameplay video has been released for the upcoming Platinum RPG Nier: Automata, this time showing off more detail of the game’s RPG elements.
In the video we see our character 2B and her companion completing a couple of quests for NPCs, as well as briefly how the skill system works.
From the hub area 2B visits a couple of vendors who both want you to venture into the ruins to gather things and defeat enemies. Pretty typical RPG stuff, including the completion rewards which includes items, ingredients, money and experience, but it’s good to see how these side quests allow you to venture out and explore.
What is less typical is the skill system. A ‘plug-in-chip’ system which allows you to customise your character with skills to help defend and attack against enemies, as well as some other conveniences. We see 2B filling up slots with these chips, suggesting it’s freely customisable as you play; including the intriguing choice to include HUD and map information within these chips. It certainly looks interesting, but part of me wonders whether this will be a bit clunky in practice.
It’s cool to see some interaction from our characters as well, as we see 2B talking with her contact off Earth. The contact seems enthusiastic and wants to know how the weather is, whereas 2B seems a bit more ‘generic moody android’ and is a bit humourless about it all.
For those who played the original Nier, you may be excited to see some fishing in the video (or not), though actually it comes across as a bit too simplistic, with you essentially just leaving the task to your robot helper.
The more I see of the world and the combat, the more excited I get about Nier: Automata’s imminent arrival – Platinum seem to be doing a very good job, and the evidence of some decent/interesting RPG mechanics was one of the final boxes to tick. I must also say, as a final note, the music is sounding particularly good – this was a standout aspect of the original game, and hopefully the whole soundtrack turns out just as good.
Take a look at the video below. It may be the last update before the game releases in just 8 days (10th march).