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NieR:Automata™ similar games & best alternatives

NieR:Automata™

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.

Global score

87/100

Genres

Action, Role-playing (RPG)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep and emotional story
    • Smooth and varied combat
    • Exceptional soundtrack
    • Multiple endings and replayability
    • Unique philosophical themes

    Cons

    • Poor keyboard and mouse controls
    • Some repetitive environments and side quests
    • Mandatory multiple playthroughs for full story
    • Technical issues in pc port
    • Some players find story pacing uneven

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fellowship, Cooperation, Leadership, Violence. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Violence, Continuation.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players can choose different characters, customize combat styles, and explore multiple endings with varied playthroughs."

    • Competence
      4

      "Combat is described as smooth, fun, and challenging with a high skill ceiling; players engage in varied gameplay mechanics including hack-and-slash and bullet hell."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on personal story experience and exploration rather than competing against others."

    • Continuation
      5

      "Multiple playthroughs and endings encourage long-term engagement and repeated sessions."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players can customize combat chips and weapon loadouts, allowing for experimentation with play styles."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; focus is on personal narrative."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Strong themes of existentialism and emotional immersion provide deep escape from reality."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage out of intrinsic interest and personal desire to experience story and gameplay."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Varied gameplay styles, multiple characters, and chip customization encourage trying new approaches."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Open world with side quests and secrets encourages discovery, though some environments are noted as sparse."

    • Expression
      2

      "Customization of weapons and combat chips allows some degree of self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world with androids and machines, featuring imaginative fiction and philosophical themes."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "Single-player game with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills in combat and understanding of complex story through multiple playthroughs."

    • Health
      -5

      "Typical sedentary gaming experience with no physical activity elements."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention due to combat and story engagement; not a casual or idle game."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited social or emotional connections beyond narrative; no multiplayer or social features."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles; single-player experience."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate weapons, upgrades, and unlock multiple endings through progression."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "While some find it relaxing, others note emotional intensity and existential themes that create tension."

    • Sensation
      4

      "Highly praised soundtrack, visuals, and combat provide strong sensory and emotional stimulation."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social status or recognition mechanics; focus is on personal experience."

    • Story
      5

      "Deep, philosophical, and emotionally impactful narrative is a core element praised by players."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Combat and chip customization require planning and tactical thinking."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Bullet hell segments and challenging combat provide moments of suspense and excitement."

    • Value
      5

      "Players report high satisfaction and feel the game is worth the price and time invested."

    • Violence
      4

      "Combat involves defeating enemies through hack-and-slash and shooting mechanics."

    • Survival
      2

      "Some challenge in combat and boss fights requires managing health and resources, but not a core survival game."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026