8 Games Like Nier Automata For Action RPG Lovers

So you’ve finished playing Nier Automata, and now you’re left in a void craving the same brilliant combat gameplay, an unique story and some mesmerizing visual aesthetics?

And yes, we know, those are just a few of the things that makes Nier Automata such an amazing game.

Well, it’s definitely hard to live up to everything that composed Nier Automata, but we’re gonna go ahead and give it a shot with these 10 different titles, all resembling Nier Automata on different parameters such as gameplay, visuals, music, lore & narrative.

Nier Replicant

The original Nier, released in 2010, and the basis for Nier Automata. The game received mixed reviews upon release, but the reason it’s made this list is because of the unique playstyle that you’ll get to experience.

It may not be up to par graphically, but it’s got that Nier Automata feel to it that gamers love.

Nier is actually a spin-off from the Drakengard Series, and it is a continuation of the fifth ending of the first Drakengard game.

Drakengard

Where it all started, possibly. Drakengard, or “Drag-On Dragoon” was released in Japan in 2003 for Playstation 2.

The series featured 3 games (with a prequel & sequel) and was very popular in Japan. To the west, however, it flew under the radar for a long time, up until Nier’s global rising.

Drakengard is on this list because of its atmospheric similarity to Nier Automata. You’ll likely be less pleased with the gameplay of Drakengard compared to Nier Automata, due to the large timespan between releases.

It’s only natural that a game series originally released in 2003 would feature less quality of life details, game fluidity and so forth.

However, if you’re looking for a similar setting and character vibe, then the Drakengard Series could be for you.

The Souls Series

If you’re looking for a similar story and gaming “feel” to Nier Automata, then The Souls Series features 3 games that provides you with a great lore to follow and immerse yourself with.

If you liked the fast pace of Nier Automata, then you may be slightly disappointed with The Souls Series, as these games are much slower than Nier. The mechanics and skillful gameplay however, is very existant in The Souls Series, so you definetely wont be missing any challenges.

If you wanna do all of them, then the suggested playthrough order can be found here

Bloodborne

Bloodborne was created by the same director and developer who created the Souls Series.

Released in 2015, it is an A-RPG based in a gothic city where the inhabitants are inflicted with the “Blood-borne” disease.

The game features many of the same game elements that you encounter in The Souls Series, but if if its fast-paced combat that you’re after, then Bloodborne definetely comes ahead here.

Bloodbornes combat is way faster than the Souls series, and is probably closer to Nier Automata in that sense.

Vanquish

Another title from PlatinumGames, the same developer who created Nier Automata. This game was released in 2010 for Xbox and PS3.

In Vanquish, you play as Sam Gideon, a DARPA agent. Sam wears a special-powered suit that provides him with crazy reflexes and abilities upon taking damage. At any time, the player can choose to enter a so-called AR mode, where you gain accesss to different abilities and special tricks.

The game was famous for it’s fast-paced action, innovative shooter gameplay and visual aesthetic. In that sense it shares alot of the same features as Nier Automata.

Metal Gear Rising

Metal Gear Rising was released in 2013, and was also developed by PlatinumGames.

Metal Gear Rising features some amazing, fluid combat and story-lines. The game has different difficulty modes, and every difficulty is sure to bring a challenge regardless.

It was well-received among game critics, especially for its advanced “cutting system”, boss fights, and action focus. Unlike the other Metal Gear titles, Metal Gear Rising was oriented toward full-blown action, and less so on the stealth approach that we’ve seen with Metal Gear Solid.

In the game, you play as Raiden, who’s a cyborg that likes to hack and slash his opponents with a special katana. During the game, the player can alter Raiden’s appearence through various skins.

The game shares some features with Nier Automata in terms of action depth, pace and story focus.

Hyper Light Drifter

In a not so different street, there’s Hyper Light Drifter.

This game is an action-adventure RPG set in the beauty of 16-bit visuals. It was developed by Heart Machine and released in 2016.

On metacritic, the game scores 84/100, and upon it’s official release, the game was praised for its visuals, combat mechanisms and soundtracks.

Undertale

Undertale is a unique, creative game. If you’re looking for a game that takes creativity and innovation to new heights, then Undertale might be for you.

Unlike Nier Automata, you’ll find that Undertale is looser and much more slow-paced. In terms of creative gameplay however, this game is a perfect alternative to Nier Automative.

The story, music and combat mechanics are definetely just some of the things that put Undertale on this list of Nier Automata alternatives.

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