Nier: Automata
News, coverage and analysis tracking Nier: Automata across the outlets.
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Final Fantasy Resonance modders have already reinstated the original mobile game's biggest icon, Ariana Grande
Modders are already adding content to the demo of Final Fantasy Resonance, a reconstruction of the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. The "FFR Vision Studio" mod reintroduces nearly 1,300 units from the original game, including guest characters like Ariana Grande and Katy Perry, which were not planned for Resonance. Producer Keisuke Nakashima stated Ariana Grande's character wouldn't fit the new game's vibe, a sentiment some fans disagree with.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Stellar Blade interview: dev on bringing the game to Nintendo Switch 2, adoration for Zelda: Breath of the Wild, more
Shift Up's DongKi Lee discusses the upcoming Stellar Blade: Complete Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, detailing technical optimizations and the use of DLSS and FSR 3.1 for a target of 60 frames per second. Lee also expresses admiration for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which inspired him to work on console games.
Sony Interactive Entertainment to pay $7.85 million settlement regarding digital game prices
Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging anticompetitive conduct related to digital game prices on PlayStation. The lawsuit claimed SIE's actions, including stopping third-party retailers from selling digital codes, led to consumers paying higher prices between April 2019 and December 2023. Sony denies any wrongdoing, and the court has not ruled on the merits of the claims.
Sony To Pay Out Nearly $8 Million In Class-Action Settlement Over Game Prices
Sony is set to pay out nearly $8 million to PlayStation customers as part of a settlement concerning digital game prices on the PlayStation Store. The lawsuit alleged Sony maintained a monopoly over prices by controlling publisher pricing and eliminating competition from third-party retailers selling digital codes. Sony is not admitting wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
We got a first look at Stellar Blade on Nintendo Switch 2, here are our thoughts
A preview of Stellar Blade on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveals a competent and graphically impressive port that maintains a locked frame rate. Developer ShiftUp focused on seamless docked and undocked play, with unique touchscreen features for puzzles. The game's combat and atmosphere are compared favorably to NieR: Automata, making it an appealing option for those who missed the original release.
Okami Sequel Studio Fills Audio Team With Veterans Who Worked on the Original, Bayonetta, and More
Clovers, the studio developing the Okami sequel, has expanded its audio team with veterans who worked on the original Okami, Bayonetta, and NieR: Automata. Industry veterans Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Hitomi Kurokawa, and Aoba Nakanishi have joined the team, alongside Misaki Shindo and Hiroki Niwa. Director Hideki Kamiya confirmed the sequel will feature Amaterasu in a new adventure, though details remain scarce and a release is still some time away.
Wisdom of Nym: The cross(over) to bear in Final Fantasy XIV’s upcoming raids for Evercold
Square Enix has announced two crossover raid series for Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming Evercold patch sequence, sparking mixed reactions. The author discusses the history of crossovers in FFXIV, acknowledging both the potential for disappointment and excitement, while emphasizing the need to wait for the actual implementation before passing final judgment on their execution and narrative impact.
Respawn Monday #12: Why Beast of Reincarnation Felt Rough at the Start — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
The author found the initial hours of Beast of Reincarnation, developed by Pokémon studio Game Freak, to be rough due to a jumbled story pacing and an identity crisis stemming from its inspirations. Despite these issues and awkward boss fights, the author plans to continue playing the game, which is available on PC Game Pass.
I'm growing impatient for the new Evangelion anime, but this Asuka gaming keyboard helps
MelGeek has released pre-orders for its Centauri60 Asuka Edition HE gaming keyboard, inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion, priced at $359 and shipping August 15. The keyboard features Hall-Effect magnetic switches and a design mimicking Asuka's EVA unit. A Rei Ayanami-themed Centauri80 keyboard is also available for $459, featuring an OLED touchscreen.
"I haven't slept in 48 hours": Devs spent 9 years, starting in "my parents' basement," making a Nier Automata-esque action game with the most anime plot imaginable
Dischan Media has officially launched Mahou Arms, a third-person action game inspired by Nier: Automata, after approximately six years in early access. The game features paramilitary magical girls battling alien invaders, with a story mode lasting 6-10 hours and a mix of melee combat, tag-team combos, and strategy game-esque battlefield views. The developers have focused on a distinct visual style blending minimalist 3D models with lavish 2D animation and a somber piano soundtrack.
Don't let this beautifully-drawn action RPG starring two girls trained in Sekiro-style combat get lost in the sea…
Lunarium is a beautifully drawn action RPG with Sekiro-style combat that aims to stand out on Steam. The game features a hand-drawn art style reminiscent of Nier: Automata and Final Fantasy, with gameplay focusing on the synergy between two characters, Ave and Lune. Lunarium is set to release on Steam on July 28.
PlayStation "may as well eliminate the hardware" if Sony is ending physical discs, says creator of Disgaea RPG…
Sohei Niikawa, creator of the Disgaea series and former president of Nippon Ichi Software, has criticized Sony's decision to end physical game discs for PlayStation by 2028. He argues that physical editions are crucial for collectors, fans, and preserving game history, suggesting that if Sony eliminates discs, they might as well eliminate the hardware itself. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other industry figures like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro regarding the future of physical media.
What developers can learn from this generation of game criticism
This article analyzes the impact of video essays and online game criticism on game developers, contrasting it with traditional reviews and playtesting. While direct, actionable advice is rare, developers find inspiration and insight from creators like Mark Brown, Noah Caldwell-Gervais, and Jacob Geller, influencing their design philosophies and understanding of player experience.
As PlayStation kills discs, Nier Automata creator Yoko Taro is "saddened by the loss of physical media" and despairs over "the future" of games: "That's just the way things are going"
Nier series director Yoko Taro expressed sadness over the decline of physical game media, citing PlayStation's plans to end disc production and Nintendo's Switch 2 Game-Key Cards. He believes the industry is moving away from physical distribution, contrary to his expectations that limited editions would persist. Taro's comments reflect a broader concern about the future of games and the loss of physical ownership.
Nintendo Switch eShop latest sales: lowest prices ever for TMNT: Mutants Unleashed, BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites and BloodRayne: ReVamped, more
The North American Nintendo Switch eShop is featuring new sales, including the lowest prices ever for TMNT: Mutants Unleashed, BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites, and BloodRayne: ReVamped. The article lists numerous other discounted titles from various publishers, with prices and original costs provided for each.
Square Enix’s newly opened LA theme cafe offers up stylish food in a grim-looking atmosphere
Square Enix has opened a new themed cafe in Los Angeles, California, featuring food and merchandise inspired by Dragon Quest, NieR: Automata, and Final Fantasy. While the menu items reference games like Final Fantasy XIV, the cafe's decor is described as grim and lacking in color, drawing comparisons to a prison mess hall.
HIBINO Announces First Long-Term North American Display of Life-Size “Virtuous Contract” from NieR:Automata
HIBINO Corporation is announcing the first long-term North American display of a life-size replica of the "Virtuous Contract" weapon from NieR: Automata. The replica will be showcased at the new Officially Licensed SQUARE ENIX Cafe & Shop in Los Angeles starting June 20, 2026. This marks a significant opportunity for fans to see the detailed, approximately 54.7-inch weapon in person.
Moonlight Pale Unlocks Console Ports and Physical Editions
Blue Lily's hand-drawn survival horror game, Moonlight Pale, has successfully met its Kickstarter goal and will be released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S|X, and Nintendo Switch. The campaign also unlocked Mac and Linux ports, additional game modes, and will feature Standard and limited "Eclipse" physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, more
Famitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.