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Potentially super-niche RPG Nier: Automata has achieved some definitely not niche sales numbers.
Square Enix has announced that it has shipped 1m copies of the game across both physical and digital. It is currently available on PS4 and PC.
The RPG has done very well critically, too, hitting 89 per cent on Metacritic.
Yoko Taro’s unique storytelling ability has matched perfectly with the committed development culture at PlatinumGames, making Nier: Automata a mature and thought-provoking action-JRPG,” said TheSixthAxis in its review. Its tight combat and compelling narrative sets it apart from both its predecessor and the Drakengard series, and it’s utterly essential for fans of the genre.”
God Is a Geek added: Nier: Automata is a superb game, with great combat, a brilliant story, wonderful moments of ingenuity, and some of the greatest videogame music to feature in an action game. Platinum Games has surpassed itself once again, providing much more than their signature gameplay. This is one of the most interesting and unique games you’ll play this year.”
Square Enix UK’s senior product manager Chris Arnold told MCV last month that the game’s very niche DNA would work in its favour commercially.
Nier: Automata is definitely a Japanese game in style, but that will be a strong part of the appeal to many players,” he said. "Nier was a cult favourite that over time developed a strong following through great word of mouth. Whilst Nier: Automata will appeal to that same audience, the extra considerations that have been made to make the game as accessible as possible will hopefully extend its audience outside of this.
The game is designed to be accessible to both fans of the hard-core action games that PlatinumGames are renowned for developing, as well as to those who are more fans of the RPG side of the game that targets fans of previous Square Enix titles.”
