My Switch port hype cycle has turn into painfully repetitious within the years for the reason that hybrid handheld-console was first launched. A sport I’m excited about will get introduced for it. I turn into excited to lastly have it in a conveyable type, kicking off months of anticipation and build-up. And then, once I play it, I’m left underwhelmed. There have been exceptions, after all, however this disappointment has largely been the norm. Thankfully, Nier Automata is one such exception.

It’s truthfully outstanding that Nier Automata’s Switch model achieves this. As time has gone on, I’ve discovered myself much less and fewer prone to make Switch my platform of alternative for video games that ship on a number of. The launch of Valve’s Steam Deck, which is residence to a slew of nice RPGs, hasn’t helped this. As a consequence, when Automata was introduced, I raised an eyebrow. It appeared a port destined to disappoint. And but, right here I’m, as RPG Site’s unofficial Switch Port Nerd, capable of say 5 great little phrases:

This is a miracle port.

The builders of this port bothered to make use of the entire system’s options, even when they didn’t must. They went above and past.

I don’t get how Square Enix obtained a sport like Nier Automata wanting and operating this effectively on what’s undeniably outdated {hardware} – it seems like there may be magic at play. PlatinumVideo games has struggled to get much less bold video games operating this effectively, the very best instance coming being its Nintendo-published action-adventure Astral Chain. That sport was designed for Switch too, so to see Automata outclass it was one thing I’d by no means anticipate in one million years. 

This piece goes to speak concerning the Switch model of Nier Automata on a mechanical degree. The techy stuff. If you need to learn concerning the sport in full, as a sport and as a murals, I’d recommend you learn Josh’s glowing 10/10 overview from manner again in 2017. For what it’s price, I largely agree with Josh’s verdict – it is a actually particular sport. And for those who haven’t performed it earlier than, and don’t have some other platforms to play it on, this port largely will get a glowing suggestion.

I don’t know what the goal decision is, however as James mentioned in his preview piece earlier this month, it’s not too far off what the PS4 may obtain. It places out a crisp picture, particularly throughout cutscenes. Textures have taken a downgrade for those who actually look out for them, however on my OLED mannequin Switch I discovered it to be a top quality visible expertise. The pop-in that usually mars open world Switch video games is way much less of a problem right here due to a powerful draw distance. Grass load in is generally unnoticeable, identical with textures. The few loading instances that exist are additionally cheap in my expertise. There’s an extended load upon booting the sport up, however that’s actually it. 

I performed a lot of the sport undocked, as a result of that is doubtless the explanation many individuals wish to test this model of the sport out. Switch followers are used to the concessions that should be made to get video games operating on the machine. If you’re in search of the very best decision doable operating at an ideal 60 FPS, you have been most likely by no means going to trouble with the swap port anyway. 30 FPS is one thing I’m keen to take care of if it means I can play a sport like this on the go (or let’s be trustworthy right here, in mattress). Automata hits this simply more often than not, with occasional dips when issues get hectic. What I used to be most nervous about was how it might carry out within the open world, however that fear was unfounded. In each methods to play, efficiency is sort of good.

Despite being a Platinum Action sport with fairly flashy fight, Automata’s major draw for me has all the time been the open world and story. I’m glad fight holds up effectively, and the sport is loads of enjoyable, however this port goes to point out you’ll be able to afford to chop the framerate in half with out ruining the Automata expertise. Despite not operating in addition to its major console counterpart, the sensation of pace has been saved largely intact. 

Outside of the brand new costumes (which weren’t out there through the overview interval), there are some distinctive new gimmick options unique to this model. I used to be fairly stunned to seek out out that this model had movement controls through the joycons – one thing which seems like a typically under-utilized function of the platform. When taking part in with each Joycons the left one can be utilized to sprint or flip, and the fitting can be utilized to swing both of your weapons relying on the course. Most individuals most likely received’t use this, and it is totally non-compulsory, however I’m glad they bothered together with it. If taking part in Undocked additionally they recreated rubbing the touchpad on a dualshock to pet your Pod with the Switch contact display. The builders of this port bothered to make use of the entire system’s options, even when they didn’t must. They went above and past.

This port could be a miracle, however it isn’t excellent. I observed one excessive visible bug within the Ruined City when switching from Docked to Undocked. The lighting system started to freak out, quickly altering each single second. It’s the type of flashing that could possibly be of medical concern to sure customers, and so looks like a reasonably large deal that’ll should be patched. All water stopped rendering as effectively, inflicting the tiny our bodies of water to empty. The solely manner I used to be capable of return it to regular was by restarting the sport. I’ve solely been capable of finding this bug as soon as, however contemplating the sport has no autosave this might result in issues dropping progress for those who can’t afford to make your manner again to a save level. If you endure from Epilepsy, it could be price ready for Square to handle this in a patch.

Outside of that (probably obtrusive) difficulty, this port could be among the best PS4 to Switch conversions I’ve performed. In the quick time I’ve needed to revisit Nier Automata on Switch, I’ve realized I may simply replay the entire thing like this in my spare time. Even for those who’ve performed it earlier than, this could possibly be the best model to relax and re-experience the story, or mop up any of the a number of endings you missed first day out. For newcomers, it is an ideal entrypoint to the sequence. It’s a snug expertise that I’d suggest to newcomers and followers alike who aren’t too choosy about needing their video games operating on a handheld at 1080p 60 FPS.

There are actually higher methods to play this sport, and for cheaper, but when Switch is your console of alternative that is price your time. I don’t understand how the porting group pulled it off, but when the Switch actually is right here to remain I’d wish to see them tackle extra bold initiatives.