Speaking to A9VG from theTaipei Game Show 2017, Square Enix Producer Yosuke Saito says the demo released for PlatinumGames' NeiR: Automata features gameplay that occurs at roughly the midway point of the game. This runs counter to the two popular theories that the demo was from the early stages of the game or featured specially created content that wouldn't appear in the actual title. In Japan however, gamers were adamant that the demo was actually set during the game's climax.
"We released the demo version with the intention of gaining some important feedback from players," said Saito. He also added, "The main purpose was to allow players to experience the action part of the game and let them tell us what they thought. In Japan, it was discussed whether or not the demo depicted the ending of the game. We can reveal here that what you see in the demo occurs roughly at the half-way point of the game. We selected that part so you can get a nice chunk of the game to experience. The story in the demo is not an independent story from the rest of the game."
As far as any implicit connections between NeiR and Drakengard, Saito opted to remain coy. "There is a connection between them all, but there’s absolutely no problem if you haven’t played them. Simply, if you are familiar with the other titles, you may notice some interesting things. For example, the voice actor for 9S, Hanae-san, has played all of the previous games."
Are you planning to purchase the NeiR sequel or have recent PlatinumGames setbacks given you pause? Let us know in the usual spot below.
ABOUT NEIR: AUTOMATA
Nier: Automata is an upcoming open-world, action RPG video game created by PlatinumGames and distributed by Square Enix for the PS4 and PC. The game is set in the same universe as 2010's NieR, which was a spinoff of the long-running Drakengard series, set in a world that follows the events of the fifth ending to Drakengard which leaves the world in a state of decay. Cavia developed the first title but was disbanded in 2010 following absorption by AQ Interactive Inc.
The game will be released in Japan on February 23 and in North America on March 7.The PC edition is currently without an exact release date.
The game follows the fourth possible ending in the original NieR, where machine invaders from an alternate dimensions further throw an already decaying world into chaos. Humanity flees to the moon and sends down battle androids to wage war by proxy. The game' s protagonist, a female model named No. 2 Model B, or "2B" for short is one such android. With others of her ilk, battles are fought to drive the machine invaders back and restore world order.