Even a decade after its release,NieR: Automatastill remains one of the most memorable action JRPGs by PlatinumGames by far. Combining Yoko Taro’s iconic storytelling and the developers' satisfying yet simple-to-learn mechanics, it’s a shame there still hasn’t been a proper follow-up to its cult-classic formula. While the countless crossovers over the years help withNieR': Automata’sabsence, Capcom’s upcoming sci-fi game could act as a spiritual successor in more ways than one.
While some ofAutomata’s keydesigners leaving PlatinumGamesmeans we could see even more unique titles on the horizon,one upcoming title already has a unique edge over one area ofNieR: Automata's beloved gameplay experience.
Despite the infamous legacy ofAutomataand theNieRseries as a whole, the gameplay of Yoko Taro’s most iconic offering isn’t without its share of flaws. With similar story elements involving rogue androids and unique hacking mechanics,Pragmatacould already be improving on some foundations laid byNieR: Automatapreviously.
NieR: Automata Experimented With Hacking Combat 8 Years Ago
A Unique Concept That Left Much To Be Desired
After finishing 2B’s initial story and unlockingNier:Automata’s second route, you’ll follow mostly the same story events while playing as 9S, albeit with a few narrative and gameplay changes.
The biggest differences, aside from diverging story moments, come in the form of a hacking mini-game to compensate for the titular scanning units' lack of combat prowess compared to 2B.Being able to weaken and even defeat enemies without lifting a finger sounds great on paper,but ultimately fails to live up toAutomata’s fun-filled combat mechanics.
Despite complaints that it discourages players from continuing after route A, 9S and his hacking abilities play a vital role in the story and don’t take as long to complete as the previous route.
Thankfully, there’s only so much hacking you’ll need to do to get by while playing as 9S, but it still felt frustrating to be taken out of the action for a somewhat repetitive mini-game.Making the shift even more difficult to adjust to is just how much weaker 9S feels to play overall, relying heavily on light attacks and the hacking minigames to progress.
Pragmata’s Combat Blends Its Attack Modes More Seamlessly
Integrating Both Styles Of Combat Into One Seamless Package
Although the hacking system in Capcom’s upcomingPragmataseems more simplified thanNieR: Automata’s on the surface,it’s how the mechanics are presented that givesPragmataa step up from the legendary JRPG.
Rather than fully taking you out of the combat for its hacking modes or forcing you to play as a weaker character,Pragmatawill have you controlling both the combat-hardened Hugh and hacking-capable Diana simultaneously.
For the hacking mechanic itself, the android companion Diana opens a hacking mini-game in real time,offering fast-paced puzzles that not only deal a burst of damage to enemies but also remove their armor to let Hugh decimate them with his firearm.
While we’ve only seen snippets of how this functionality will work later on inPragmata’s story, it already overcomes the biggest barrier withAutomata’s hacking-themed gameplay, having both styles mixed together for a more engaging combat experience.
There have been some concerns thatPragmata’s forced-hacking minigames might become similarly repetitive toNieR: Automata's on an even larger scale, butCapcom’s FPS and puzzle experience with franchises likeResident EvilgivesPragmata’s developers a significant edge in tackling these unique problems.
While there are plenty of reasons toaddPragmatato your wishlist, the unique blend of combat mechanics could help scratch more than just yourNieR:Automata-shaped itch when it releases next year.
NieR: Automata’s Hacking Might Not Be Its Only Influence On Pragmata
Incorporating Some Of Automata’s More Existential Themes
Despite some complaints over the admittedly small section ofNieR: Automata’s critically acclaimed experience, its story and characters still make the title stand out as one of my favorite games of all time. While I doubt Capcom’s upcoming title will follow a story similar to Yoko Taro’s convoluted but beloved narratives,Pragmataalready seems to be borrowing fromAutomatain more ways than one.
AlthoughPragmatahas some stark differences in tone and visuals, I’d be happy if it borrows even a portion of the spirit and existential themes that makeNieR: Automatasuch an iconic experience.
Sharing a sci-fi setting, a rogue faction of murderous robots, and a human-like Android all fighting to survive on a lunar facility,there are far too many similarities betweenPragmataandNieR: Automatato chalk up to a simple coincidence. While the story seems to focus on Hugh attempting to survive the hostile environment, the latest trailer emphasizes the heart within his android companion, Diana.
Although limited amounts ofPragmata’sstory have been revealed since itsinitial announcement 5 years ago, it has the chance to explore a unique perspective on humanity through the unlikely bond between its dual protagonists.
