In celebration of the announcement of two NieR games by Square Enix, Xbox Game Pass is set to add NieR: Automata to its library of “free” games. The title is slated to join the selection April 2nd.
This weekend, Square Enix revealed that NieR: Replicant is getting the remaster treatment and will be available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. On top of that, the studio revealed that a new mobile game called NieR: Reincarnation is in the works for iOS and Android.
The NieR: Automata that will be available on Xbox Game Pass is the ‘Become as Gods’ Edition that was released for Xbox One in 2018. Originally, the latest NieR was a PS4 exclusive but the overwhelmingly positive response to Automata helped convince Square Enix and Platinum Games to port it over to PC and then the Xbox. However, the special edition doesn’t include any meaningful content outside of some character skins and accessories.
While not a true continuation of the story in NieR: Replicant, NieR: Automata does feature some familiar themes. There are also a few characters and concepts that pop up in Automata that will surprise those that have experienced Replicant. Unfortunately, in this case players would be checking out the sequel before the release of a predecessor's remaster.
But even on its own NieR: Automata is a worthwhile action RPG experience with fast-paced combat and some exciting set pieces. The story does require a bit of an investment in order to get the full narrative, but it’s well worth checking out once it becomes available on Xbox Game Pass.
Once a cult-favorite series, NieR now seems to be garnering a lot of attention and trying to build up its fan base. With Final Fantasy 14 crossovers, and now two games in development, NieR is yet another RPG series that Square is adding to its stable.
NieR: Automata is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The ‘Become As Gods’ Edition will be available for Xbox Game Pass on April 2, 2020.