It feels considerably onerous to consider that it has been seven years since Nier: Automata launched, and but in some way that point has passed by within the blink of an eye fixed. I believe the extra complicated factor is the truth that Sq. Enix in some way hasn’t let Yoko Taro and co make a totally fledged sequel, regardless of the actual fact it is managed to promote 8,000,000 copies thus far, even leading to an amped-up remaster of the unique sport. Positive, there’s the cellular sport, however that is useless now, so I can not assist however really feel that there is a little bit of a Nier-shaped gap in my coronary heart in the meanwhile.
There have been a number of good video games which have launched over the intervening years, however nothing that scratched the actual itch that Nier: Automata did. Positive, there’s been some thrilling motion titles, and a few onerous hitting tales, however Automata’s specific mix of sci-fi, imagining what life is like in a post-human, android-filled world is tough to faucet into elsewhere. That’s, till, final week, when developer Sundown Customer launched 1000xRESIST, a title so formidable and spectacular I believe has lastly hit that very same candy spot.
1000xRESIST follows a personality by the identify of Watcher, a clone of an immortal teenage lady named Iris, herself the final human left alive after aliens generally known as Occupants introduced a illness to our planet earth 1000 years in the past. Proper off the bat, you’ll be able to in all probability see fairly clearly how Nier: Automata was an affect, although I would argue 1000xRESIST amps the Sq. Enix sport’s themes as much as, properly, 1000. Very like Automata, there are twists and turns galore, and some secrets and techniques that get uncovered too.
Gameplay-wise, you will not discover many similarities, as exploration is the principle focus of 1000xRESIST. However nearly as good as Automata’s fight is, the principle factor it’s cherished for is its story, and 1000xRESIST has story in spades, one which feels very related to points we face in the present day. Alongside Watcher there’s a complete society of clones, none of which have immunity to the illness like the unique Iris has, main all of them to must put on masks consistently in an effort to keep away from catching it. Remind you of a sure pandemic all of us went via not too long ago?
Due to the sport’s sci-fi setting, you are in a position to revisit Iris’ recollections, the place you get to be taught in regards to the previous, and what life was like earlier than the world went to hell. There’s a number of moments of melancholy, as you realize the destiny of the world, and it makes the battle between long-dead characters all of the extra painful to observe. However there’s thriller too, one which shortly hooks you into eager to be taught extra. Who’re the Occupants? Why did Iris survive whereas the remainder of humanity died out?
The sport’s identify, RESIST, is essential to its story, too. Whereas not specializing in something particular, 1000xRESIST partially units itself in Hong Kong within the early 2020s, the place there’s a lot civil unrest and protests, possible partially in reference to comparable protests held in 2019/2020.
It depicts resistance towards oppressive forces as a sophisticated, painful, mandatory factor, but additionally exhibits how even when humanity is basically worn out, changed by clones of only one particular person, these points can nonetheless persist. That feeling of repetition once more feels much like Automata’s, although you will not must outright replay sure sections.
It is also visually beautiful, in all probability probably the most boldly artwork directed sport of the yr, and one I hope is part of the dialog throughout awards season later this yr. There actually is not any indication as to once we can anticipate a non-mobile sequel to Nier, however spiritually, 1000xRESIST feels as shut to 1 as you will get, whereas standing by itself two legs and providing one thing you actually will not discover anyplace else this yr. Whilst you watch for the subsequent large launch of the yr, perhaps discover a while to suit this one in.
1000xRESIST is out now on PC and Nintendo Change.
