While Automata certainly gets more attention, I feel more of a connection with Nier Replicant.

Okay gameplay differences first, cause you should know in some ways it's a step back and in others it's a totally different game. The weapon system is basic without the Lv4 abilities of Automata weapons meaning it's a standard RPG system of "biggest number wins", but on the other hand the magic system is WAY more useful than the Pods are, especially since they run off a recharging mana system instead of cooldowns. Collecting Words to alter properties of weapons and magic can be a pain, but prioritize Words that grant status effects on hit and Words that increase the effectiveness of status effect Words and you're golden. Also, you can dodge AND block, perfect block means you can counter, and these as well as spells can be assigned to the triggers and shoulder buttons however you like. None of that really matters though.

Possibly weird selling point, this is the single most HUMAN game I've ever played.

What do I even mean by that? Well, I could honestly go on for hours about it. The companion characters are exceptionally well written. Emil is an adorable kid, Weiss is a freaking smartass, and Kainé hilariously has the most foul mouth I've ever heard in a video game. Also, every single line of dialog is voice acted (shoutout to Liam O' Brian, love that guy's work), which is unusual for an RPG. Automata didn't even do that, and it really helps make the world feel more alive and real. I like stories in video games that can get emotional, but while Automata's emotional moments are undercut by its focus on existentialism, Replicant wants you to get lost in the moment. It's very effective at that too. After experiencing so much media in my life it takes a good deal to get me emotional. Despite that, this game made me shed tears multiple times, at one point back to back in a single day.

I can't really give a stronger recommendation than that.

FIGHISSIMO OMMIO DIOO KAINE HAI ANCHE QUELLO DEL MASCHIO?? POCO IMPORTA SLURP SLRUP

I don't actually know what I liked about this game, but I did

Absolutely heartbreaking almost constantly, incredible experience

Fun for the whole family.

Incredible story and characters. Good gameplay.
It takes some time until the game starts to get really good.
And about the side quests: In terms of gameplay, i didn't liked any of them. But in terms of story, some are good, others are not.

automata is better

This ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ game is so stupid. Firstly the the ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ backtracking is insane and by the time I unlocked the "fast travel" option, I was so late into the game, any sense of exploration was already diminished. And i have patience I've finished Zelda SS 4 times and played through all the ending in Automata and beat hath of death stranding. Speaking of the ending, it was ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, and you gotta beat the game 4 more times to get the whole story. Absolute cinema. The charecters are all ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ silly the main guy is such a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ loser, Hero complex looking ass. The kid is a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ boohoo cry baby, I make people turn to stone and now I'm ugly and gay, what a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥♥. The chick, hly ♥♥♥♥ that ♥♥♥♥♥ is such a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥♥ looking ass, I could not take her seriously walking around looking like that, had to download the dlc that at least puts some clothes on her.
The reading sections are all so uninspired and lazy. When you beat the game, you get a pop up that says, that now you'll experience Kaine's story. I thought oh cool we'll ill at least I'll get to play as her, with all her moves, magic and what not. ♥♥♥♥♥ no. You play as the main guy all over again. But this time the shades..... they have feelings? 😲😲😲😲😲😲😲 I'll be buying one million copies thank you. One piece ass game

Gives old Nintendo vibes/ Final fantasy.

Thank you, NieR Replicant. Absolute masterpiece of a game.