Back in early 2017, the sequel to the cult classicNieron PS3 ended up bringing the series much closer to mainstream than previously. With a unique next-gen aesthetic and gameplay experience,Nier: Automatareleased in February of 2017 to great reviews in Japan, and saw worldwide acclaim by the worldwide launch in March. However, while the PS4 version of the game saw great critical acclaim,Nier Automata’s Windows version saw notably lower review scores. Granted, the game still received relatively high reviews, but the PC port to Steam had numerous technical issues not present in the PS4 release of the game, many of which still aren’t fixed today.
That’s seemingly changed with the latest version of the game on PC, specifically the version available on the Windows Store, and more importantly Xbox Game Pass. ObviouslyNier Automataon Xbox Game Pass is a huge get, especially for those who’ve never played it, but fans have noticed a pretty significant problem. Many of the technical issues on the Steam version are seemingly absent in the Xbox Game Pass version of the game, despite Steam’s version still retaining all issues. Understandably, fans who purchased the game on Steam are frustrated, especially when other fans are getting the superior version of the game for “free” with Xbox Game Pass.
Comparing Nier: Automata’s 2017 PC Port and 2021’s Xbox Port
Arguably, the controversy withNier Automatareally began in 2017, when the game was initially ported to PC via Steam. Just a few weeks after the worldwide PS4 release date,Nier Automata’s PC version releasedto high praise on a surface-level, but many critics and fans also noted severe issues with the port. Digital Foundry ended up taking an in-depth look at some of the issues in the port, but there were several key problems that affected all players: Cutscenes had fixed resolution (900p) and frame rate (30 FPS), but often chugged below that. Another issue was resolution and aspect ratio problems in full-screen, something only fixed by a Steam community mod.
There were also additional issues with texture pop-in, performance in densely populated areas, among other resolution issues, but mileage varied between players for those problems. However, it wouldn’t be until theWindows Store/Xbox Game Pass versionseemingly fixed those issues whereNier: Automatawould fall under the controversy it’s receiving now. PortingNier: Automata Become as Gods Editionwas outsourced to Polish studio QLOC, which fixed a number of issues from the original Steam port, as well as added additional features like HDR support, higher resolution UI textures, and AMD FidelityFX support.
It’s important to note thatNier: Automata Become as Gods Editionwas an enhanced port specifically made for the Xbox One. At this time, the Steam version ofNier: Automatahasn’t received these changes in an update, nor have any plans been announced for these changes to come to existing players on Steam.
Fan Response to Nier: Automata’s Port Disparity
All-timereviews ofNier: Automataon Steam remain “very positive,“but recent reviews of the game have now fallen under the “mixed” reception category. In the last six days since the game’s release on Windows Store/Game Pass, the game has received over 1100 negative reviews. Numerous recently posted reviews echo a similar sentiment; that Square Enix is allegedly ignoring the Steam version ofNier: Automata,thanks to QLOC’s recent re-release. Responses vary between fans begging for similar treatment to come to existing owners of the Steam version, while others are encourage prospective buyers to avoid and/or boycottNier: Automataon Steam.
Chances of a Steam Fix/Update Aren’t Particularly Likely
Several fans have also asked for an update to the existingNier: Automataon Steam to include the fixes in theBecome as Gods Edition. As for the feasibility of that, it’s hard to say specifically. Based on the changes apparently included by QLOC in this more recent PC port, it seems this version ofNier: Automatawere implemented on a different version of the game.Become as Gods Editionwasa version ofNier: Automatadesigned specifically for the Xbox One, so it’s unclear if QLOC’s updates to the game could even be adapted to the Steam version.
Square Enix could’ve done a similar thing withDragon Quest 11, whichremoved the original version in favor ofDragon Quest11 S, the definitive version of the 11th entry. However,Nier: Automataremains the same on Steam, and thisBecome as Gods EditionPC port is (for now) only available on Windows Store and Xbox Game Pass. Players are even starting to notice a similar scenario is happening withThe Evil Within’s recent re-release on Windows Store/Xbox Game Pass.
It’s unclear if these versions are simply going to co-exist next to one another, or if the significant fan response may force a change from Square Enix. Either way,Nier: Automataon Steam may not be the place to play Platinum Games' critically acclaimed action RPG.
Nier: Automatais available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
