There has not been a real game that has caught me like this game has in my whole game-playing career of 22 years and honestly I am very impressed with this title especially down to the story and the soundtrack which is by far the most powerful and touching music collection I have ever heard.
I'm a fan of androids and the future, especially futures that are set in a post apocalyptic setting like Nier Automata that gives the player a sense of lonelyness through the beauty of the environments such as the abandoned shells of buildings that were once inhabited by humans.

The game story mainly revolves around a couple of androids named "2B" and "9S" who are a part of an advanced human- made android division called YoRHa that is fighting an army of machine lifeforms.
The game seems pretty straight forward off the get go but, I assure you that there is SO much more to the story that meets the eye that strongly meets the criteria of a AAA title in my opinion.

There are a whole bunch of references to previous titles in the series, mainy Nier gestalt/replicant which is the same universe and path that Automata is set from. For a pretty well detailed and entertaining analysis to catch up on the series: (Mr clems Nier analysis) --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnwEbOHo7Aw

The art direction is also very unique and interesting, everything from the clothing the characters wear to the weapons that they wield and everything around them is all very suiting and fits well.

The gameplay is pretty fluid with combos, dodging, parrying and far range attacks making you feel like an unstoppable android bent on the survival of humanity during battles as well as the movement around the world giving you unmistakable scenery changes to make sure that you know when a new area is entered regardless of how small the different areas are.

Upgrading weapons is a nice experience by giving a sort of cryptic back story to each one that unfolds with each level it reaches (min1-max4 depending on weapon) with a whole bunch to collect, some hidden pretty well.
upgrading materials are easy to come by for the better part but some are more rare than others in true RPG fashion that adds a grind element that isn't too taxing which is nice.

Upgrading your character is another story as it is done through items called "plug in chips" that are essentially boosts to your stats like running speed, damage buffs and recovery that can in themselves be upgraded into more efficient chips that can contribute to some really game-changing playstyles, coupled with some items that boost certain stats, to make you feel like even more of a badass.

There is a currency in the form of "G" possibly gold but I'm not sure, that can be aquired through the basic killing of enemies that gradually goes up depending on chapter and enemy type OR through hunting down boars and mooses for meat and fur. On top of those methods there is also FISHING that is pretty straight forward and not only gives you fish but also other area specific items depending on where you set up (City, sea etc). And last but not least sidequests for that all important material and currency that is much desired but the sidequests also flesh out the story of the game along with adding some carefully placed backstory that makes me suggest doing them as they come in to enrich yourself properly in the story of the characters and the world around you to gain a better idea of past events/lore.

This review ISN'T a REALLY IN DEPTH review because I think everyone should actually give the game a try and feel it for themselves. Yoko Taro and platinum games have really made this something special in my opinion despite platinums previous issues they really pulled through on this title which is why you might want to experience it first hand and not just look up a walkthrough. Buy it one day, on sale or not, don't just play through it once and be all like "Meh, that's it?" but actually continue the story (For reference there are 3 main endings with a few choices thrown in as well requiring 3 playthroughs each getting a little more wild and wonderful)

Also I started playing this game on a potato computer and it ran at a main 40fps solid and now on a more beefy machine a solid 60-100fps with each computer having completely different parts and brands including GPU so not too sure why everyones reviews are "Wah game not work! Me too dumb to fix Grrr I bad review"
This review IS BASED ON THE ACTUAL GAME and not a sorry excuse of a computer or helpless user.

10/10 from Me personal GOTY 2017 and even more so in 2018 after actually completing the main story and secrets.
Recommend greatly to people looking for a fun and challenging game with some nice RPG elements and also people looking for a deep story to follow which may or may not break you emotionally if you pay attention.