Fans of NieR: Automata have objected to how the game’s Microsoft Store version for PC runs better than the Steam version.
After the game was announced to be coming to Xbox Game Pass, fans noticed the PC version of the game (via the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass for PC) seemed to run better than the Steam version. RPGSite reports the game from launch on Steam even to today suffers from “stuck mouse cursors, choppy cutscenes, bugged resolutions, stuttering and a slew of other problems.” The fan-made FAR mod fixed several of these issues.
Both RPGSite and IGN report that fans have noticed Microsoft Store PC version seems to be based on the Become As Gods edition; an enhanced version previously only on consoles with all prior DLC. IGN also conducted their own testing, and found “unlike the Steam version, the Windows 10 edition boots to a Borderless Windowed mode, doesn’t stretch its image, and is noticeably sharper.”
The Polish porting studio QLOC revealed on March 18th via Facebook that they were the ones behind porting the Become As Gods edition for PC on the Microsoft store; with yet more features. “On special request from PlatinumGames,” these include a Borderless video setting, FidelityFX, HDR, and UI Textures upscaled to 4K.
The news only enraged fans further, both begging QLOC to bring that version to Steam, and condemning Valve and Square Enix for not providing this updated version. At this time of writing, the game’s recent 2000+ user reviews are Mixed; with over 1000 of them being negative.
These negative reviews vent the frustration at the game’s quality in comparison to the Microsoft store version. The game’s overall review score is still Very Positive from over 58,000 user reviews.
We will keep you informed as the situation develops.
You can find the full rundown (via Steam) below.
NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.
Humanity has been driven from the Earth by mechanical beings from another world. In a final effort to take back the planet, the human resistance sends a force of android soldiers to destroy the invaders. Now, a war between machines and androids rages on… A war that could soon unveil a long-forgotten truth of the world.
Key Features:
- Action-Packed Battles – Players will switch between using melee and ranged attacks in battle against hordes of enemies and challenging bosses across a variety of open field maps. The tight controls and incredibly fluid combat are simple to learn for newcomers while offering plenty of depth for more experienced action gamers. Players can perform high-speed battle actions—combining light and heavy attacks—and switch through an arsenal of weaponry while evading enemies with speed and style.
- Beautifully Desolate Open-World – The game seamlessly joins together hauntingly beautiful vistas and locations with no area loading. The environments are rendered in 60fps and contain a wealth of sub-events in addition to the main storyline.
- Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters – NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their ferocious battle to reclaim a machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful weapons known as machine lifeforms.
- Elements of an RPG – Players will obtain a variety of weapon types, level up in battle, learn new combat skills, and customise a loadout that caters to their playstyle.
- Utilise the Pod Support System to Assist In and Outside of Battle – Pods can attack the enemy in both manual and lock-on modes. They can also assist outside of battle, such as allowing the player to glide through the air. Pods can be enhanced throughout the game, with upgrades including new attack methods and variations.
- “Auto Mode” Available for Beginners – Novice players can elect “Auto Mode” for easy attacks and evasions.
In recent news, the game has sold over 5.5 million copies just in time for its 4th anniversary, and the game’s final secret has been uncovered. This secret was teased by director Yoko Taro one year after launch in 2017, but only discovered this year. A biographical manga based on the life his life has also been announced; as part of the Game Creators of Biography series.
NieR: Automata is available on Windows PC (via the Microsoft Store, and Steam), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. In case you missed it, you can find our review here. We highly recommend it! In fact it was our Game of the Year 2017, and our Community Game of the Year 2017.
Image: Steam
