NieR: Automata is one of a kind, a stylish action RPG that hides genuine philosophical weight beneath its blistering combat. As androids 2B, 9S, and A2, you fight machines across a ruined Earth through multiple playthroughs that each reframe the story, backed by one of gaming’s greatest soundtracks. If you have seen every ending and want more games that hit the same notes, this list is for you.
These 15 picks each capture part of what makes NieR: Automata special: fast, stylish action combat, emotional sci-fi storytelling, or bold and unusual presentation. No filler, no loose “action game” tag-alongs.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Picks
| # | Game | Combat | Price | Platforms |
| 1 | NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 | Action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox |
| 2 | Stellar Blade | Action | $59.99 | PC, PS5 |
| 3 | Bayonetta | Stylish Action | $19.99 | PC, Switch |
| 4 | Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance | Stylish Action | $29.99 | PC, Xbox |
| 5 | Devil May Cry 5 | Stylish Action | $29.99 | PC, PS, Xbox |
1. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139
Why it’s similar
The same universe and storytelling style, with an emotional narrative, multiple endings, and action combat, the closest match by design.
What makes it unique
A remaster of the original NieR, it tells the parallel story that gives Automata its full context and heartbreak.
Key features
- Same NieR universe
- Multiple endings
- Emotional narrative
- Remastered combat
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
2. Stellar Blade
Why it’s similar
Fast-paced sci-fi action combat with similar android themes and stylish battles, the most direct spiritual successor.
What makes it unique
A parry-and-counter combat system rewards precise timing, wrapped in a sleek post-apocalyptic world.
Key features
- Parry-focused combat
- Sci-fi android themes
- Stylish boss fights
- Fluid traversal
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PS5
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
3. Bayonetta
Why it’s similar
Same developer DNA from PlatinumGames, with stylish combos and fast action gameplay at its core.
What makes it unique
Witch Time slows the world when you dodge perfectly, rewarding aggressive, precise combat.
Key features
- Witch Time dodging
- Deep combo system
- Over-the-top set pieces
- PlatinumGames polish
Price: $19.99 Platforms: PC, Switch
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
4. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Why it’s similar
PlatinumGames combat style with cyborg themes and fast, sword-based action, a cult classic for stylish-combat fans.
What makes it unique
The Blade Mode free-cutting system lets you slice enemies and objects along any angle you choose.
Key features
- Blade Mode free-cutting
- Cyborg ninja combat
- Parry-focused fights
- Memorable boss battles
Price: $29.99 Platforms: PC, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
5. Devil May Cry 5
Why it’s similar
High-speed action combat built on skill-based combos and flashy encounters, the benchmark for stylish action.
What makes it unique
Three playable characters and a stylish-rank system push you to vary every combo for a higher score.
Key features
- Three playable characters
- Style-rank scoring
- Over-the-top boss fights
- Vergil DLC included
Price: $29.99 Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
6. Astral Chain
Why it’s similar
A sci-fi world with unique combat systems, a futuristic story, and stylish presentation, PlatinumGames sci-fi through and through.
What makes it unique
You fight alongside a chained “Legion” companion, controlling both characters at once in synchronized combat.
Key features
- Dual-character combat
- Legion companions
- Sci-fi detective story
- Stylish action
Price: $59.99 Platforms: Switch
Where to Buy
Available on the Nintendo eShop.
7. Final Fantasy XVI
Why it’s similar
Cinematic action RPG combat with emotional storytelling and huge boss fights, spectacle on a grand scale.
What makes it unique
Full real-time action and enormous Eikon battles push the series far from its turn-based roots.
Key features
- Real-time action combat
- Massive Eikon battles
- Mature, grounded story
- Two story expansions
Price: $49.99 Platforms: PC, PS5
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
8. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Why it’s similar
A character-focused RPG adventure with a strong story and party progression, for players who want depth alongside action.
What makes it unique
A hybrid combat system blends real-time action with strategic ATB across a sprawling open world.
Key features
- Hybrid action-ATB combat
- Large open regions
- Deep party synergy
- Gold Saucer minigames
Price: $69.99 Platforms: PC, PS5
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
9. Scarlet Nexus
Why it’s similar
An anime sci-fi setting with special abilities, character relationships, and fast action combat.
What makes it unique
Psychokinesis lets you hurl the environment at enemies, and two protagonists offer contrasting perspectives.
Key features
- Psychic-powered combat
- Dual protagonist stories
- Bond episode system
- Anime art style
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
10. Code Vein
Why it’s similar
A dark, anime-inspired action RPG with character builds and emotional storytelling, a Souls-flavored kindred spirit.
What makes it unique
Blood Codes let you respec into any class on the fly, and AI companions fight alongside you.
Key features
- Flexible Blood Code classes
- AI companion partners
- Anime Souls-like combat
- Emotional post-apocalyptic story
Price: $49.99 Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
11. Drakengard 3
Why it’s similar
From the same creator, Yoko Taro, with dark storytelling and an unusual narrative structure, the roots of NieR itself.
What makes it unique
Its bleak, subversive story and multiple endings set the template Automata would later perfect.
Key features
- Yoko Taro storytelling
- Multiple endings
- Dark fantasy setting
- Genre-shifting sequences
Price: $49.99 Platforms: PS3
Where to Buy
Available on the PlayStation Store.
12. Tales of Arise
Why it’s similar
Action RPG combat and character bonds wrapped in an emotional journey with a full party.
What makes it unique
The Boost Strike and Artes system make combat flashy and readable, and skits deepen the cast.
Key features
- Party action combat
- Character skit system
- Gorgeous art style
- Full narrative campaign
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
13. Kingdom Hearts III
Why it’s similar
Fast real-time action combat with emotional storytelling and spectacle, Square Enix flair from start to finish.
What makes it unique
Disney and Pixar worlds host the action, and Attractions turn theme-park rides into combat set pieces.
Key features
- Real-time action combat
- Disney and Pixar worlds
- Spectacular boss fights
- Re Mind DLC
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
14. Death Stranding
Why it’s similar
Philosophical sci-fi storytelling with themes about humanity and connection, the closest tonal match to Automata’s big ideas.
What makes it unique
Cargo-hauling and terrain traversal replace shooting as the core loop, and the story goes gloriously strange.
Key features
- Terrain traversal loop
- Asynchronous online building
- Star-studded cast
- Director’s Cut extras
Price: $39.99 Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
15. Transistor
Why it’s similar
A beautiful soundtrack and atmosphere carry a story-driven sci-fi action experience, art-forward and heartfelt.
What makes it unique
A hybrid real-time-and-planning combat system lets you pause to queue actions, and the soundtrack is unforgettable.
Key features
- Plan-and-execute combat
- Stunning art and music
- Story-driven sci-fi
- High replayability
Price: $19.99 Platforms: PC, PS4
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
Full Comparison Table
| # | Game | Combat | Price | Platforms |
| 1 | NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 | Action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox |
| 2 | Stellar Blade | Action | $59.99 | PC, PS5 |
| 3 | Bayonetta | Stylish Action | $19.99 | PC, Switch |
| 4 | Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance | Stylish Action | $29.99 | PC, Xbox |
| 5 | Devil May Cry 5 | Stylish Action | $29.99 | PC, PS, Xbox |
| 6 | Final Fantasy XVI | Action RPG | $49.99 | PC, PS5 |
| 7 | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Action RPG | $69.99 | PC, PS5 |
| 8 | Astral Chain | Action | $59.99 | Switch |
| 9 | Scarlet Nexus | Action | $59.99 | PC, PS, Xbox |
| 10 | Code Vein | Action RPG | $49.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox |
| 11 | Tales of Arise | Action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PS, Xbox |
| 12 | Kingdom Hearts III | Action | $59.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox |
| 13 | Death Stranding | Adventure | $39.99 | PC, PS4, PS5 |
| 14 | Transistor | Action RPG | $19.99 | PC, PS4 |
| 15 | Drakengard 3 | Action | $49.99 | PS3 |
Conclusion
NieR: Automata fans have plenty of directions depending on what hooked them. Want more from the same world or creator? NieR Replicant and Drakengard 3 come straight from Yoko Taro. Craving that stylish PlatinumGames combat? Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising, Astral Chain, and Devil May Cry 5 are the genre’s best.
Here for the emotional sci-fi story? Stellar Blade, Death Stranding, and Transistor carry big ideas and stronger feelings than their genres suggest. And if you want RPG depth alongside the action, Final Fantasy XVI, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Code Vein, and Tales of Arise deliver. Every game here earned its spot through real action or storytelling craft, not just a “sci-fi” tag.
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