I can't speak for Ni No Kuni II as I have yet to play it. But for the rest I would say there's a fair chance you would love all of them. But I want to emphasize Nier: Automata. Because what really stands out about Nier: Automata is not something you can see in trailers of the game. Not even from playing the demo of the game, because at that point it still 'only' appears to be like a Devil May Cry or Bayonetta type of game. Which isn't bad, mind you. But Nier is so much more than that. Both in terms of gameplay, and it's narrative. As a reviewer put it:
"I think the entire gaming industry, while celebrating Nier: Automata, is drastically understating how incredible and important it is. Nier: Automata is a rare breakthrough moment in the history of our medium. And is an absolute must play for anyone who appreciates videogames. Or good storytelling. Or increadible music. Or true innovation in any of the elements I just listed."
^This reviewer explains it very well. I think out of all these games you listed, the one that runs the highest risk of being overlooked is Nier. Because while the appeal of Persona 5 or Monster Hunter can be very obvious, it's not the case for Nier: Automata. Where it's combat system easily distracts from the fact that it's actually much more than a DMC/Bayonetta type of game. I recently had a conversation with someone on this forum who said they consider the story semi-revolutionary, but didn't expect it because of the gameplay. Me on the other hand expected a good story, but I thought the stylish combat system would still be the main takeaway from the game. It's not. It's not even third on the list. That said, the gameplay, including the combat, was very good. I had some things to say about the game in that other thread (before finishing it) that I'll copy and paste here:
Hiku said:
Nier: Automata? It meets all those requirements. If someone says that 2017 was the best year for gaming, chances are they already played it. But looking at your game preference, you may not have. While most of the gameplay is a stylish hack & slash with jrpg elements,
clever use of dynamic camera angles can at any point switch the gameplay to a platformer, or bullet hell shooter.
The story very philosophical and made a friend of mine say "I never realized how beautiful the world is". Without spoiling anything, it's about a conflict between androids, humanity and robots. And the story is played from the point of view of three different characters (two of whom are female), and you get to take different paths through the story because of that.
The setting takes you through a nice variety of locations.
In terms or retro visuals, there's only a bit of that. Mainly when you use one of the main character's hacking skills.
The music is absolutely fantastic, and it's no wonder it won Best Soundtrack at the 2017 Videogame Awards.
You do a lot more in this game than just kill things though.
I'm currently on route C, (which is actually not an alternate route, but a continuation of the story after clearing routes A and B), and even though I'm not finished with the game, I can already tell its something very special.
I feel like there's a good chance you'll get to at least Persona 5 and Monster Hunter: World eventually because of the hype and how they are presented. So I'd suggest you play Nier: Automata first. It's a game no videogame fan should miss. Especially if you like rpgs.
It probably has more in common with an action rpg than any other genre.
I couldn't agree more with eveything you said.
Nier Automata is one of the most memorable games I have ever played and it has my favorite story in any video game and honestly I doubt anything will ever surpass it. I still think about it even though it's been months since I finished it. Seeing those pics in your post even makes me nostalgic. The game is just incredible and unique.
