The short version: PS2 is the original, PS3 is an HD remaster, and PS4 is a ground-up remake. The PS4 release refreshes the presentation and offers optional updated controls, but Sony’s published descriptions do not establish a complete side-by-side technical spec for all three editions.
How the three releases differ
| Version | Release type | What is established |
|---|---|---|
| PS2 | Original release | The first version of the game. The sources cited here do not give a comparable resolution or frame-rate specification. |
| PS3 | HD remaster | A remastered edition of the original game, rather than the ground-up remake made for PS4. Complete comparable technical specifications are not stated in the cited sources. |
| PS4 | Ground-up remake | Sony describes it as rebuilt by Bluepoint Games and JAPAN Studio, with improved visuals, enhanced performance and optional updated controls. Sony’s PlayStation product page confirms the edition. |
What changed in the visuals and performance?
PS2 to PS3
The PS3 release is an HD remaster, but the available official information here does not establish a full resolution, frame-rate, or asset-by-asset comparison with PS2. “HD remaster” describes the release category; it should not be taken as a precise technical specification.
![ICO and Shadow of the Colossus [Limited Edition] [Japan Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LoyTA6T7L._SL160_.jpg)
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PS4 remake
Sony describes the PS4 game in broad terms: improved visuals and enhanced performance. The announcement also specifies a PS4 Pro option targeting 30 fps at dynamic 4K resolution. That is a target for the PS4 Pro mode, not a universal claim about every PS4 model or display. PlayStation.Blog’s release announcement gives that qualification.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe sources do not provide matching measurements for PS2, PS3, standard PS4 and PS4 Pro, so a precise resolution-and-frame-rate table across all versions would overstate what is established.
Did the remake change the controls or core game?
The PS4 edition offers optional updated controls, according to Sony’s product description. “Optional” matters: the updated scheme is a choice, not evidence that the remake requires a different way to play. The cited sources do not itemize every control difference or establish broader changes to the core gameplay.
There is one narrow reported PS3-era gameplay consequence: Bluepoint senior producer Daryl Allison was quoted describing an issue in which the steadier frame rate made the third colossus more difficult. The account is a repost of interview material, not a full technical analysis, and it does not show that the PS3 edition as a whole plays incorrectly. The reposted interview excerpt is the source for this specific point.
What else is in the PS4 edition?
The PS4 remake includes Photo Mode. Sony also documented a PS4 Special Edition at release, with a Steelbook case, postcards, printed manual, digital extras, themes, an avatar set, a physical world map and stickers. Those are release-era edition details, not confirmation that the Special Edition is currently available to buy. PlayStation.Blog’s Special Edition announcement lists the contents.
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Which version should you choose?
- Choose PS2 if you specifically want the original release.
- Choose PS3 if you want the HD remaster on PS3 hardware rather than the PS4 remake.
- Choose PS4 if you want the ground-up remake, its refreshed visuals, optional updated controls and Photo Mode. PS4 Pro owners also have the announced dynamic-4K-targeting 30 fps option.
Sony’s official pages identify a PS4 edition, but the cited sources do not establish present-day store availability, used-game stock or Special Edition inventory. Check the relevant retailer or PlayStation Store for current access in your region. Sony’s Ireland product page is a regional listing, so availability details may differ by market.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Video Game Cover Art design. Officially licensed PlayStation video game merch. Play has no limits in this cool gamer gear that features the iconic video gaming console brand. Greatness awaits in this awesome apparel.
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Rank #3
- 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.
- Beautifully Desolate Open-World - The game seamlessly joins together hauntingly beautiful vistas and locations with no area loading.
- 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.
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