>>530386373
>even so much as a tangential reference to drakengard in either of the Niers
They both reference Drakengard 1 but as for 2 and 3 I don't really remember anything. I think A2's berserk mode in Automata is supposed to be a reference to Intoner mode from Drakengard 3 but that's about it. Aside from that I don't think either 2 or 3 ever get referenced. So yeah, I'd say that only Drakengard 1 is important for Nier
But you should know that if you aren't into older games, especially low budget experimental jank, then this will be a truly painful experience for you