The Nier Automata concept, it's lore, history and the depth of the characters is immense. Being retold from game form, to light novel, to anime each medium seems to have it's advantages, so I thoroughly recommend all (apart from Short Story Long) Ideally, play the game first. The deepest meaning, the most intense battles. You feel it more. However both the LN and the anime series are great for when you have the hole left by completing the game and it's multiple endings. Short Story Long, if I'm honest, feels superfluous and experimental. A series of short tales surrounding the main characters. They don't get enough timeto develop before moving on.

Long Story Short and the anime version, go hand in hand. Great storytelling, cutting to the core of the game's story whilst leaning into the strengths of written and animated mediums