Yes. Nier was my favorite RPG to come for a long time, simply due to the real-time encounters. Glory of Heracles and Mimana Chronicles can go suck donkey balls for continuing the "tradition" of random battles.
Getting onto the "interactive cutscene" discussion, I take this as the HD equivalent of FFVII and VIII. There were instances where your characters (in total **** renders) could wander around the actual cutscenes. It's possible Nomura went back and saw those and is hoping to tweak that into more impressive or important style.
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"Should I slice off your tongue or break your countless bones? Either way, I get paid; you'll bleed to death and die alone." - Blood Money