NieR Replicant

New cutscenes build on the lore and character development, the wonderful soundtrack is improved and the areas that warranted the most criticism such as game mechanics and graphics no longer do so. The story takes surprising twists and hits the emotional depth making this is a truly memorable experience. Whether a fan of the original NieR or someone who discovered the series through NieR Automata, Nier Replicant ver1.22474487139… is a must play, especially for fans of games that can bring the player to tears.

Despite some significant gameplay enhancements, the lengths you have to go to see the story all the way through will be a test of your willpower. But for all its antiquated designs retained from the original version, it's worth the effort in the end. Thus, Nier Replicant is essential for anyone who has love for Automata, and it's a special experience on its own.

When I wrapped up my experience with Nier Replicant, I realized it was the most satisfied I’d ever felt after working so hard for a particular ending. Yoko Taro asking me to relive the same experiences again and again wasn’t a repetitive journey, but a more meaningful reflection on a cycle of hate, pain, and trauma. Nier Replicant is Yoko Taro’s best work, brought up to modern standards, and finally delivered in the presentation its tale always deserved.

NieR does have a lot of "fetch" quest design, and while it's mostly relegated to the side mission variety, it does occasionally bleed over into the critical campaign path. With that in mind, sidequests are sometimes a few of the most fulfilling moments of the game, and there are some real gems in there. From a technical perspective, while I didn't find any major bugs, I did occasionally come across smaller animation issues. Emphasis on small: the vast majority of my time with it has gone swimmingly.

Nier Replicant's colorful characters, sprawling story, and updated gameplay mechanics help make up for its old-fashioned quest design and empty world.