NieR: Replicant Ver. 1.22474487139 might just claim the crown for the most challenging video game title to remember. Its version number, the square root of 1.5, reflects to the fact that this is neither a full remake nor a simple remaster of the original NieR from 2010, known as NieR: Gestalt in the Westand NieR: Replicant in Japan.
Like its critically acclaimed sequel, NieR: Automata, Replicant is a genre-bending action-RPG that focuses heavily on stylish and extravagant combat, though to a lesser degree. NieR: Replicant delves into the backstory of Automata, addressing questions left unanswered in the sequel. For fans of Automata, especially those hungry for more NieR lore, Replicant is a rewarding experience.
Set in a medieval, post-apocalyptic future ravaged by a disease called the Black Scrawl, Replicant presents a world that is sparse and desolate, with only small pockets of civilization. The story centers on the eponymous hero, Nier, as he embars on a quest to find a cure for the Black Scrawl that has left his sister, Yonah, bedridden.
This emotional journey, as young Nier struggles to save his sister in a world steeped in melancholy and sorrow, forms the heart of Replicant. The game’s ability to evoke strong emotions in players is its greatest strength, despite the often cryptic narrative that keeps players questioning what’s truly happening, compelling them to move forward.
As with Automata, Replicant ambraces the developer’s penchant for multiple endings, requiring players to replay the game from different perspectives. This unique storytelling mechanic is something only video games can achieve, and the NieR series excels at it. However, where Automata brilliantly ties replayability to the narrative and character development, Replicant falls somewhat short.
Replaying Replicant can feel more like a chore than a joy, especially given the slow and sometimes tedious gameplay sections. To unlock all endings, players must revisit the same areas multiple times, pushing the same boxes and defeating the same enemies, which quickly becomes monotonous. The second playthrough is the most engaging, offering crucial background information and deeply moving moments between characters, without excessive backtracking.
The game’s cast is a delightful ensemble, with relationships that grow stronger and more heartfelt as the story progresses. The interactions between Nier, the sarcastic and know-it-all Grimoire Weiss, and the other companions, Kainé and Emil, are often humorous and touching. The witty banter, particularly between Weiss and the others, is a highlight.
While Replicant‘s combat has been upgraded to resemble Automata‘s more modern style, it still shows its age. Nier’s flashy swordplay often devolves into button mashing rather than strategic combat, and the weapons, though visually distinct, feel similar in practice. Combat can become repetitive, and even on the hardest difficulty, enemies aren’t particularly challenging, with ample healing options readily available. The focus often shifts from how to clear a room to how quickly it can be done so the player can return to the story.
A redeeming aspect of Replicant‘s gameplay is its genre diversity. The game incorporates hack-and-slash, bullet hell, platforming, and puzzle-solving elements, including a unique text-based quest in the Lost Forest. These genre shifts feel like an early experiment by game director Yoko Taro, one that would later evolve into a more seamless experience in Automata.
However, the game’s side quests are a major drawback. The majority are bland fetch quests that add little to the story and involve tedious back-and-forth travel, especially in the game’s first half. This issue is compounded by the need to replay the game for multiple endings, making these quests one of the game’s weakest aspects.
Despite being more than a mere remaster, NieR: Replicant shows its age, particularly in its graphical presentation. While character models and animations are decently detailed, the sparsely populated world doesn’t meet modern standards. The improved framerate is a welcome upgrade from the 2010 Xbox and PS3 versions, but it doesn’t fully compensate for the dated visuals.
The Replicant‘s atmosphere owes much to its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, which elevates key moments, whether in combat or exploration. The melancholic tones also underscore emotional conversations between Nier, Weiss, Kainé, and Emil, adding depth to the game’s sorrowful narrative.
In conclusion, NieR: Replicant tells a captivating story, capturing a sense of melancholy that few other games achieve. Though flawed in its gameplay, particularly the repetitive combat, it stands out as an emotionally resonant experience. Getting to the heart of Replicant requires patience, but the reward is ultimately worth it. The main challenge NieR: Replicant faces is that it follows in the footsteps of NieR: Automata, a superior game in nearly every way, yet equally rich in story.
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