This is a summary of the differences and new/added features between the PS3 version (original) and the remake of NieR Replicant. Covering all the changes, major updates to minor.
*Spoiler Warning*
Table of Contents
Summary of New/Added Features
Ending E Has Been Added
The short story . The content, which was speculated based on a mysterious trophy, turned out to be true!
Kainé is Playable in Ending E
The playable character in Ending E is Kainé. Just like when she fought alongside you as an ally, she features powerful and speedy movements. She has two sword techniques, allowing for a more aggressive combat style than the protagonist.
New Episode "The Little Mermaid" Added
| Timing | During the key fragment collection in Part Two |
|---|---|
| Unlock Condition (Either one is fine) | - After obtaining a key fragment in the Junk Heap or the Forest of Myth, select "Talk to Popola..." - Obtain the key fragments from the Junk Heap, Forest of Myth, and The Aerie, then talk to Popola |
The episode "The Little Mermaid," previously released as a short story, now appears in the game. It's integrated into the main story's flow, and since it includes a battle with a boss called the "strongest Shade," be prepared for a challenge.
Automata Collaboration DLC is Available
Collaboration costumes and weapons from Automata are available as free DLC. They are also reflected in cutscenes, allowing you to experience a different flavor of Replicant.
Battle System Additions
| Lock-On | A feature that makes it harder to lose track of a targeted enemy |
|---|---|
| Auto-Battle | A feature that automatically defeats enemies (Easy mode only) |
Lock-On Feature
A lock-on feature (press R3/Right Stick) has been added. In the original, it was difficult to target enemies, so this significantly improves what was a somewhat stressful aspect of combat.
Auto-Battle Feature
By changing the difficulty, "Auto-Battle" is added to the combat system. This feature is exclusive to "Easy" difficulty, making it so that even people who are not good at action games can clear it easily. It's a nice touch that caters to everyone from beginners to experts.
5 New Weapons Have Been Added
| Ending E Clear Reward | |
|---|---|
| Kainé's Sword | - |
| Free DLC Bonus | |
| Virtuous Contract | Cruel Oath |
| Virtuous Treaty | Virtuous Dignity |
The five weapons listed above are the new additions. "Kainé's Sword," which is the most difficult to obtain, has what is undeniably the strongest performance among all weapons in this game.
1 New Word Has Been Added
| Word Name | "fades into foam" |
|---|---|
| Effect | Martial Arts: MP Recovery Rate Up +20% Magic/Weapons: Special Effect [HP Drain] |
| How to Obtain | After defeating Louise (The Little Mermaid boss) |
After defeating Louise, the boss of the new episode "The Little Mermaid," you can obtain the new Word "fades into foam." While it doesn't have a new effect, its effect is powerful, so be sure to make use of it.
1 New Quest Has Been Added
The Promised Gift
| Client | [Where the ferryman is] Ferryman (man with the red bag) |
|---|---|
| Start Condition | After obtaining the Mysterious Stone Fragment and talking to Popola |
The Promised Gift is a quest that can be accepted in Part Two. You can accept it at the same time you obtain the Mysterious Stone Fragment, and it can be started anywhere there is a ferryman.
Weapon Stories Can Now Be Viewed
You can check the story for each weapon by selecting "Grimoire Weiss" in the menu, then going to "Weapons" -> "Weapon Stories." Although many of the stories are quite shocking, you can also learn about the origins of the Masked People, so check them out if you're curious.
Switching Between Japanese/English is Possible
In the remake, you can switch voice languages from the menu. You can play with either Japanese or English voices, whichever you prefer.
Differences/Changes from PS3 Version
| 1. | Old DLC is included in the main game |
|---|---|
| 2. | Yonah’s Diary Has Been Added To/Changed |
| 3. | Action Has Been Smoothly Improved |
| 4. | Graphics Have Been Improved |
| 5. | Full Voice Acting |
| 6. | BGM Changed to Arranged Versions |
Old DLC is Included in the Main Game
"15 Nightmares," which was distributed as paid DLC for the PS3 version, is included in the main game. You can obtain additional weapons and costumes.
Yonah's Diary Has Been Added To/Changed
Some of Yonah's diary entries that appear on the loading screen have had their content changed or added to. It might be fun to compare and see what has changed.
Example of a Change in Yonah's Diary
| June 6th |
|---|
| My brother said he'd be back for Yonah's birthday, but I wanted to celebrate his birthday with him too. [Remake Version] Today is my brother's birthday. So Yonah celebrated all by herself. Happy birthday, big brother. |
Action Has Been Smoothly Improved
Compared to the PS3 version, the action has been greatly improved. Movement speed has been increased, and you can now charge magic while moving, resulting in more exhilarating gameplay.
Many New Actions Added!
Each weapon has new actions that weren't in the original! You can also link combos with magic, allowing for more intuitive combat.
Graphics Have Been Improved
With the port from PS3 to PS4, the graphics have also been significantly remastered and are much cleaner. You can enjoy beautiful graphics that are on par with or even surpass the previous title, "NieR:Automata."
Events Are Now Fully Voiced
In the PS3 version, only cutscenes and some events had voice acting, but the remake features full voice acting. This makes it easier to empathize with NPCs, such as the townspeople.
BGM Changed to Arranged Versions
In the remake, the original NieR Replicant BGM has been replaced with arranged versions. This is a welcome change for the ears, as you can enjoy the BGM, one of the hallmarks of the NieR series, with modern arrangements.
