Review | Impressions After Playing

This is a review and evaluation of NieR Replicant. From the perspective of a writer who has played past titles in the DOD and NieR series, this article reviews the strengths and points for improvement of ver. 1.22.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22 Evaluation

As a writer who has played all the "Drakengard" and "NieR" series games and has seen Ending E of "NieR Replicant ver.1.22," the evaluation of this work is as shown above. Please check the middle of the article for a detailed review of each evaluation point.

A Recommended Title for Series Fans

As someone who has played through to Ending E, I can say that this is a title I strongly recommend to fans of the NieR series. If you've played the original, you can enjoy the additional elements from the novel, and if you're new, you can enjoy a profound story where a glimmer of hope is visible.

A Must-Play for Those Who Started with "NieR:Automata"

I especially recommend it to those who got into the series with "NieR:Automata" (hereafter Automata). The combat system is somewhat similar, making it easy to get into, and you can enjoy a Yoko Taro scenario that is in no way inferior to "Automata."

Also Good as an Introduction to the Series

It's also recommended for those who haven't touched the related series but want to enjoy a profound story. Yoko Taro's scenarios are not the type to appeal to everyone, but I hope you will enjoy the scenario where a ray of light can be seen amidst despair and become a new fan.

Strategy Guide Team

I think it might not be for everyone, but one thing is for sure: "Those who only accept happy endings should steer clear".

NieR Replicant ver.1.22 Review

Controls & Action

All actions, including combat and movement, have been revamped from the PS3 version. It has been changed to stylish action similar to 'NieR:Automata' The 'clumsiness' I felt in the old version is gone, and landing one combo after another felt exhilarating.

Auto-Battle for Action Game Beginners

By applying the auto-battle feature available on EASY difficulty, the game automatically handles attacks, dodges, and even item usage. The player's only task can be reduced to just moving with the left stick. It's appealing that you can configure it for each item, allowing you to compensate for your weaknesses.

Graphics

▲Left is the PS3 version. Right is the PS4 version.

The graphics are a significant improvement compared to the PS3 version. The character designs have also been changed to those by Akihiko Yoshida of Automata fame, so it can be enjoyed as a new Replicant. It's great that you can read emotions from the characters' expressions, making it easier to empathize with them than in the PS3 version.

Backgrounds Can Look a Bit Rough

Because the character graphics are of high quality, the roughness of background elements like fields stands out. However, it's not unforgivable, and you'll stop noticing it during normal gameplay.

BGM/Voice Acting

When talking about "NieR Replicant," the god-tier quality of the BGM is essential. Some tracks are arrangements of the PS3 version's BGM, so even those who have played it before can feel both nostalgia and newness.

Strategy Guide Team

"Kainé/Salvation," which plays at key moments, is a masterpiece among masterpieces! But personally, my favorite song is "Shadowlord."

The Full Voice Acting is a Nice Touch

In this game, all characters, from main to NPCs, are fully voiced. This makes it easier to get emotionally invested in conversations during quests and other minor details, and I felt it enhanced the quality of the human drama. the voice actor change for Grimoire Weiss I was also able to accept it without any sense of awkwardness.

Content Volume

The amount of content hasn't changed much compared to the PS3 version, but the nature of the additional content was so welcome that I rate it highly. The new elements I want to highlight are the "Little Mermaid episode" and the "addition of Ending E."

Since both were side-story-like episodes told in the novel, seeing them visualized for the first time is moving. It also shows game-original developments, so it's worth a look even for those who have already read the novel.

Strategy Guide Team

It's worth buying just to see the Ending E cutscenes! And don't worry, it wasn't a picture-story show so please rest assured.

Plenty of Content for Completionists

The story itself has a decent amount of volume, but it's a different story if you're aiming for 100% completion. The replayable elements like weapon upgrades and quest completion rates are deep, and completing everything will likely require a significant time investment.

Pacing

The game's pacing is not something that can be praised unconditionally. Fast travel (warping) is only possible from specific locations, and most maps require you to travel on foot. There are many instances of going back and forth (so-called "marathons"), and you'll likely find the time spent on travel to be inconvenient.

Strategy Guide Team

This was the part that bothered me the most. While rolling around the world is fine, since it's a game you play through multiple times, I wish movement was a bit easier.

Yoko Taro's World

Games created by Yoko Taro are characterized by an atmosphere of despair and tragedy, which could be called "Yoko Taro's World." This game is no exception and is a work where Yoko Taro's World is on full display, so if you want to experience a unique worldview, this is an undisputed masterpiece.

Strategy Guide Team

I wonder what kind of idea led to the creation of Ending D.... Because of everything related to Ending E in this version, it's a bit disappointing that new players can't experience the shock of that time (lol).