NieR Replicant Review
NieR Replicant (VER.1.22474487139…) is the remastered and updated version of the original NieR Replicant. Replicant is a prequel to the smash hit and cult classic NieR: Automata and tells the story of how the world got to the state it was in. The game is technically a remake and a sequel. But neither would be 100% correct as it’s been updated to modern standards. The story, however, remains largely unchanged. Published by Square Enix and developed by toylogic. The game was a surprise cult hit when it first released but didn’t perform quite as well as Square Enix’s other titles.
Plot
VER.1.22474487139… is very much the same as the original game in terms of story. With some added bonuses that will be a nice little addition for new and existing fans.
The title follows the main character, who’s sister Yonah is sick and dying. Determined to save her he uses a mysterious magic book to give him strength to fight away the Shadows. Even with them fought off, both the boy and his sister are doomed and it’s heavily implied they die. Cut to 1312 years later and the boy and Yonah are living in a sleepy village. A village built upon modern day ruins like train tracks and industrial industry.
Yonah is sick and has an illness known as the black scrawl. Whilst going to rescue Yonah as she’s gone to the ruins exploring, the protagonist meets a magic book called Grimoire Weiss. After using Weiss’ magic to help him bring Yonah home they set up a plan to save her from the black scrawl. During an adventure where he meets a hot tempered swordsman named Kaine and Emil a boy who’s eyes petrify anyone who sees them. He returns home to find a giant shade. After the battle Yonah is carried away by a master shade who happens to have his own book. Grimoire Noir.
Review
Honestly, this game is a masterpiece. The gameplay is fluid and fun. The story is amazing and emotional in typical Yoko Taro style. The start of the game can be a bit grind-y as most of it is fetch quests. And going back and forth to the library. However the game is worth being patient with. As it definitely pays off. During what I call the second half of the game it really picks up and the world and story really open up. Literally. As there are 5 different endings. Choices are important but doing all the side quests is a choice so if it’s not your thing you can skip most of them.
Replicant isn’t massively open world but the world gets you immersed anyway. I spent 15 minutes killing sheep for mutton, silly, I know but so fun! Spending time fighting to grind is even fun. The whole thing is a masterpiece. I’ve seen some argue that Automata is better but I disagree. Playing Replicant made me respect and love Automata more, and I already loved that game.
