Nier Automata & Nier Replicant
- Category: Game
- Platform: PC (Steam), PlayStation
- Date: 2022-04-28
- Rating: 5/5
- Link: Nier Official Website
About
The Nier series, particularly Nier Automata and Nier Replicant, are action role-playing games known for their profound philosophical narratives, unique gameplay structures, and emotionally impactful storytelling, often exploring themes of existentialism, humanity, and sacrifice.
Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (2010/2021): Originally released as Nier Gestalt (Xbox 360) and Nier Replicant (PlayStation 3) in Japan, with the latter featuring a younger protagonist (Nier) trying to save his sister Yonah from a mysterious disease. The 2021 "ver.1.22..." is an updated version of Nier Replicant that reimagines the original with modern graphics, improved combat, and additional content. The game is celebrated for its compelling story, memorable characters, haunting soundtrack, and multiple playthroughs that reveal different perspectives and true endings, making players question the nature of good and evil.
Nier: Automata (2017): A standalone sequel to the original Nier, developed by PlatinumGames, known for their action-oriented combat. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a proxy war between alien-created machines and human-created androids (YoRHa units), players primarily control 2B, an combat android. Automata expands on the philosophical themes of its predecessor, delving into questions of consciousness, free will, and the meaning of existence for both machines and androids. Its dynamic combat, stunning open world, and multiple playthrough system (each offering new character perspectives and narrative revelations) earned it widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The game masterfully blends various genres, from hack-and-slash to bullet-hell, and features a phenomenal orchestral soundtrack that adapts seamlessly to the gameplay.