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As a result, exploring and fighting through the game's handful of unimaginative areas isn't all that thrilling. Nier Replicant retains some very basic level designs that aren't exactly fitting for a modern action-RPG. But constant backtracking can wear down your enthusiasm. You get to know the various locations, and the people that inhabit them, more intimately because of these back-and-forth quests, and it does make sense in the story's context. As you venture out into the world, you're frequently backtracking and returning to a handful of locations while fending off pesky Shades, and repetition starts to settle in. It's a slow start that involves running errands here and there. While the combat has been revamped by developer ToyLogic-bringing it closer to the style of Platinum Games' effort in Nier: Automata-the overall structure of Nier Replicant's open world is left untouched. However, the act of playing the game isn't always the most exciting thing. And this is backed by strong writing and stellar vocal performances from the original cast who reprise their roles, As the player, you often peer into their struggles with identity, too. From the silly banter to the hype of intense cutscenes to the major emotional story events, their companionship and distinct purposes are at the heart of Nier, and what compels you to push through the grim, overbearing realities. In a broken and desolate world, Nier Replicant finds a sense of life, energy, and friendship by leveraging a strong dynamic between each of these characters and you as the protagonist. Festivities in the desert village of Facade let the squad take a breather. The way Weiss comes around is nothing short of endearing. And the floating talking book Grimoire Weiss is a sassy wisecrack who wields the magic and knowledge needed to save the day-while also giving the team grief at every step.
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Emil is the wholesome boy who remains full of glee, optimism, and unconditional love for his friends despite the pain and trauma he harbors. She's also part Shade and carries burdens you'll come to understand in time. You meet characters like Kainé, the foul-mouthed badass who wins your heart over with her unapologetic attitude and growth as a person. But Yonah's only one part of a more complicated world. Yonah is gravely ill and the initial motivation that pushes you through Nier Replicant revolves around saving her. So right from the jump, questions start to fill your head, and the desire for answers grows increasingly urgent as you press on. Both the protagonist and his sister Yonah are almost exactly as they were in that mysterious intro, seemingly unchanged by the passage of time. The game starts off in a modern-day Tokyo that's been destroyed and invaded by ethereal creatures called Shades, then thrusts you over 1,000 years into a future medieval civilization that's barely scraping by. It was Nier's strongest suit back in the day, and still is with this remaster.
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Series creator Yoko Taro has a penchant for toying with player expectations, saying just enough to lead you on before hitting you with wild revelations that leave you sinking in your seat.
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Now Playing: Nier Replicant ver.1.2474487139 Review However, Nier Replicant is here to make you feel something, and it does so in a fashion very few games can pull off.īy clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's This is an action-RPG with slick combat, reminiscent of Automata, but suffers from the antiquated design philosophies it adheres to. The story, characters, scenarios, and structure remain intact, and this remaster includes some significant gameplay and visual improvements in addition to an essential piece of new story content that expands the original narrative. It's tempting to wallow in sorrow, but once you've seen Nier Replicant's conclusions in their entirety, you'll come to cherish its moments of warmth as well.įor better or worse, Nier Replicant preserves much of the original experience from its 2010 release (based on the Japanese version with the brother protagonist as opposed to the Western release's father lead). There's an ever-present melancholy that hangs over the violent world of Nier, and the more you fight on, the more you understand just how tragic human life can be. Those you fight for, fight with, and fight against-and you, the protagonist-all have a stake and responsibility in the plight. If Nier: Automata was about discovering your humanity in a world devoid of life, Nier Replicant is about a world desperately fighting to preserve what humanity it has left, and often failing to do so.
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