Toylogic Inc. · Apr 23, 2021
I got curious upon hearing this game saying that this is a prequel to Nier Automata. I haven't played the classic version on PS3 but did some research and I was amazed how they were able to rack up the graphics of this game, to be honest. It is so much better in many aspects. The controls are a bit sluggish to compare to the fluidity of Nier Automata's combat system. Although let's talk about this game's number 1 strength. Rich Story and heavy emotions. It tackled a lot of deep stories which I think was able to conclude properly. Honestly, the first playthrough was awesome. I have invested so much. And then the second and third playthrough was quite okay. But then on my last playthroughs, it started to feel like this is becoming a chore rather than aiming for fun and excitement. Though the game is still fun, it's just that for me unlocking the other endings via playthrough is a waste of time for me. No offense. I still love and like this game. The repetitiveness and lack of character development on some sides became its downfall. **VISUALS** _Artistry: 8/12_ _Technical Merit: 6/8_ **SOUND DESIGN** _Music: 12/12_ _Sound Effects & Vocals:8 /8_ **INTERACTION** _Control & Interface: 5/8_ _Player Agency: 5/8_ _Accessibility: 2/4_ **MECHANICS** _Feedback & Fun: 6/10_ _Depth: 3/5_ _Variety: 4/5_ **CHARACTER** _Narrative: 6/8_ _Heart: 5/6_ _Originality: 4/6_
Nier Replicant's story is about Nier (you), trying to save his sister Yonah from a terminal sickness. In the world of Nier some shadows called shades are killing all the humans. Nier is desperate to save Yonah at any cost, starting an adventure by killing shades and resolving the mystery behind the world. Nier Replicant is not an easy game to recommend to everyone, because its bizarre and unique story. Some side quest are tedious and have some comics event during conversation, but not so great. If you like obscure, bizarre stories and action RPG maybe this game is perfect for you. The story is kind off slow so be patient. It also have 5 endings (A, B, C, D and E) in which ending E is the new ending added in this remake. It is a little tedious to replay the game to get the others ending, but each ending gives you a little more of context of the story and extra cutscenes.
The game feels like a prototype to Nier Automata in every way. From the story involving the young boy and the older lady in a world that doesn’t seem like what it appears from the onset, to the combat with its long list of minute details that make it feel unique based on what you choose. The combat is good, albeit a bit simplistic by today’s standards. The movement feels just like Automata did. The music is fantastic as always. The things I wasn’t so hot about was the story being extremely slow to pick up steam. I know, rpg games are usually slow burns, but it’s harder these days to have time for that. What makes the first 10 hours or so harder to slog through is that the actual story quests feel like side quests. The side quests themselves are extremely fetchy and just not fun in 2021. Another gripe is that the projectile magic attack is not precise at all. You have to shoot ahead of the reticle to actually shoot at your target depending on how far away you are. I’m comparing this to Automata, it’s impossible not to considering the sequel exists. The jumping feels floatier in this one, so I had trouble gauging it during boss fights. The main characters (white haired) are also kind of bland and one dimensional. Sure, there’s some unique qualities about all of them, but it’s not enough to make me feel like I wanted to listen to what they said. Kaine came off as just kind of stupid, brother Nier was very predictable, and Yonah was the typical sweetheart. Yes, the game is old, but the writing could have been better for the main characters. Emil and Weiss can be fun. Ultimately, as a stand-alone action rpg, this is an average 5, with so many loading screens (seriously?), but the music makes it a 6 at most. As a game re-released after Automata, it pales harshly in comparison: it’s a 4, because sometimes the PS3-era problems are just annoying and for the love of god, end the fetching quests! If the game had less loading screens, better writing, tighter projectiles, no fetch quests, a better first 10 to 15 hours, and some very minor movement adjustments, it would be a clean 8. My problem is that the game feels like chores up until the last few hours of the game, kind of like kingdom hearts 3. It feels like Star Wars Episode 1: very slow, pretty boring, kind of too specific to matter, with bland main characters. 5.4, slightly above average.
8 hours in so far, I give it 7.5 out of 10. Currently in Emil Mansion just before the main boss I guess since there's a save point. My score might change as I progress but so far I can tell that it's a little bit aged. I've never played Yoko Taro's game before Nier Automata so my expectations is a little bit different and maybe a bit too high (I loved Automata). Combat is not as exciting as in Automata and the enemies so far lacks variety. I don't think it'd be worse than what I've played so far. I'm still enjoying it but it doesn't hook me and play it for hours and hours in one sitting like Automata did.
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