7 things you NEED to know about NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
Thinking about setting off on YOKO TARO’s wild ride? Here are some of the things you should be aware of.Every so often, you encounter one of those games that’s genuinely unforgettable. Something original and uniquely engaging, that lives in your head rent free even when you’re not clutching a controller.
That’s what NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is for many people - a special game that’s quirkiness is matched by its sheer ability to engross you with its world, characters, and story.
But if you’ve yet to experience it for yourself, you may be thinking: what’s all the hype about? Why is this game generating such a buzz? How come all my friends can’t stop talking about crying and loving it??
Well, we’re here to inform, so here are seven things you NEED to know about NieR Replicant.
1 It’s a ‘version update’ of the original game
The game is a massively enhanced version of the original NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, which originally launched in Japan back in 2010. Multiple elements have been updated for a faster, better, and more modern-feeling experience than the original.
So what exactly is the game? Is it a remaster? A remake? A re-release? According to the series creator YOKO TARO, it’s a ‘version update’.
He explains: “In the beginning I only intended for it to be a remaster, you know. With some improved resolutions and that... But once I started saying that I would like to tweak the models a bit, or that I wanted to fix up the backgrounds etc., we were soon looking at a lot of fixes and improvements.
“I mean, Square Enix recently did that remake of FINAL FANTASY VII right? I saw that and I thought it would be terribly inconvenient to be compared to such a massive blockbuster, so that was when I decided to call Replicant ver.1.22... a “version upgrade”.
Unflinchingly honest, as always.
2. It’s the first time people in the West have been able to play NieR Replicant
The original NieR game has an interesting history. Two versions were released in Japan - NieR Replicant, which featured a young protagonist, and NieR Gestalt, which featured a much older one endearingly referred to fans as Papa NieR.
In the West, however, only the Gestalt version was released, under the title NIER. Take a look at our NieR series retrospective to learn more about that.
The important point is that the release of NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is the first time that players in the West are able to experience this particular version of the game!
3. It tells an unforgettable tale
The NieR series is known for its emotional storytelling, which deals with themes and concepts not often explored within videogames.
That tradition is alive and well in NieR Replicant, which features a fascinating and wildly unpredictable story and a cast of unforgettable characters.
The central protagonist (you get to name him) lives in a quiet village with his sickly sister Yonah.
When his beloved sibling’s struck down with a terminal disease called the Black Scrawl, he sets off to find a way to help her. Along the way, he creates a band of allies, including the surly floating tome Grimoire Weiss, the shockingly potty-mouthed Kainè, and the gentle boy Emil. Together, they search for the ‘Sealed Verses’ - and a potential cure for Yonah’s illness.
We’ll say no more about the plot - take our advice and go in as blind as possible - but the story and characters come through stronger than ever thanks to full voice acting and re-recorded script by most of the original cast!
4. The combat has been dialed up to the max
The world of NieR Replicant is full of dangers, from giant spiders and hungry wolves, to the ever-present Shades of all sizes that threaten you on your journey. Fortunately, you’re well equipped to take them on.
Combat in NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is fast-paced, responsive and wonderfully intense. The developers took a long look at the action in NieR:Automata and worked hard to ensure that the battles in NieR Replicant are just as satisfying as that game.
You’ll take on hordes of enemies with a range of different weapon types, from fast-swinging blades to sublimely-stabby spears. But that’s only scratching the surface - you also have access to powerful magic spells, letting you batter foes with a barrage of bruising fists, down them with dangerous darts, create doppelgangers and much more.
Long story short, it’s an incredibly fun combat system that makes every battle feel fresh and exciting.
5. It’s designed to be enjoyed by all types of players
Of course, not every player is into fast-paced action. Some may be less experienced at action games, or may simply prefer to focus on the story and characters.
Those people are covered in NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… with the addition of an auto-battle mode, which takes care of the fighting for you. This can be turned on and off at any time in the options menu, so you can make use of it as and when you like.
Then there are players who relish the challenge of a brutal battle. Rest assured that they’re catered for too, with difficulty modes to suit even the most masochistic of button-mashers.
In other words, whatever type of player you are, you’ll be able to enjoy NieR Replicant in the way that you want.
6. It’s packed with additional content
The original NIER hasn’t just been enhanced for the new game, it’s been added to with a treasure trove of additional content.
For example, there’s an entirely new ‘Mermaid’ episode, which features a brand new scenario involving a wrecked ship and a little girl, and a particularly exciting boss battle (seriously, it’s reeeal good).
That’s not all though - there are also extra dungeons from ’15 Nightmares’ - DLC released for the original game in Japan. These see you take on a series of imaginative and challenging dungeons that will test your mastery of the game… and give you access to new weapons and costumes.
Speaking of costumes, you can download a free ‘4 YoRHa’ costume pack to change the appearance of the characters to those from NieR:Automata, including 9S, 2B and A2. The English and Japanese voice actors from that game also return, and you’ll even be able to swap some of the music out for tracks from Automata too! (although only after completing your first playthrough).
So yeah… there’s a lot of stuff here.
7. The music is better than ever
Keiichi Okabe’s music for the NieR series is legendary and in NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… it sounds even better than before.
Not content to simply use the original NIER’s soundtrack, Okabe, along with the talented MONACA team, have completely re-recorded it, rearranging some pieces to create a fuller, richer sound that positively sings on modern systems (pun very much intended). What’s more, the game also includes brand new music that you’ll never have heard before.
Just listen to it:
Those were just some the key things you need to know about NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… - and all we’re going to tell you. This is a game that thrives on doing the unexpected and revels in being completely its own thing - and discovering its eccentric ins and outs is all part of the fun.
Actually, there is just one more thing we should remind you of: it’s out now for PS4, Xbox One and Steam. Also (shameless plug time) you can buy it here:
To stay up to date with news and information about this game, and the NieR series as a whole, make sure you follow the team on social media.