NieR Replicant Ver. 1.22474487139 Review REACTION
Channel: Marc Show
Date: 23/04/2021

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Should you play Nier Replicant or Nier: Automata first? Yes.

Our guide will help you choose the best order in which to play the Nier series

By Chris Plante 

on April 22, 2021 12:41 pm

 

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Image: Toylogic/Square Enix

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So you’ve heard about Nier Replicant or Nier: Automata, and you want to try the critically adored series. One problem: You don’t know where to start.

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Relatable! The Nier series is notoriously dense, involving multiple endings, alternate versions of the original game restricted by the geography of their release, and lore tied to an entirely different (and largely forgotten) video game trilogy for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. That’s intimidating.

To lower the barrier of entry, we’ve created this concise guide to choosing the order in which you play the Nier games, dividing our recommendation for three different types of potential players.

Image: PlatinumGames/Square Enix

I just want to see what the fuss is about, and I only have so much time.

You should start with Nier: Automata. It is technically the sequel to Nier Replicant, but it builds upon the original game in every way. The combat is faster and more pleasurable, the story is easier to follow, and its alternate playthroughs change the game in dramatic ways. If you want to fall fast for the series, Automata has the best shot at winning you over.

RELATED

Nier: Automata review: a modern classic

If you love Automata, you may have more patience for Nier Replicant’s old-fashioned open world, slower pace, and more repetitive alternate playthroughs. On one hand, Nier: Automata will spoil some chunks of Replicant’s story. On the other hand, you’ll actually know what the hell is going on.

Image: Toylogic/Square Enix via Polygon

I hate spoilers, I’m patient when it comes to older video game design, and I have some extra time on my hands.

You should start with Nier Replicant, which is a remake of the 2010 cult game of the same name. Well, sort of. In the U.S., we got Nier Gestalt, a version of Nier Replicant that featured an older protagonist. But the story of Gestalt was largely the same as in the version of Nier released for the PS3 in Japan, which features a teenage protagonist and is the basis of the remake.

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Nier Replicant review: a brilliant game with one big catch

Even with upgrades to the game’s visuals and combat, along with some additional quests and lore, the remake of Nier Replicant (technically titled Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...) remains notably slower than Nier: Automata. The first 10 hours, in particular, can be a grind as you perform one fetch quest after another. But playing Replicant first will allow you to experience the series’ story as originally intended, seeing many of its weirdest twists and turns with fresh eyes.

Beginning with Replicant isn’t a bad option. In no way is it a crummy video game. It’s just a slow one. If you have the time and patience (or if you really hate spoilers), then this is the option for you.

Image: Access Games/Square Enix

No, you don’t get it. I really hate spoilers. I’m a completionist. I must commune with art in its purest form.

Play the Drakengard trilogy. Then get back to me.

COMMENTS

"Play the Drakengard trilogy."

Oof. Why would you do that to yourself?

By Ei'em on 04.22.21 1:22pm

I MUST COMMUNE WITH ART IN ITS PUREST FORM

By CageyHM on 04.22.21 2:26pm

FYI, I clicked the Drakengard link hoping to get a review on the trilogy or something (I’m already familiar with the trilogy, I’m just always up for Yoko Taro discussion), and it directed me to a generic eBay page.

By Tanneseph on 04.22.21 2:44pm

(I think that’s the joke. The first two are on PS2 and the third on PS3, and none are listed for digital purchase on the PlayStation Store. So, the only way to play them and commune with art in its purest form is to get physical copies)

By Masc4MajorasMask on 04.22.21 7:05pm

Dude, I would love a Drakengard trilogy remaster/collection.

By ErdrickTiael on 04.22.21 2:56pm

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NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139... review - a better version of the weakest game in the series

I just Replican't.

By Malindy Hetfeld. 22/04/2021

A safe choice for fans, this slight reimagining turns a weak game into an okay one.

Version tested: PlayStation 4.

Because of the absolute state of game reiusses, I have to explain what Nier Replicant is before I can tell you how it is. Nier, developed by Cavia, released in 2010 in two versions - Nier Replicant for the Japanese market and Nier Gestalt for western territories. Both are almost identical, save for thei
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