Way back in the day I played a little game called Drakengard for the ps2. I only bought it because I heard you could fly dragons. I can't tell you much about it now (old age is getting to me), but i liked it. Then came Nier. I heard it was related, so my girlfriend (now wife) bought it on the 360 for my 20th birthday when it came out in 2010. And I fell in love with it. While that game was a bit rough, both graphically and gameplay wise, the story and characters more than made up for it. I grasped the story, but didn't think much of it... until recently.

Nier Replicant 1.22 is basically the same game. They upgraded the graphics and they look great (although it looks closer to Automata with more muted colors), but the gameplay and combat mechanics are SOOOOO much better! While it doesn't play quite like Automata (victim of its 2010 original release), it is so much more serviceable. The mechanics, while a bit boring, I never thought to myself while grinding and playing though several times that I was bored.

Now, the main story is basically the same. They did add some new dialogue and that was a breath of fresh air. I believe most of the voice actors came back too. Then, the new dungeon in the seafront was an intense sequence that I believe was new also. The biggest thing to me was the main character wasn't Dad. I played that version, which was called Gestalt. I thought originally this was the remake of Dad. I didn't know there was a different version in Japan. What is up with western audiences and buff dads?! I heard that this one was the Japanese version, so I was skeptical, yet excited to play.

While I liked Dad, I actually prefer young so much more. I noticed Dad seemed awkward in the original game at times. Not bad, just awkward. Especially with Kainé... I never felt that with younger Nier. Actually, I felt closer to Young Nier and that makes Replicant much better to me. People are divided on that, so you can make that decision, but you have to try it like I did.

Speaking of Kainé, I have never felt more similar, close to and resonated more with a video game character in my life. And she's more than an NPC now. I fell in love with her in 2010, and again 11 years later. Her and I have similar attributes that just puts her so close to my heart. She fights until the end. She never gives up. She pushes through her issues. And she puts others ahead of herself to a fault. That is motivation to myself and others. Her character arc is beautiful. She is a tortured angel locked in a cage. Her mouth is as foul as her heart is big. I've never been less interested in the physical attributes of a scantily clad woman in my life. I didn't fall in love with her for that. I fell in love with her personality, her fire, her drive, her strength of mind. She is an amazing character. And one of the funniest too. She could make a sailor blush.

Then there is Emil. He is a upbeat loving boy who could cheer anyone up. He reminds me of myself when i was young. His kindness and compassion are something to strive for in life. Weiss is a elder figure who thinks he knows all, yet is humbled by a bunch of kids just trying to do what's right. He can be a bit blunt, but is a caring and thoughtful character that loves his companions.

Then Nier himself. I personally prefer young Nier over Dad. Part of that is the original game is written for young Nier, so it was a bit awkward. There is a strong bond that wasn't as big with Dad. A young boy doing everything for his sister is lovely. Then Nier with Weiss makes a father/son relationship that wasn't there before. Add in Emil being a great friend around the same age helps too. And of course the relationship between Young Nier and Kainé is so much better in Replicant. It was awkward before, but now it just feels natural, real and alive.

All 4 endings are basically the same, with the extra dialogue mixed in. The 4 endings themselves are different. A is basic. B is Kainé's ending that adds a ton of dialogue that makes you question what you are doing. C and D are basically the same, only which choice are you going to make?! Ending E is something special. Some people say that ending E detracts from D, and I agreed with that, until I found out that ending E was the original Canon ending that Yoko Taro had to cut from the 2010 game. And when I played it, I was in tears. This story brought me to tears in 2010, and again now. On steam, this is my 3rd time playing through. I preordered it on PS4 and was in tears. Then played on the Xbox, and tears again. This is a beautifully tragic story that messes with the very idea of what is right and wrong.

This story and cast of characters makes me so emotional, I can't quite explain why. I love them all. This band of misfits really pulls my heartstrings, and reminds me so much about myself. The characters play off each other incredibly well. I was laughing so hard whenever Kainé and Weiss had an interaction together. I laughed way too hard at times. The writing is incredible. Then add in Yoko Taros story about who is the true bad guys, and you made a perfect story.

The music is simply wonderful. It makes the game even better. It pulls you into the world and makes you feel alive as you traverse the world and story.

The only nitpicking I have is the pacing of the story with certain gameplay can wear when you play through several times. And grinding for weapons? Good luck with that... I'd suggest reddit. It helped me, but damn RNG in this game is horrible. And you don't play long as ending Es protagonist which is sad. We want more.

My favorite new addition? When you start ending E, there is a wonderful surprise waiting for you. One of the most agile and fluid characters I've played in a game. I loved it all. I could play through again right now just talking about this game. If you haven't played this game or the original before, don't expect Automata gameplay wise. But do expect a story that, in my opinion, is better than Automata.

I am so glad this game finally gets its time in the sun. People can finally see how truly special this game really is. Automata may be better, at least gameplay wise, but I think the characters and story in Replicant makes it better. Without Nier Replicant, there wouldn't be Automata. I only hope we get to see these characters one more time. Wherever it's a full game or a DLC. I just want more of Nier, Kainé, Emil and Weiss! Oh, if it isn't obvious, I suggest this game. I'd pay triple. Get this game. Full price. I NEVER say that. Then play through every ending. And be prepared to cry and question everything. This game is why I play games. This could be my favorite game ever.

Edit: So i recently played through Automata and Replicant 1.22 and dusted off my 360 and gave Gestalt another go. Gestalt was kind of dated back in 2010, and is it even more so 13 years later

The biggest thing that was changed was the gameplay mechanics. You could not use magic and sword attacks AT THE SAME TIME. And you could not MOVE while charging magic attacks. That was terrible, but with Platinum Games mechanics from Automata, Replicant 1.22 is a whole new game. Even for people who played Gestalt. Also Weiss only shows up when you are casting magic in Gestalt. He now floats around with you to make the group of friends feel more intimate.

The other big thing is that every single line of dialogue (minus the text blocks backstories) is voiced. Originally only the important and a little bit of side quests were voiced. Even some of the main story lines were not voiced. Now it is all voiced and does it breathe new life into this world and characters. Writing was cleaned up. Most is the same, minus dad to brother. 9 times out of 10 i like Replicant, but Gestalt did have some great one liners from Kainé.

Kainè is the only character who changed, and changed for the better. She is not the angry angst teen. She is now a angry young woman with a character arc. Tyrann also gets fleshed out more.

Way back in the day I played a little game called Drakengard for the ps2. I only bought it because I heard you could fly dragons. I can't tell you much about it now (old age is getting to me), but i liked it. Then came Nier. I heard it was related, so my girlfriend (now wife) bought it on the 360 for my 20th birthday when it came out in 2010. And I fell in love with it. While that game was a bit rough, both graphically and gameplay wise, the story and characters more than made up for it. I grasped the story, but didn't think much of it... until recently. Nier Replicant 1.22 is basically the same game. They upgraded the graphics and they look great (although it looks closer to Automata with more muted colors), but the gameplay and combat mechanics are SOOOOO much better! While it doesn't play quite like Automata (victim of its 2010 original release), it is so much more serviceable. The mechanics, while a bit boring, I never thought to myself while grinding and playing though several times that I was bored. Now, the main story is basically the same. They did add some new dialogue and that was a breath of fresh air. I believe most of the voice actors came back too. Then, the new dungeon in the seafront was an intense sequence that I believe was new also. The biggest thing to me was the main character wasn't Dad. I played that version, which was called Gestalt. I thought originally this was the remake of Dad. I didn't know there was a different version in Japan. What is up with western audiences and buff dads?! I heard that this one was the Japanese version, so I was skeptical, yet excited to play. While I liked Dad, I actually prefer young so much more. I noticed Dad seemed awkward in the original game at times. Not bad, just awkward. Especially with Kainé... I never felt that with younger Nier. Actually, I felt closer to Young Nier and that makes Replicant much better to me. People are divided on that, so you can make that decision, but you have to try it like I did. Speaking of Kainé, I have never felt more similar, close to and resonated more with a video game character in my life. And she's more than an NPC now. I fell in love with her in 2010, and again 11 years later. Her and I have similar attributes that just puts her so close to my heart. She fights until the end. She never gives up. She pushes through her issues. And she puts others ahead of herself to a fault. That is motivation to myself and others. Her character arc is beautiful. She is a tortured angel locked in a cage. Her mouth is as foul as her heart is big. I've never been less interested in the physical attributes of a scantily clad woman in my life. I didn't fall in love with her for that. I fell in love with her personality, her fire, her drive, her strength of mind. She is an amazing character. And one of the funniest too. She could make a sailor blush. Then there is Emil. He is a upbeat loving boy who could cheer anyone up. He reminds me of myself when i was young. His kindness and compassion are something to strive for in life. Weiss is a elder figure who thinks he knows all, yet is humbled by a bunch of kids just trying to do what's right. He can be a bit blunt, but is a caring and thoughtful character that loves his companions. Then Nier himself. I personally prefer young Nier over Dad. Part of that is the original game is written for young Nier, so it was a bit awkward. There is a strong bond that wasn't as big with Dad. A young boy doing everything for his sister is lovely. Then Nier with Weiss makes a father/son relationship that wasn't there before. Add in Emil being a great friend around the same age helps too. And of course the relationship between Young Nier and Kainé is so much better in Replicant. It was awkward before, but now it just feels natural, real and alive. All 4 endings are basically the same, with the extra dialogue mixed in. The 4 endings themselves are different. A is basic. B is Kainé's ending that adds a ton of dialogue that makes you question what you are doing. C and D are basically the same, only which choice are you going to make?! Ending E is something special. Some people say that ending E detracts from D, and I agreed with that, until I found out that ending E was the original Canon ending that Yoko Taro had to cut from the 2010 game. And when I played it, I was in tears. This story brought me to tears in 2010, and again now. On steam, this is my 3rd time playing through. I preordered it on PS4 and was in tears. Then played on the Xbox, and tears again. This is a beautifully tragic story that messes with the very idea of what is right and wrong. This story and cast of characters makes me so emotional, I can't quite explain why. I love them all. This band of misfits really pulls my heartstrings, and reminds me so much about myself. The characters play off each other incredibly well. I was laughing so hard whenever Kainé and Weiss had an interaction together. I laughed way too hard at times. The writing is incredible. Then add in Yoko Taros story about who is the true bad guys, and you made a perfect story. The music is simply wonderful. It makes the game even better. It pulls you into the world and makes you feel alive as you traverse the world and story. The only nitpicking I have is the pacing of the story with certain gameplay can wear when you play through several times. And grinding for weapons? Good luck with that... I'd suggest reddit. It helped me, but damn RNG in this game is horrible. And you don't play long as ending Es protagonist which is sad. We want more. My favorite new addition? When you start ending E, there is a wonderful surprise waiting for you. One of the most agile and fluid characters I've played in a game. I loved it all. I could play through again right now just talking about this game. If you haven't played this game or the original before, don't expect Automata gameplay wise. But do expect a story that, in my opinion, is better than Automata. I am so glad this game finally gets its time in the sun. People can finally see how truly special this game really is. Automata may be better, at least gameplay wise, but I think the characters and story in Replicant makes it better. Without Nier Replicant, there wouldn't be Automata. I only hope we get to see these characters one more time. Wherever it's a full game or a DLC. I just want more of Nier, Kainé, Emil and Weiss! Oh, if it isn't obvious, I suggest this game. I'd pay triple. Get this game. Full price. I NEVER say that. Then play through every ending. And be prepared to cry and question everything. This game is why I play games. This could be my favorite game ever. Edit: So i recently played through Automata and Replicant 1.22 and dusted off my 360 and gave Gestalt another go. Gestalt was kind of dated back in 2010, and is it even more so 13 years later The biggest thing that was changed was the gameplay mechanics. You could not use magic and sword attacks AT THE SAME TIME. And you could not MOVE while charging magic attacks. That was terrible, but with Platinum Games mechanics from Automata, Replicant 1.22 is a whole new game. Even for people who played Gestalt. Also Weiss only shows up when you are casting magic in Gestalt. He now floats around with you to make the group of friends feel more intimate. The other big thing is that every single line of dialogue (minus the text blocks backstories) is voiced. Originally only the important and a little bit of side quests were voiced. Even some of the main story lines were not voiced. Now it is all voiced and does it breathe new life into this world and characters. Writing was cleaned up. Most is the same, minus dad to brother. 9 times out of 10 i like Replicant, but Gestalt did have some great one liners from Kainé. Kainè is the only character who changed, and changed for the better. She is not the angry angst teen. She is now a angry young woman with a character arc. Tyrann also gets fleshed out more.