Nier (video game)

Nier is an action role-playing game from 2010, developed by Cavia and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. In Japan, the PlayStation 3 version was released as *Nier Replicant*, featuring a younger main character, while an alternative version called *Nier Gestalt*, with an older protagonist, came out on Xbox 360. Internationally, the *Gestalt* version was released simply as *Nier* for both consoles. A remaster of the *Replicant* version, titled *Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...*, launched worldwide in 2021 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows.

The game is a direct sequel to the *Drakengard* series, taking place after the fifth ending of the first *Drakengard* game, which left Earth in ruins. Set more than a thousand years later, the story follows a player-named protagonist searching for a cure for a fatal illness affecting a young girl named Yonah. The gameplay mixes elements from several video game genres, frequently switching between them and the core role-playing style.

Production began in 2007, with *Drakengard* creator Yoko Taro directing and given considerable creative freedom. The storyline was inspired by the September 11 attacks and the war on terror, while the gameplay drew partly from the *God of War* series. Feedback from outside Japan led to the creation of multiple versions of the protagonist. The music was composed by Keiichi Okabe, with contributions from his studio Monaca, and several albums were released.

*Nier* received mixed reviews. Critics praised the story, characters, and soundtrack but were divided on how well the varied gameplay elements fit together. Some gameplay features, especially the side quests, were criticized, and the graphics were seen as subpar. Despite this, the game gained acclaim from players over time and became a cult classic. The 2021 remaster was received positively, with praise for its graphical and gameplay improvements. The original *Nier* sold 500,000 copies, while the updated version sold over 2 million copies worldwide. A sequel developed by PlatinumGames, *Nier: Automata*, was released in 2017.

**Gameplay**

*Nier* is an action role-playing game where players control a protagonist whose name they choose. In *Nier Gestalt*, the protagonist is a middle-aged man; in *Nier Replicant*, he is a teenage boy.