Fans looking to return to the NieR franchise don't have too much longer to wait as NieR Replicant is now only days from release. Developed by Toylogic, NieR Replicant is essentially an updated version of the original 2010 release which seemed to fly under the radar for many people. Following the massive success of NieR Automata, even after four years, Square Enix is returning to the first game and finally giving both European and American players the chance to experience not only numerous quality of life changes, but the switch in story perspectives as well.
Originally, the game for most players focused on an older protagonist many fans affectionately refer to as Dad NieR attempting to protect and find a cure for a young girl named Yonah. However, for Replicant, the protagonist is now a younger version with Yonah acting as his sister. In addition, this newer version also features completely redesigned combat which should feel similar to Automata and will feature new content including story-based material. Not only that, fans will also be getting some extra content included off the bat inside of the game.
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In the latest trailer for NieR Replicant, Square Enix gives fans a taste of all the bonus content coming with the game starting with the extra dungeons known as 15 Nightmares. As fans have noticed, the content features the older protagonist taking on hordes of enemies. An extra episode entitled Mermaid is also included to which the trailer teases involves exploring a wrecked ship, interacting with a mysterious girl, and fighting a towering Shade that Square Enix claims can't be killed.
From a cosmetic standpoint, players will also have access to extra costumes so as the Kabuki and Samurai outfits as well as YoRHa gear made to look like the protagonists 2B and 9S from NieR Automata. In fact, the trailer highlights the fact that the cast from NieR: Automata has been included in NieR Replicant, which some fans have speculated means they'll be voicing the characters if the specific outfits have been applied. The soundtrack also includes music from Automata as well.
Even though the wait is almost over, Square Enix gave fans an early look at NieR Replicant by releasing the game's opening cinematic. The footage not only showcased the improved visuals from it's 2010 predecessor, but it also gave players a chance to get a sense of the story and remastered soundtrack. Key characters are shown off as well as the voicework which includes most, if not all, of the original cast being brought back for this remake.
NieR Replicant is slated to launch on April 23 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.