Square Enix recentlyannounced thatNieR Replicantis in development, a remake of the original 2010NIERgame. One of the main appeals of this remake is that western audiences will finally be able to experience the Japanese Replicant version, which follows the young protagonist Nier and his sister Yonah, where originally we were given the Gestalt version that followed an older Nier and his daughter Yonah.
Related:10 Games Square Enix Should Remake After Final Fantasy VII
While there were only a few other differences between the original two versions,NieR Replicantis being billed as “an upgraded version of the original,“so that could mean we are getting a lot more with this remake, which will potentially be influenced from the massive success ofNier: Automata. So the real question is, what do we want from the remake and what do we not want to see?
10Want: New Endings
The originalNIERhad four different endings that rewarded players with a fresh insight into the events of the game, though it didn’t largely vary gameplay-wise on any playthroughs that followed the first.Nier: Automataboasted an incredible 26 different endings, ranging between funny little moments that ended your game abruptly to fully realized plot points with additional cut-scenes and vastly different gameplay scenarios.
It would be great ifNieR Replicantwas given the same treatment and many more endings were added, both humorous little offshoots as well as more in-depth endings that could expand upon the characters, lore and add new levels of gameplay.
9Don’t Want: Save Wipe
For completionists out there, save wipes can be a bit of a pain, especially if you want to get all your trophies and achievements and the various endings.NIERwiped all three save files once you achieved ending D, which meant you had to be sure to get everything else done before this or you’d be starting from scratch in your quest to 100% the game.Nier: Automatahad a similar save wipe for ending E, though unlike its predecessor, the wipe was entirely optional. Should you choose to wipe your save files, your data would go on to help another player.
The hope is thatNieR Replicantdoesn’t include the mandatory wipe from the original and instead opts for the optional choice of its successor.
8Want: New Music
The music of theNieRfranchise is critically acclaimed, featuring beautiful and emotional melodies that resonate with players everywhere. The music has been so popular that it has prompted concerts worldwide and the forthcomingNieR Orchestral Arrangement Album - Addendum, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the original NieR titles. You can alsostream the NieR soundtracks, including the award-winningNier: Automatasoundtrackfor your listening pleasures.
Related:10 PS4 Games That Make The Console Worth Buying
Both Gestalt and Replicant versions of the 2010 game had their own unique soundtracks included, so it would great ifNieR Replicantincluded the complete tracklist from both and it would be a bonus if new music was created specifically for the remake.
7Don’t Want: Purchasable Trophies/Achievements
A unique feature toNier: Automatais that players can purchase some of their trophies/achievementsto get their much sought-after platinum trophy or 1000G. There are some restrictions to this, as players must have completed the game three times before the NPC opens her shop and the currency used is in-game money, so you might need to grind a little to afford them all.
While many players welcomed this feature, others have considered it a form of “cheating” as it allows players to obtain accolades they haven’t necessarily earned. It means that players can get some of the hardest or most grind-worthy trophies at the click of a button, arguably devaluing the trophy as you’d never know whether it was legitimately achieved or not.
6Want: A Nod To Old Man Nier
Nostalgia is a powerful feeling and it’s no secret that players love to see easter eggs to past games or other franchises in their favorite titles. With that in mind, despiteNieR Replicantusing the young Nier protagonist, it would be some well-received fan service to see old man Nier included in some way. Whether it’s just a throwaway comment to acknowledge his existence or even a mode that reskins Nier to his older counterpart, possibly unlocked after at least one successful playthrough, it would be great to see his grizzled face included somehow.
5Don’t Want: Bland Environments
One of the most criticized features of the originalNIERwas its visuals, with players finding it difficult to see past the bland environments. It’s a given thatNieR Replicantis going to be given a glow up and will look much better than the original, but hopefully, the environments will be given a bit more life to them too. Just because it’s a post-apocalyptic setting doesn’t mean that every area has to be minimalistic and lifeless.Nier: Automatais a testament to this, featuring rich, detailed environments that really add to the player’s experience, even in the sandy dunes of the desert.
4Want: New DLC
NIERhad one single piece of DLC that added new outfits, mission packs, weapons, shades and remixed music tracks. This DLC content might still be released separately, or possibly could be included in theNieR Replicantbase game. However, it would be great to see some new DLC post-launch and it doesn’t even necessarily have to be new story content, though that would lovely too.
Related:10 Epic RPGs That Can Be Beaten Surprisingly Fast
Nier: Automataoffered up multiple DLC packs, one of which included costumes of the originalNieRgames. Potentially, we could see that idea reciprocated with someAutomatacostumes being added toNieR Replicantas DLC and maybe we’ll get the option to dress Nier up as 9S.
3Don’t Want: Timed Accolades
RPGs are games that you can easily get lost in andNIERwas no different; large area environments, plenty of side quests and the multiple endings meant that you could easily be occupied for hours and explore to your heart’s content. With that in mind, it seems a little counter-intuitive to add trophies/achievements with timed elements that force you through the game at a quicker pace, for example, defeating bosses within a certain amount of minutes, or completing the game in under 15 hours.
2Want: Original Voice Actors
The voice acting was one of the applauded aspects ofNIERand the game featured some notable voice actors from within the gaming industry, such as Liam O’Brien. It would definitely please fans of the original game ifNieR Replicanthired the original voice actors once more, where possible of course. Not only did the actors clearly do a brilliant job the first time around, but it would also bring back some nostalgia for returning players when they hear those familiar voices in the remake.
1Don’t Want: Original Side-Quest System
Another criticized aspect ofNIERwas the side-quest system, with the majority of players finding the quests repetitive and lacking purpose. On the other hand,Nier: Automatamanaged to achieve an in-depth network of side-quests that fleshed out more of theNieRworld and lore, rewarding players with emotional side plots and details that in some cases were as memorable as some of the main plot points.
Hopefully, Square Enix will learn from the success ofNier: Automataand refine the quest system ofNieR Replicantto these newer standards, adding a host of new details and storylines in the process if we’re lucky.
