Nier is an atypical and profound action-RPG by Taro Yoko with a father seeking to heal his daughter Yonah. Shattering fragmented narrative, multiple endings, exceptional soundtrack. A misunderstood masterpiece rediscovered.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player16+
Description
Cavia and Square Enix atypical action RPG following Nier, a father protecting his daughter afflicted with an incurable disease in a post-apocalyptic world. Published by Square Enix, released in Europe in April 2010. Genre-shifting hybrid combat, Yoko Taro's emotional narrative, multiple revelatory endings, Keiichi Okabe soundtrack, and adult themes. European version.
Nier review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
Signed by Keiichi Okabe, the music unfurls ethereal songs in an invented language, carried by the sublime voice of Emi Evans. Melancholy and overwhelming, it bathes every moment of the story in a heartbreaking beauty. This score, celebrated as one of the most beautiful in video games, marks the soul forever.
To save a loved one consumed by an incurable illness, a devoted protector battles shades in a post-apocalyptic world. Signed by Yoko Taro, the tale reveals, through multiple endings, a shattering truth about good and evil. This tragedy disguised as an action RPG haunts with its melancholy and its humanity.
A melancholy action RPG that holds back, for those who truly see it through, an unexpected request aimed not at the hero but at the person behind the pad. Without giving anything away, its successive endings toy with the very ideas of progress and saving, turning the act of finishing the game into a weighty gesture. A boldness that lingers long after.
Is Nier still worth playing in 2026?
An action RPG from Cavia and Square Enix, Nier follows a father trying to save his daughter in a melancholic post-apocalyptic world, carried by poignant writing and a Keiichi Okabe soundtrack that became legendary. The shifts of gameplay perspective, the multiple endings and the emotional depth of the story make it a cult, singular work. The repetitive combat and a technically modest production temper the adventure. An RPG to recommend for fans of moving narratives and bold narrative experiences.
