Cavia deliver a shattering UFO in which Nier crosses genres in a tribute to gaming's entire history. Keiichi Okabe's score remains one of the most beautiful ever written, and the writing on grief, fatherhood and language still hits dead centre today.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player16+
Description
Japanese version of action RPG Nier by Cavia and Square Enix, Japan April 2010. In this version, the protagonist is father Nier seeking to save his Marbrure-infected daughter Yonah. Same gameplay but father rather than brother protagonist - unique narrative distinction between the two regional versions.
Nier Gestalt review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
A masterpiece by Keiichi Okabe, the music blends orchestra, piano and the heartbreaking singing of Emi Evans in an imaginary language, of an overwhelming beauty. Each theme, of a poignant melancholy, embraces the tragedy of the story with a rare emotion. This vocal and symphonic richness, now cult, remains the soul of this unforgettable work.
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.
