NieR Replicant is finally coming to PC, and it wouldn’t be NieR if it didn’t have something decidedly strange about it. The game was announced during the 10-year anniversary livestream and later on Twitter. However, rather than simply call it a remaster, Square Enix has decided to name it NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139…
Yes, that is the full name, ellipsis and all. The cult-classic is coming to Steam (and other current-gen consoles), but a release date or price has yet to be determined.
10 years after its launch in Japan, we're excited to announce a new update to the original #NieR Replicant for old and new fans, NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139… pic.twitter.com/00QOBf4Oko
— Square Enix (@SquareEnix) March 29, 2020
Different from a regular remaster
While NieR Replicant something-something is being brought to Steam with all the polish that comes with a current-day re-release, the team has also decided to take it a step further by adding a new, yet to be determined character. On top of that, NieR Replicant will be fully voiced with re-recorded voice work, as well as a polished up soundtrack. Square Enix calls it an update for old and new fans, not a remaster.
NieR Replicant was originally the Japanese version of the 2010 RPG. Here in the west, we got NieR Gestalt, which featured slight character differences – such as the fact that you were a father looking for his daughter, instead of a brother looking for his sister. The animations were clearly meant for brother Nier, though, which meant daddy Nier’s mannerisms were a little weird in places.
No release date yet
While no release date has been announced for the NieR remaster, the team did clarify that they want to launch within the 10th anniversary. The original release was at the end of April, but series producer Yosuke Saito doesn’t even know whether the game will feature a new ending. As such, it looks like it’s still too early in production for a next-month release. It’s likely they instead meant that they hope to release before the end of the year.
So, if you only played NieR: Automata and you’re curious how it began, this is your chance. Of course, you may want to look into Drakengard as well, as that’s where it all started in the first place.
