Slated to bring the previously Japanese-only version ofNieRto the west,NieR Replicant’supcoming release has a lot of franchise fans incredibly excited, especially as the remaster offers a new perspective on the cult-classic action game’s main quest. The re-release is coming to PC,PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in Japan on April 22, before launching in Europe and North America on April 23.
Ahead of its imminent debut, Square Enix announced today thatNieR Replicanthas gone gold, confirming that production had wrapped on the project. The reveal was made official over on the game’s Twitter page, with the team confirming that the remaster is prepped and ready for its upcoming release.
RELATED:Final Fantasy 14 Trailer Teases Third Nier: Automata Raid Chapter
For those who haven’t been keeping up with the latest addition to the series,NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139is an altered version of the originalNieRthat launched worldwide in 2010. Although European and American players were treated to a single version of the game – following an older protagonist attempting to save his daughter, Yonah – Japanese players could pick between two versions:NieR: GestaltandNieR: Replicant.The former was the version available in the west but the latter was a new take on the tale, replacing the game’s older protagonist with a younger hero and casting Yonah as his sister rather than his daughter.
The new remaster will finally allow western players to experience this switch in perspective alongside bringing a wealth of other changes. For one, itwill see the game’s original cast members return with new dialogue, while composer Keiichi Okabe will provide an extended soundtrack full of new songs to enjoy.Combat will also be reworked to feel closer in style toNieR: Automataand the visuals will get a significant upgrade, including a leap to 60 frames per second. It generally seems like the definitive version of the game and one thatNieRaficionados won’t want to miss.
Now definitely feels like the right time to return to the 2010 cult phenomenon followingNieR: Automata’srampant success. Although the originalNieRmanaged to cultivate a passionate audience back at release, it didn’t attract quite the same attention as its successor, which has gone on to amass huge sales and unanimously positive reactions from both players and critics.Square recently announcedAutomatahad surpassed 5.5 million copies sold, proving how big its audience has grown in the four years since its release. WithReplicantnow finished and ready to hit shelves in just two weeks' time, it seemsNieRis ready to make its mark once again.
NieR Replicantis slated to launch on April 23 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
