NIER

Nier is as awesome as it is obscure. A game that will be hated by simpletons for its bold approach to the action-rpg genre, and loved by anyone in their right mind for exactly the same reason. The oddly loveable cast, the myriad of different gameplay-concepts (ranging from old school to sheer genius) and the awesome soundtrack make Nier into a roughly hewn diamond, brilliantly shining as the surprise of the year.

With Nier, Cavia has done the seemingly impossible, and created something entirely unique from nothing but borrowed components

It is absolutely, positively worth your attention if you are in any way an "RPG Fan." At least rent or borrow it. Give it a try, and see if you are capable of falling for this one like I did.

On balance, Nier is a varied and engaging experience that for JRPG fans, is certainly worth a look.

Time will never be kind to graphics, but enduring gameplay is rarely forgotten, and in that regard Nier's going to wind up as one of those "hidden gems" you always wish you would have played. Do yourself a favor and snag it early.

The gameplay itself in Nier is quite good, but technically it isn't up to date. This fact can't be changed by the angle-changes and the cool word-level-up-system. Fans of Japanese games probably will have a lot of fun with this game.

Nier won't wow players with its basic mechanics, but in the story it tells, the characters it develops, and the themes present throughout play, it will easily win over anyone seeking something emotionally exploratory and well off the beaten path.

If you're not really into RPGs, you won't be impressed. However, if you are like me (a role-playing veteran), and you've agreed with things I've said in the past about the genre this generation, get it. I can almost promise you won't regret it.

The team at Cavia have without question nailed the entertainment portion of the game. But, the gameplay still needs a few tweaks to remain just as engaging. For a first run, Nier is exactly what it should be; a flawed game with a ton of potential.

A quite good action-adventure. Nier mixes in different gameplay styles quite carelessly - some of them work, some of them don't. Luckily none of them last too long. The basic enemies are quite dull, too. [June 2010]

The wonderfully designed characters and intriguing plot do just enough to elevate NIER above much of what is coming out of Japan these days. It is, in many ways, the kind of game critics of the Japanese RPG have been calling for: different, fresh, and in parts distinctly un-JRPG. Not all of it works, but it's a commendable effort, and a memorable experience.

As an action-RPG, perhaps there is a better option available if you've yet to play through Darksiders, but Nier still manages to stand on its own accomplishments – as varied in mechanics and quality as they may be. For that reason alone, I'd suggest giving it a try.

Nier has one of the best casts ever seen. The constant bantering between the main characters is the perfect supplement to the frantic action where basic sword attacks are blended with massive magic attacks. Every so often Cavia turns everything upside down. Suddenly you'll be playing survival horror, a rail shooter, or possibly even a classic text adventure.

A great combination of action games like Bayonetta and RPG games like Last Remnant. Everything from bosses to the epic music deserves praise.

Variety is the word that defines Nier the best. Variety of genres and game styles which compose an epic, fantastic and full of action adventure.

Nier comes with a bizarre mix of influences and its own accomplishments. Not all of it works, but it's a commendable effort, and a great experience.

Compared with other high profile RPGs and Square Enix's own recent big budget release, the inventiveness of NIER is well ahead. However, the graphics and the bad choices keep it well out of their league.

NIER is an action-adventure RPG game with an identity crisis; lacking enough uniqueness to make it interesting, but brimming with a refreshing adult attitude.