User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 529 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 38 out of 529
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  1. Feb 11, 2011
    8
    This game is a truly compelling story with solid gameplay, somewhat hampered by a repetitive nature and less-than-great environmental graphics. However, all sidequests but three have no bearing on the story, which has multiple endings for those who play the New Game +, meaning that for those more interested in seeing all the game has to offer, most of the fetching and collecting can beThis game is a truly compelling story with solid gameplay, somewhat hampered by a repetitive nature and less-than-great environmental graphics. However, all sidequests but three have no bearing on the story, which has multiple endings for those who play the New Game +, meaning that for those more interested in seeing all the game has to offer, most of the fetching and collecting can be skipped over. In a time where many JRPGs are going for style first and substance later, this game is a very nice change of pace. Expand
  2. Jan 16, 2011
    10
    The best story and best soundtrack prizes for a game since 2000 must be awarded to this game. Altough game play mechanics are a little messed up, there is no game in 2008-2010 segment had achieved the quality of this title in its genre. Any review that scores this games music lower then 10 is sided, I can say that easily. At first I was afraid of platform gaming in rpg will not bode well,The best story and best soundtrack prizes for a game since 2000 must be awarded to this game. Altough game play mechanics are a little messed up, there is no game in 2008-2010 segment had achieved the quality of this title in its genre. Any review that scores this games music lower then 10 is sided, I can say that easily. At first I was afraid of platform gaming in rpg will not bode well, but carefully aligned difficulty levels makes it enjoyable. Also the primary element of rpg gaming has returned with this title back after years of waiting. It is creating burst of emotions in the player. This game really creates emotions (and can make you cry, can make you angered, can make you wishing for a good revenge) which was a lost but most important aspect of RPG gaming. I really can't understand the reviews it was taking. The revievers at major game magazines must have not played this game. If so, they really missed a great game even it wasn't for their taste. I wasn't full filled with any game released in last 5 years, but have full filled with this title. It's much much better then FFXIII, much better then star ocean and better then the lost odyssey. A word of advise go get it however you can. If not, know that you are losing the greatest story, greatest sound track and greatest emotions that a rpg game can offer... Expand
  3. Dec 21, 2010
    7
    A highly original action-RPG that adds all sorts of wild ideas into the mix, from 2D platforming to bullet hell shooters. Dreamy musics, good characters, and an interesting story but on the other hand, it's a bit short, looks bland, has monotonous combat, and is lacking in compelling side content. Still well worth a playthrough or two, though.
  4. Dec 5, 2010
    10
    2010 greatest gaming hidden gem. This game is one of the best, if not the best game to come out this year and deserves to be in ANY gamers collection.
  5. Nov 28, 2010
    10
    (SPOILER FREE!!!)

    Wow what can I say! This game really is one of the best games of 2010. The story and characters are really great and touching. The graphical art style is fantastic.

    The combat is very fun.

    There are lots of optional sidequests throughout the game and there all different.

    The game probably has one of the most amazing beautiful ost's ever.
  6. Sep 13, 2010
    9
    NIER is the surprise of the year. Incredibly engaging, boldly weird and consistently fun. Take a chance and you may be rewarded with one of the most unique, bizarre and worthwhile experiences this generation. For a medium whose proponents constantly deride a lack of innovation and yet consistently reward that lack with huge sales and glowing reviews, I am relieved that a little weirdieNIER is the surprise of the year. Incredibly engaging, boldly weird and consistently fun. Take a chance and you may be rewarded with one of the most unique, bizarre and worthwhile experiences this generation. For a medium whose proponents constantly deride a lack of innovation and yet consistently reward that lack with huge sales and glowing reviews, I am relieved that a little weirdie like NIER can slip through the wall of mediocrity and be amazing and strange despite many critics' wish to kill it with fire. It is not for everyone, and thank god. Expand
  7. Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Nier is a awesome game. I give it 10/10.

    It is unique, dark, interesting, and insane. It is truely unique. I love this game. The soundtrack is so beautiful. How anyone can score this any lower than 10/10 is beyond me. The graphics are fine. It never slows down. That is something to say. It is a amazing story. A dark, intelligent and unique game. Brilliantly and well written. I love Nier. :)
  8. Randyb
    May 5, 2010
    7
    While to be honest i did'nt have very high expectations for square enixs latest title and sometimes i'am wrong and get blown away, unfortunatly this was not one of those times. Nier's story is the reason to stick around for 30+ hours of gameplay, thats assuming you can live through some of the most bland and simple combat in an action rpg. The combat feels empty and While to be honest i did'nt have very high expectations for square enixs latest title and sometimes i'am wrong and get blown away, unfortunatly this was not one of those times. Nier's story is the reason to stick around for 30+ hours of gameplay, thats assuming you can live through some of the most bland and simple combat in an action rpg. The combat feels empty and spamming magic attacks usually means the end of any non-boss encounter. As if that was'nt disheartning enough, the game is filled with huge enviroments with nothing to do but monster hunter like gathering quests. If your looking for a truly unique story and world nier may have your answer but ask your self is it really worth it? the answers up to you but for me the answer is a definitive no!. Expand
  9. Serkan
    May 2, 2010
    9
    It still amazes at all the average scores NIER has been getting from the so called video gaming experts. I've been playing NIER since day 1 of release and I can honestly say its one of the most innovative mature games to hit this console generation. Yes the graphics are not the best and graphically there are way better games out there but if you can look past the graphics what you It still amazes at all the average scores NIER has been getting from the so called video gaming experts. I've been playing NIER since day 1 of release and I can honestly say its one of the most innovative mature games to hit this console generation. Yes the graphics are not the best and graphically there are way better games out there but if you can look past the graphics what you will experience with NIER is an Action-RPG with a fantastic adult orientated story. NIER is much more than your typical Action-RPG it has side scrolling segments, top down segments, shooter segments which all seem to blend in pretty well with each other. If Final Fantasy XIII left a bad taste in your mouth with the lack of towns and NPC's then you will enjoy NIER as it has loads of towns and NPC's to interact with. It has also one of the most amazing video game soundtracks I have heard in a long time with memorable tracks which gives the game a sense of epicness. The voice acting is also excellent with some well known voice actors from the anime circuit. NIER is a strange game with some weird elements but personally I cant recommend it enough! Expand
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 58
  2. Negative: 3 out of 58
  1. Feb 9, 2011
    80
    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.
  2. A bizarre mix of influences and a great script still can't save this inventive but flawed role-player.
  3. 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.