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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. Apr 27, 2012
    8
    Many JRPGs get lined up against the wall for daring to be too stale, but Nier has nearly been forgotten for being exactly the opposite; bold, brash and brilliant. It's as if someone in Square Enix got a hold of whatever Suda51 plays with and they just went to town with it. An enjoyable cast, non sensible but interesting plot, and fantastic boss battles all delivered with a no thrills butMany JRPGs get lined up against the wall for daring to be too stale, but Nier has nearly been forgotten for being exactly the opposite; bold, brash and brilliant. It's as if someone in Square Enix got a hold of whatever Suda51 plays with and they just went to town with it. An enjoyable cast, non sensible but interesting plot, and fantastic boss battles all delivered with a no thrills but very functional combat and game play system. This game gives so much, it's just a shame we didn't pay it its when it mattered. I thoroughly enjoyed Nier, and I recommend it to anyone else looking for something just that much more different from the uniform. Expand
  5. May 12, 2012
    8
    I love this game. i got hooked from the beginning, don't get me wrong, there is a lot of leg work and if you are going for 100% completion you better have a spare 100 hours or so. The reason this is an 8 instead of a 10 is because of the enemy design and the camera angle. The camera angle is completely adjustable. This would normally be a good thing, but there is so much adjusting it isI love this game. i got hooked from the beginning, don't get me wrong, there is a lot of leg work and if you are going for 100% completion you better have a spare 100 hours or so. The reason this is an 8 instead of a 10 is because of the enemy design and the camera angle. The camera angle is completely adjustable. This would normally be a good thing, but there is so much adjusting it is completely ridiculous. just frustrating. Next is the enemy design, this does seem really lazy but you notice less and less as the game goes on. Oh, and you better play it on a big screen or HD TV because the subtitles are small and important in parts of the game. Expand
  6. Aug 16, 2016
    8
    Сначала показалось, что игра про собирательство и беготню, но оказалось, что там очень глубокая, вдумчивая и захватывающая история. Побочки необязательны и по сюжету идти очень интересно. Не ожидал что игра раскроется только на середине. Удивительная музыка и мир. Рад что прошел.Сначала показалось, что игра про собирательство и беготню, но оказалось, что там очень глубокая, вдумчивая и захватывающая история. Побочки необязательны и по сюжету идти очень интересно. Не ожидал что игра раскроется только на середине. Удивительная музыка и мир. Рад что прошел.
  7. Jan 16, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A hidden gem of its times, greatly under appreciated by many. One of the best game I have ever played in my entire life, while combat may be clunky and repetitive, NIER makes up for every single bit of it with the immensely good story and lovable characters and the whole feel of the post apocalyptic world. (SPOILER) The dialogues of all the bosses you encounter on your second play through brings tears to your eyes, never before I was torn between sympathizing more with the main character or the bosses, never (SPOILER) Expand
  8. Mar 25, 2011
    10
    It's one of the best games I have ever played!The atmosphere and story are incredible!The fighting is very addictive.Do yourself a favor and buy this! 9/10
  9. Jan 2, 2014
    9
    SPOILER FREE **

    I play games for story, and this game now that I have completely finished it ranks in my top 5. I would actually say it's number 3 after Xenogears and Xenosaga series, just edging out Planescape: Torment. The gameplay itself can be boring, the world is small and repetitive, but if you can push through that it's HIGHLY rewarding. Masterpiece of video game storytelling.
  10. Nov 16, 2011
    9
    Picked Nier up for $20 new, and wow, I'm amazed, it's now one of my all time favorites. I had a tough time putting it down after I started playing, mostly in part due to the freakingly amazing soundtrack, great use of cinematography, well written and voice acted dialogue, and addictively interesting and sometimes frustratingly painful sidequests/extras. The plot is simple, however, thePicked Nier up for $20 new, and wow, I'm amazed, it's now one of my all time favorites. I had a tough time putting it down after I started playing, mostly in part due to the freakingly amazing soundtrack, great use of cinematography, well written and voice acted dialogue, and addictively interesting and sometimes frustratingly painful sidequests/extras. The plot is simple, however, the story delves much much deeper, hinting a number of underlying tones which keeps you interested. The characters are memorable and engaging, and the game demonstrates good character development/degradation. Nier's pacing and use of cutscenes' is effective, and the save point system is interesting, logical, and intelligently placed. Very well featured with plenty of things to keep you occupied. Maybe it's too well featured, it attempts to do A LOT of things, and sometimes, you just want to stick to a certain weapon/magic/technique/style of gameplay, and be more time efficient and just get the job done. Art style and quality can definitely be improved for some parts of the game (like Nier's head), however, little things like changing the camera control in certain levels to change the atmosphere of the gaming experience is commendable. Other preferred improvements would be having more art assets and level environments to add more to the world experience and lessen some of the repetitive nature of the game. Regardless of the repetition, I give props to the development team for making extensive use of their assets/levels, and creating a unique, mature-themed Action RPG. If you're into 10- hour games, Nier probably isn't for you. To have a complete experience, be prepared to invest a good amount of time, at least 40 hours or more for sidequests, extras, trophies, and the multiple playthroughs to complete all scenarios. Anyways, just wow. Expand
  11. Jan 31, 2012
    9
    This is an excellent game. It has one of the best soundtracks ever heard in a video game. The graphics aren't amazing but are good enough. There is so much variety in the game and many different styles come together brilliantly. This game is a love letter to many different rpgs from text-based adventures to Secret of Mana. The story in Nier is one of the strongest and unique I haveThis is an excellent game. It has one of the best soundtracks ever heard in a video game. The graphics aren't amazing but are good enough. There is so much variety in the game and many different styles come together brilliantly. This game is a love letter to many different rpgs from text-based adventures to Secret of Mana. The story in Nier is one of the strongest and unique I have come across. There are numerous side quests that when completed deliver emotional impact with a simple speech bubble filled with text. The game encourages multiple playthroughs, but this never feels like a chore thanks to some narrative trickery. I spent so many hours playing this game and it saddens me that I cannot play in again for the first time. Expand
  12. Sep 4, 2015
    10
    I think this is one of the most under appreciated game in video game history. If I remember correctly this game came out during an era of action game hype (God of War, Devil May Cry, Bayonetta), and with poor marketing, many game critics reviewed it as such when it is actually a story-driven action RPG.
    Most game websites bashed it for having awful combat compared to the above mentioned
    I think this is one of the most under appreciated game in video game history. If I remember correctly this game came out during an era of action game hype (God of War, Devil May Cry, Bayonetta), and with poor marketing, many game critics reviewed it as such when it is actually a story-driven action RPG.
    Most game websites bashed it for having awful combat compared to the above mentioned action hits. Well...OF COURSE it does. Even if you pit Zelda series against those action titles, its combat would be shallow.

    The game excels in its story, characters, atmosphere, music. The game play overall combines many genres. For the most part it's hack and slash action, then at one point you are solving block pushing puzzles from a birdseye view, and for many boss fights it suddenly becomes almost like a bullet-hell shooter!? Yeah, you can say it is a jack of all trades and master of none, but I personally appreciated the variety.

    If you are interested in the characteristics mentioned above and want to read a full, detailed review that does it justice, go to RPGfan. That review sold the game for me and I am grateful to them for introducing me to Nier.
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  13. Mar 3, 2012
    10
    Nier it's amazing in almost everything, the story it's freaking awensome, the character are really good, and the music it's soo good!, people, BUY this game, it's very good!
    Final: 10, a pure masterpiece.
  14. Apr 27, 2013
    10
    One of the very few games I actually played until I had everything the game has to offer, including the platinum trophy. Despite the heavy grinding necessary to do that, the soundtrack managed to keep me motivated all through the process.

    Nier is a fantastic game. It may not be able to compete with the graphics of the latest Call of Duty or the combat of earlier Devil May Cry
    One of the very few games I actually played until I had everything the game has to offer, including the platinum trophy. Despite the heavy grinding necessary to do that, the soundtrack managed to keep me motivated all through the process.

    Nier is a fantastic game. It may not be able to compete with the graphics of the latest Call of Duty or the combat of earlier Devil May Cry installments, but this is one of the few games that has a real "soul". It's hard to explain. You have to experience it yourself or you will miss what is one of the greatest gaming experiences I've had in the past two decades.

    Even over a year after finishing it, I still listen to the soundtrack every now and then and check some of the best cutscenes on Youtube. I can't wait for Drakengard 3.
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  15. Oct 31, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Before I begin, here are a few facts about NIER:

    1) It is a story entirely based on the 5th ending of the first Drakengard (Drag-On Dragoon 1) in the Drakengard series. As such, many of NIER's likeness comes directly from that series.

    Now the review:

    1) Story

    To cut straight to the point; It's a story that doesn't start off as ambitious as one might want it to, but ultimately hits all cylinders upon it's second half; ending the tale with much needed, but unexpected flare. If there is anything this game has done right, it is the way they did the multiple endings. Each one is available, one per (second half) playthrough; each playthrough offering something new to the mix, from adding new scenes to gaining the ability to understand the gestalts (shades). And I have to say, the latter is brilliant. Not once have I ever hesitated slaughtering an opponent more than some of the bosses and minions on my second playthrough. There is no true good and evil. (9/10)

    2) Gameplay

    The gameplay is simple. A hack and slash, MUCH like the "Drakengard" series of games; but with the addition of magic. Nier is able to carry 3 types of weapons (One-Handed, Two-Handed, Spear) and over 8 types of magic. Magic is often over-powered and not always easy to use; yet it is the most fun you can have out of the combat found in this game, sadly. Aside from the main quest, side-quests are not varied and all consist of nothing more than fetch quest missions, that don't pay well for the amount of effort required to be put into them. The only reason to do them is to buy the best weapons, found in Part I and Part II of the game. 55,000G is enough; trust me. (5/10)

    3) Music

    By far the most outstanding aspect of the game besides the story, is the OST. Directed by Keiichi Okabe, the OST features 43 tracks (9 that are not vocal), many of which is sung in the broken dialect of several languages (Gaelic, French, Portuguese, English, etc) by Emi Evans. To tell the truth, I don't think you'll find an OST out there currently, that could ever surpass this in quality and uniqueness. The tracks each give a feeling of individuality, but are all focused around the melancholic plot that is being told. They also are a reminder to remnants of the societies that once populated the world. (10/10)

    4) Characters

    The characters are great, period. Outside of the sensitiveness of Emil and the fatherly/brawny figure of Nier, I don't think you'll find many characters that'll fit in the same character archetypes that are found in this game. Kaine and Grimiore Weiss are by far, the stars in this game. One offering witty, intellectual commentary and the other, a mysterious female with a dark past, who often broods seriousness as well as plenty of profanity. I liked Weiss a lot, but Kaine is the main one to look out for; especially on your second playthrough. (7/10)

    5) Graphics

    It's to be expected from a game that is based off of and was created by the same developer of the "Drakengard" series. Basically, the graphics is not the game's strong suit. At all. I'd compare it to a spiffed up version of Shadow of the Colossus HD or a HD Drakengard game. Not much to be had here. (5/10)

    6) Overall (TL;DR)

    For hardcore RPG/JRPG fans, this is definitely a game that should NOT be over looked. It does so many things right and a couple of things wrong. The replay value is high; but it'll still be entirely dependent on your enjoyment of the story. Basically, if you liked the story and want more of it; you should replay it at least 2 times. There is extra content/story after you finish! Overall, don't play this to be immersed, as it isn't a game meant for that; trust me. This is a weekend quickie; meant for a quick and smooth trip through one of gaming's best and memorable stories. (8/10) Highly Recommended.
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  16. Aug 4, 2019
    10
    Graphics are bad, gameplay is repetitive... BUT, the story and the music are so great, that makes this game a masterpiece for me. Do not judge a book by its cover ^^
  17. Sep 15, 2013
    10
    Amazing Game.
    Cryptic story, with a really dark and interesting background (Drakengard?)...character design is brilliant and the style of the game is really functional for the context and the story. The battle system is quite approximate, but it works.
    Dialogues sometimes are trivial or even superficial, but other are fantastic. Atmosphere is awesome and OST is a master piece, so perfect
    Amazing Game.
    Cryptic story, with a really dark and interesting background (Drakengard?)...character design is brilliant and the style of the game is really functional for the context and the story. The battle system is quite approximate, but it works.
    Dialogues sometimes are trivial or even superficial, but other are fantastic. Atmosphere is awesome and OST is a master piece, so perfect for the game, with such a deep personality and unique style.
    Truly an underrated gem.
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  18. Feb 27, 2014
    9
    I'll be honest i wasn't expecting much when i 1st got it. After playing my first playthrough i can say that this game surprised me. I enjoyed everything for the story to the combat, with a great sound track and amazing atmosphere i really enjoyed myself. I did find it a bit too easy though and most bosses didn't require much thought on how to beat but (note: i was playing on normal) butI'll be honest i wasn't expecting much when i 1st got it. After playing my first playthrough i can say that this game surprised me. I enjoyed everything for the story to the combat, with a great sound track and amazing atmosphere i really enjoyed myself. I did find it a bit too easy though and most bosses didn't require much thought on how to beat but (note: i was playing on normal) but regardless i had so much fun. The undertones you get mid-late game are really nice (i won't spoil anything). Overall i think it was a great buy way to go Squenix! Expand
  19. Nov 7, 2013
    10
    For those seeking a game with an engaging story, interesting characters search no more, you have found it. The story and game atmosphere are for me, the games biggest strengths. If I would to compare this game to another it would be to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, because of how the game is story-driven, of how it pulls you in, surprises and influences you. This game can bring out manlyFor those seeking a game with an engaging story, interesting characters search no more, you have found it. The story and game atmosphere are for me, the games biggest strengths. If I would to compare this game to another it would be to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, because of how the game is story-driven, of how it pulls you in, surprises and influences you. This game can bring out manly tears, and unless you weren't paying any attention at all to the game it won't leave you indifferent to the characters. This is possible because of the characters, the dialog (level of a good novel), great voice acting, and fantastic music (which you will likely want to listen to a bit even outside of the game). It is also a game worth playing more than once, as the narrative changes a little on your next walkthrough.

    The gameplay (fighting mechanics etc.) itself is OK, but no more than that. The same can be said about the graphics.

    For me, this was a hidden gem, an experience that won't be forgotten for a long time. For those that like story-driven games, and accept good (not great) gameplay mechanics this is a must have.
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  20. 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
  21. Aug 30, 2016
    9
    Nier may be some kind of ambivalent game. At first it gets a little bit too slow if you attempt to complete de side quests, they are repetitive and only a few are actually enjoyable. On the other hand, the gameplay is pretty solid, basic but fun, overall is an easy game, specially if you spend time upgrading and leveling since tour first playthrough, with that being said, it still has aNier may be some kind of ambivalent game. At first it gets a little bit too slow if you attempt to complete de side quests, they are repetitive and only a few are actually enjoyable. On the other hand, the gameplay is pretty solid, basic but fun, overall is an easy game, specially if you spend time upgrading and leveling since tour first playthrough, with that being said, it still has a decent difficulty. The story at first may sound and fell like shallow and like a cliché, but in the last 20% of the game, you start to find out that it is much more deep and darker than what you think, which is very satisfying and gives the game a very well worked plot.

    The characters overall are good, but a little bit too dramatic sometimes while in other that dramaticism gives you a lot of feelings, specially in sad parts.

    There are novel designed parts that in my opinion felt very artistic and intense, but I would not be surprised if others found them annoying and got tired of reading, it depends on the personal taste.

    Finally, the music is GREAT, amazing soundtrack, fits great with the overall felling on the game, this apartment is one of the best highlights of the game.

    Overall is a great game experience that I would recommend to anyone that likes RPG games.
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  22. Feb 25, 2020
    10
    A game that reminded me that sometimes this medium can truly give rise to a work of art in a way that other outlets cannot.

    Gameplay has some flaws, but the whole experience will blow you away.
  23. Apr 22, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece and it's doesn't take it's real scor ,story ,gameplay and soundtrack it take 10/10
  24. Jun 17, 2011
    10
    For the RPG fan. This game really makes you love all the characters, not in an over the top way like FFXIII either. graphics may be bad but if you want a good engaging RPG then this is definitely it. i bought this the same time i got darksiders (also a brilliant game) i played darksiders for an hour then turned on Nier. as soon as i saw the graphics in nier i wont lie i was eager to getFor the RPG fan. This game really makes you love all the characters, not in an over the top way like FFXIII either. graphics may be bad but if you want a good engaging RPG then this is definitely it. i bought this the same time i got darksiders (also a brilliant game) i played darksiders for an hour then turned on Nier. as soon as i saw the graphics in nier i wont lie i was eager to get back to darksiders.... however in actual fact darksiders stayed in its box for another month+. Nier has that "thing" that makes you go back for more, it has a brilliant story and cast and ending D is one of the best endings i have EVER seen in a game. if you doubt me that this is such a brilliant game just look at the user score, there the people who played it and got turned into fans. i bet the critics giving it a bad score diddnt even play it because the graphics diddnt look like it was COD. Expand
  25. Nov 6, 2012
    9
    Some expert reviewers have called it 'boring' others called it 'ugly', but against these criticisms fans still openly think this game is a classic. I just cant fathom why the poor reviews! As a game the controls and combat are fluid and intuitive, the voice acting is great, and the story is one of the best i've seen to date. Its an unusual mix of Western and Japanese RPG / ActionSome expert reviewers have called it 'boring' others called it 'ugly', but against these criticisms fans still openly think this game is a classic. I just cant fathom why the poor reviews! As a game the controls and combat are fluid and intuitive, the voice acting is great, and the story is one of the best i've seen to date. Its an unusual mix of Western and Japanese RPG / Action adventure, and anyone interested in either should give this game a shot. No doubt it has its shortcomings - some of the side quests are a little tedious, and the grinding involved in achieving the trophies is beyond masochism. Regardless of these slight problems NIER is a joy to play, its characters are endering, and the end play is spectacular. I hope the poor reviews dont stop this fantaastic game becoming the cult classic it deserved to become! Expand
  26. 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.
  27. Mar 24, 2011
    9
    Probably one of the most underrated games of all time. The game has it's flaws. The graphics aren't impressive at all, some mechanics aren't too polished or even fun but overall this game is an amazing experience. The story, the characters, the music... it's all over the top. I found myself playing this game nonstop so i could check the next ending as soon as i could. This game is a piece of art.
  28. Oct 24, 2012
    9
    I avoided this great game because of the bad reviews it got, I picked it up cheap and I must say that I do not know wtf the "pro" reviewers were playing but all I know is this game is good. The graphics aren't that good but the game itself is a masterpiece. How can you give this game a bad review and give Call of Duty good scores for the same game every year. Give me a break. I bet I haveI avoided this great game because of the bad reviews it got, I picked it up cheap and I must say that I do not know wtf the "pro" reviewers were playing but all I know is this game is good. The graphics aren't that good but the game itself is a masterpiece. How can you give this game a bad review and give Call of Duty good scores for the same game every year. Give me a break. I bet I have played more video games in my life then you "pro" reviewers and I collected every system (just missing the jaguar) and I have thousands of games so I know what the hell I'm talking about. This is a good game, don't listen to these so called idiot "pro" reviewers who no nothing about video games. Expand
  29. Jun 11, 2012
    10
    This game is a true gem. It is made by people who love games, not by people who wanna maximize profit. You feel that each moment you play this game. The characters are true, you really care for them, environments are beautifull,, soundtrack...well it's the best I have ever heard in a game (and I have been playing games for 30 years now). Story is original and encourages you to play on. ItThis game is a true gem. It is made by people who love games, not by people who wanna maximize profit. You feel that each moment you play this game. The characters are true, you really care for them, environments are beautifull,, soundtrack...well it's the best I have ever heard in a game (and I have been playing games for 30 years now). Story is original and encourages you to play on. It has four! different endings. Buy this game. you will not regret it.â Expand
  30. Jun 25, 2012
    10
    Nier isn't perfect. It's a game with mediocre gameplay and graphics. However, it really shines in both the soundtrack and story. This game made me feel things that I haven't felt since I played Silent Hill 2 for the first time. If you enjoy a good story and music, check this out. But make sure you at least get the second ending!
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.