NieR Critic Reviews

Nier is an awesome game which brings a great story, lots of gameplay variation, interesting characters and a very good soundtrack. It is the surprise of this year!

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.

If ever there were proof of the old adage, "don't judge a book by it's cover," Nier is a shining example. While I cannot say for certain whether or not everyone will enjoy it, I can say that everyone should at least give it a try.

It's a game I adored without really being able to put my finger on why, and even with the heavy-hitter, AAA titles that have come out this year, I'd say Nier is simply one of the most enjoyable and unique gaming experiences of 2010.

This title might not be for everyone but it was an extremely enjoyable experience for me, and I recommend picking up Nier for anyone that enjoys games for the story that they contain and not how they look.

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.

Those who enjoy hack-and-slash, giant bosses, heart wrenching stories, endless sheep killing, and games that poke fun of themselves and other games will adore NIER if they can get past the ugly outer layer. If players give it a chance, at the very least a rental, they'll discover how fantastic and funny this game really is.

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.

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

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.

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.

If you find this genre of game appealing, then Nier is likely to satiate your appetite for a while.

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.

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.

A fascinating mix of varied gameplay, tried conventions and one of the best JRPG stories in a while make Nier a much better prospect than it intially seems.

For the most part it is a hidden gem, and shows a lot of care put into the inside game jokes and attention to detail in the story.

The game's good points are just way too good to let the numerous and glaring errors drag things down to the failing grades. Nier is both a gem and a turd, and those who feel the nagging urge to try it out are urged to do so.

It is hard to classify this game, because it tries its hand at so many different things and that is both its greatest asset and its biggest liability as gamers may well get tired of the seemingly random nature of proceedings. A jack of all trades, a master of none if you will. Stick with it though and you will be rewarded with some truly standout moments and a moving story.

A game with split-personality disorder, aiming to please everyone with elements drawn from a raft of sources, but in the process it never excels in any one area.