Having played the original version around the time it came out, and thinking that while the story was top tier the game left a lot to be desired, this remake came to shatter my previous memories.
Where to even start? The story and characters are both amazing, full of moments that tug away at even the most cold of hearts, while carefully playing with anime tropes previously estabilished by some many games before it. The characters are deep, each with their own personality, struggle and realistic emotions, they react to the world around them and actively engage with it. While the combat of the original left a lot to be desired, Yoko Taro decided to take a page out of Automata's book (considering that Automata takes so many from the original Nier) and completely overhauls the combat. Each weapon feels amazing to play with, having the proper weight to it's attacks, and satisfying feedback when it hits something. This coupled with various QoL changes that allows magic to be cast while performing various actions, makes for a smooth and enjoyable combat experience, even if the enemies don't have a lot to offer in the ways of challenge. The world design is stellar, despite the small amount of areas the world has to offer, each of them feels distinct and unique, with a story to tell and a reason to have the player be there. The soundtrack is orgasmic to say the least, each piece lending itself to the environment, character or combat it's mean to accompany, and fully expresses the emotions it is there to expressed, while still being breathtaking works of art. I do have a few gripes with the game, mainly the amount of backtracking you have to do between areas, especially if you're going for all of the different endings (which I highly recommend you do).
That, and most of the sidequests are absolutely boring, being comprised of fetch quests or delivery quests that serve only as a means to gain gold or the occasional weapon.
Overall, this remake sought out to bring one of the most underrated gems of the previous generations to the current gaming climate, and it succeeded with flying colors.
Where to even start? The story and characters are both amazing, full of moments that tug away at even the most cold of hearts, while carefully playing with anime tropes previously estabilished by some many games before it. The characters are deep, each with their own personality, struggle and realistic emotions, they react to the world around them and actively engage with it. While the combat of the original left a lot to be desired, Yoko Taro decided to take a page out of Automata's book (considering that Automata takes so many from the original Nier) and completely overhauls the combat. Each weapon feels amazing to play with, having the proper weight to it's attacks, and satisfying feedback when it hits something. This coupled with various QoL changes that allows magic to be cast while performing various actions, makes for a smooth and enjoyable combat experience, even if the enemies don't have a lot to offer in the ways of challenge. The world design is stellar, despite the small amount of areas the world has to offer, each of them feels distinct and unique, with a story to tell and a reason to have the player be there. The soundtrack is orgasmic to say the least, each piece lending itself to the environment, character or combat it's mean to accompany, and fully expresses the emotions it is there to expressed, while still being breathtaking works of art. I do have a few gripes with the game, mainly the amount of backtracking you have to do between areas, especially if you're going for all of the different endings (which I highly recommend you do).
That, and most of the sidequests are absolutely boring, being comprised of fetch quests or delivery quests that serve only as a means to gain gold or the occasional weapon.
Overall, this remake sought out to bring one of the most underrated gems of the previous generations to the current gaming climate, and it succeeded with flying colors.