NieRs

NieR, stylized NieR, is a video game franchise created by Yoko Taro. The series is linked to the broader Drakengard universe and is known for existential themes, unconventional storytelling, and a distinctive blend of action RPG mechanics with narrative emphasis. The franchise comprises several standalone titles that share thematic motifs rather than a single continuous storyline.

The original NieR (2010) was developed by Cavia and published by Square Enix for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with a PC port released later. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows a protagonist seeking a cure for a mysterious plague and combines action-oriented combat with branching narrative outcomes. The game is recognized for its emotional narrative, experimental structure, and a soundtrack composed by Keiichi Okabe.

NieR: Automata (2017), developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, is the most commercially successful entry in the series. Set on a future Earth ravaged by war between androids and machine lifeforms, it features combat with multiple playable characters, notably androids 2B, 9S, and A2. The game is acclaimed for its responsive gameplay, philosophical storytelling, and multiple endings that alter player experience and perception of the narrative.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (2021) is an enhanced remaster of NieR (2010), released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. It updates graphics, adds new scenes, and broadens content while preserving the original story’s core elements.

Across its titles, NieR has earned a dedicated fanbase and is noted for its atmospheric soundtracks, innovative storytelling approaches, and influence on the action RPG genre.