JRPG – Fishing for Metaphors

NieR Replicant ver_1_22474487139 (2021): My Impression

I am going to do something a bit more casual here. I am going to write an impression instead of a review because I am not here to sell you anything but give you my impression of the game as a fellow gamer who is just trying to help out some gamers out there whether you should play this game or not. so I’m too lazy to articulate my thoughts, especially after playing a heavy loaded game like this. I have already put over 60 hours of gameplay into this game. Not going to 100 % it. I did it with Nier Gestalt years ago, but would at least try to 100 % the side quests. Currently, while writing this post, I’m at 83%. Weapons completion is also important as well. This is a story driven game. You would appreciate the story more by completing these tasks.

NieR Replicant ver_1_22474487139 released 2021 of April, is not a remake or a remaster of Nier Gestalt (2010). It’s more closely related to the Japan’s version Nier Replicant which players play as the brother instead of the father. Some additional content have been added to this upgraded version to flesh out the story. So if you have played Nier Gestalt and wonder whether you should purchase it, you should but not at full price. You are not missing much. It’s just less convoluted than the one released in 2010. Perhaps, this is what some players need, a straightforward story?

The upgraded version gameplay feels a lot smoother and fluid like you would play in Nier Automata (2017). Gameplay is very simple: hack and slash with plenty of of weapons and magic to choose from, although let me warn you that gameplay was never the game biggest strength. I stick to one weapon and two magic: Dark Lance and Dark Hand the entire time. As for difficulty settings, there are Normal Mode which is really Easy Mode and Hard Mode. I can only imagine what Easy Mode is like. You’d go through the game without a sweat. Well I can see it being an option, if you are into speed run. Some of the trophies required players to beat a boss with a certain amount of time. And if you are just interested in experiencing the story, then there is no reason to play on Normal or Hard Mode.

Without spoiling the story for those who have not experienced this masterpiece (yes it was a masterpiece in my eyes when I first played it). It’s about a brother who is trying to find a cure to the disease called Black Scrawl which has inflicted his sister. There are some heavy topics such as body dysmorphia, homosexual and borderline incest introduced in this game. Yes, it’s not your typical heroes and heroine you see every day. They are humans, but are they?

As I mentioned earlier, the side quests add to the story so don’t skip them. They are fun and addictive with a twisted sense of humor. The greatest attribute to this game is the soundtrack, however the music arrangement is not as on point like in Nier Gestalt, which did affect my experience. I didn’t like how it sounds unnaturally flawless. So, I didn’t enjoy the game to its max. It feels kind of soulless. Well, it’s not soul’s game if that’s what you are expecting. If I were to compare this game with Nier Gestalt, I would still pick Nier Gestalt over Nier Replicant, playing as a father seems more logical. I don’t know though, I never had brothers who go to an extreme to protect me so it didn’t make any sense to play as an overly protective brother.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 for PS4 — Happy times with big brother

Although I can say, I know what it is like to be the protective big sister. I guess there is some similarity in that sense, or it’s just the fact, I’m as crazy as the protagonist. I just like killing stuff. Clearly though, the game was not intended for female demographic but why is it so popular among female players? That’s something to think about.

So what’s so great about this game? Well, it’s the story. The soundtrack, but more importantly how it was executed. The game allows players to see in different angles and it starts to question your morality. Who are the real humans? Even if you think you are right, does that justify killing?

I killed innocent people…I killed them all.

I don’t know what I am killing anymore…is that a human?

I think you get my point. The game will make you think about your actions. Are you really righteous?

Thank you for reading. If you enjoy me talking about video games you can follow me on Twitter @Poetry_Huntress for gaming tweets and blog updates.

My Notes on Nier Automata

Originally posted 6/18/2017. Re-blogging in celebration to one of my all time favorite game–Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139 which will be released 4/23/2021.

I highly recommend playing the game before reading this post. I will not elaborate the storyline into details. My intention is to share my summary of the game which may differ from yours.

For those who followed this blog from the beginning probably knew that I was anticipating for Nier Automata (2017) ever since its announcement. In fact, I was very hungry to play another game like Nier (2010) and was hoping Drakengard III (2013) would be just as good. To my disappointment, I didn’t enjoy it as much mainly because of the frustrating gaming mechanics ( I didn’t enjoy flying the dragon). And yet I stuck with it because of the storyline and it’s humorous dialogue. I have not reached the ultimate, final boss yet which I heard was difficult.

I had to stop the game because I couldn’t understand Zero’s (the protagonist) cruel intention to kill all her sisters. The character was hard for me to relate. I was definitely playing a killer. But after I watched Yoko Taro’s interview Philosophy of Violence, I learned to appreciate his approach in storytelling and the concept behind it. I realized Zero’s behavior is natural, but primitive. Instinctively we want to remove whatever is in our path. Defeating our obstacles give us a sense of control and remove all of our competitions. However, if we killed everyone in our way, we would end up dying alone and the aftermath would be Nier Automata.

I came to conclusion because I had to grasp my head around this killing frenzy around Yoko Taro’s games, so I categorize his three games that I played into the following:

Drakengard III- killing to be the only one
Nier Gestalt- killing is justified as long as you think it is right
Nier Automata- killing loneliness

*One important thing to note, this is just my notes for the time being. I really would like to complete the Drakengard series *

Onward to the main topic, so when I started Nier Automata, I already knew it was about killing. The game started off strong, which reminded me of Xenoblade Chronicles’ introduction where the characters are thrown into battle against the machines. Once I arrived to a safe place (a city reclaimed by Mother Nature), I sensed that I was entering a world where a great civilization (mankind in general) once stood, but mysteriously drove itself to extinction.

All we have left are machines and androids fighting one another. In some ways, the game has a particular viewpoint about existence, which is hard not to notice if you do the side quests. It clearly pointed out that all lifeforms don’t want to fight all the time– they just want to co-exist. What meaning is there to killing? Why?

The real motive behind all the killing is more than just impaired thinking–it’s loneliness. In the end, no one stands. But the tragedy is not the cycle of destruction, it’s actually the inability to view the world harmoniously, which is probably why 2B and 9S wear blindfolds. They exist to take orders without comprehending their actions.

I won’t go any further into details about the game’s concept because I am beginning to develop my own theory, which is probably not what the game intended. I do just want to mention my overall experience with the game is good, but it is not one of my favorites. I like the first installment more partly due to nostalgia. Even though, I did not enjoyed the game as much, the game made me want to play Ikaruga, which has been sitting in my backlog of games to play.

Lastly, my final thought in regards to Nier Automata, I’m starting to understand that it’s difficult to introduce big ideas and incorporate gameplay due to unforeseen limitation (e.g, technical, budget, translation etc.). So I really do appreciate when game developers attempt to give meaning to their creation.

Well that is it for now. Thanks for reading guys. Until next time, take care!

P.S

Think I will play Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon next to clear my backlog before I jump into a new game. My backlog began to grow back in 2010-2011 when I started playing co-op/multiplayer games. It is time to seriously tackle the single-player games list!

Welcome to Halsdoll’s Boutique!!! Code Vein Photo Shoot–A Fun Co-Op Adventure J-RPG GAME!!!(Mini-Review)

It’s a shame that Code Vein doesn’t have more clothing selection because that would stop my dress addiction purchases because as much I like it, I rarely wear a dress in public. Only during special occasions such a recent interview where I wore a black dress for the first time that I bought back in 2018. Thought it would be nice to sale clothes for a living since I am in between jobs. I just don’t want anything mentally strenuous so I can focus on my health and this blog, but unfortunately the plan didn’t work. I should have not dressed like I was going to the funeral at a preppy high-end store that has a lawsuit on its back for racism (Black Lives Matter!). Oh well, at least I get to wear a dress and a black one too! Now I did recall, the interviewee asked me what is my style. I couldn’t answer her at the time, but now I know–it’s the classic edgy, librarian. Yep, it’s not going to work!

Today, I present my fashion catalog to my boutique and briefly summarize the game. The highlight of this game for me was changing my character’s appearance. Perhaps, digital dresses might not be such a bad idea in terms of game design for a soul-like game. I know I will grind for a pretty dress. Dresses are like flowers; it relaxes me.

Code Vein, developed by BANDAI NAMCO Studios, released in 2019, is a great co-op/solo game with a lot of playstyle customization, which I won’t go into details because there are plenty of YouTube videos on it. If you are the type who enjoy trying out different weapons and codes (just another term for class) and changing you character’s appearance, this is the game for you. The amount of content is well worth the purchase, although the game is generic in the story department but it’s not so convoluted that’s hard for players to understand. Yes, it’s about humanity. It’s about corporation, service, interdependence, selflessness etc. All the good traits that make humanity beautiful. We don’t need to live in a single minded world where we have to choose the option between a prey and a predator.

Overall, it’s nice to play a feel good game that doesn’t bash humanity (I play games to escape reality, I don’t need to be reinforced how terrible the world is!). In terms of game design, obviously it took some parts from Dark Souls. Some bosses and monsters are a total ripped off done intentionally. The developers did it successfully to corporate those elements from souls’ games without jeopardizing their own creativity to create something new. Innovation is a risky business but ya gotta please your fans if ya still wanna job in the gaming industry.

Please enjoy Halsdoll’s Boutique photo shoot–one of the highlights of this game.