How Many Nier Games Are There: Series Explored

How Many NieR Games Are There?

So, you’re curious about how many games are in the NieR universe? That’s a great question! It can be a bit confusing because there are a few different titles, some direct sequels, and even a remake. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand. The NieR series is a special one, with deep stories and characters that stick with you long after you finish playing. We’ll explore each title and where it fits in the grand story. Get ready to dive in!

The Core NieR Games: Main Storyline

When we talk about the main NieR games, we’re usually referring to the titles that form the core narrative. These are the essential experiences for understanding the series’ overarching plot and themes. This is where the journey really begins. These games, though connected, each offer unique perspectives and storylines that contribute to the overall lore. Let’s look at the direct titles.

NieR (Also known as NieR Gestalt and NieR Replicant)

Okay, this is where things can get a little tricky. The first NieR game came out in 2010, and it was released in two versions: NieR Gestalt and NieR Replicant. Both versions tell essentially the same story, but with different main characters. In NieR Gestalt, you play as a father trying to save his daughter. In NieR Replicant, you play as a brother trying to save his sister. The story follows these characters as they travel through a post-apocalyptic world, battling strange creatures and trying to find a cure for a deadly illness. It’s important to note that only NieR Replicant was released outside of Japan back then, but there is some interesting story behind this. But for the overall purposes of the question, if you asked about the title, it would be “NieR”.

• Original Release: 2010
• Version Difference: Two main versions, with different main character relationships.
• Remaster: We’ll talk more about Replicant ver.1.22474487139 later!

This initial game sets the stage for everything that follows in the NieR universe, so understanding its plot is crucial to understanding the series overall.

NieR:Automata

NieR:Automata is the sequel to the original NieR, even though it takes place far, far in the future. Released in 2017, it became a huge hit and really brought the series into the mainstream. In Automata, you play as androids fighting in a war between human-made androids and machine lifeforms from another planet. The main story follows 2B, 9S, and A2 as they fight, struggle, and try to understand the meaning of their existence. Don’t get fooled into thinking this is just some robot fight game. This story is full of emotions, philosophical ideas and will twist your mind in multiple ways. It is known for its emotional storyline, engaging combat, and incredible soundtrack.

• Release Year: 2017
• Setting: Far future with androids as the main characters.
• Critical Acclaim: Widely praised for its story and gameplay.

This game is considered by many to be one of the best action RPGs of all time and a must-play in the NieR universe.

NieR: Replicant ver.1.22474487139… A Remake

Okay, so we mentioned NieR Replicant earlier. Now, we need to talk about NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… This isn’t a brand-new game but is a remake of the original NieR Replicant. It was released in 2021 and has improved graphics, a refined combat system, and some extra story content. It is, for the most part, the same story as the original NieR Replicant, but with a much better gameplay experience. So while it’s not a new story, it’s an important game to recognize. Also it’s easier to recommend this remake to play, rather than the original one, because of the quality of the game.

• Release Year: 2021
• Type: Remake of the original NieR Replicant.
• Improvements: Better graphics, refined combat, additional story elements.

Side Story Games and Related Titles

Apart from the main games, there are also a few other titles that expand the NieR universe, though not always core to the main storyline. These entries offer additional lore and perspectives, enriching the experience. While these may not be as essential as the main titles, they’re still a lot of fun for people who really enjoy the NieR world.

NieR Re[in]carnation

NieR Re[in]carnation is a mobile game set in the NieR universe. It was released in 2021 and features a new story with new characters. While it’s a different genre from the main games (it’s a gacha RPG), it’s still considered part of the NieR universe. The game is played from a top down view, with unique gameplay and story elements and lots of characters for the players to play. This game introduces new parts of the story that were previously unexplored and is part of the NieR overall story.

• Platform: Mobile (iOS and Android)
• Genre: Gacha RPG
• Story: New story and characters set in the NieR universe

Voice of Cards Series

The Voice of Cards series is a set of tabletop RPGs created by the same person who created NieR, Yoko Taro. While they are not directly tied into the NieR story, they share similar themes, writing styles, and sometimes feature characters or designs that might feel familiar to fans of NieR. These games are known for their unique visual style, with everything presented as if it was on a tabletop with cards. If you enjoy the unique stories of NieR, these games might be something you will love also. The three titles in this series include:

• Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars: This was the first game in the series, and has a typical RPG style story, but with its tabletop unique style
• Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden: This game followed the first one with the same mechanics, but a different story and characters.
• Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden: This is the final title in the series, and continues with the same mechanics, but with another new story.

While not directly NieR titles, they share creator and some themes, so they are part of the overall Yoko Taro universe. They are worth checking out if you enjoy the storytelling of NieR.

A Quick Summary of NieR Games

Okay, let’s recap all the NieR games we talked about. This will help you get a clear picture of how many titles there are.

Here is a breakdown table for all the games:

So, to give a clear and concise answer to the original question of “how many NieR games are there?”, it depends on how you want to count them. If you’re focusing on the core story, there are 2 direct titles – NieR and NieR:Automata. However, if you are considering remakes and side games, then there are multiple games like Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139, Nier Re[in]carnation, and the Voice of Cards series, which makes it more than 5 NieR games to check out.

Why Play The NieR Games?

Now that we know how many NieR games there are, you might be wondering why you should even play them. Well, there are a lot of reasons why these games are loved by so many. The games are known for their unique and thought-provoking storylines, complex characters, and incredible music. The games also explore lots of deep concepts, like existentialism, humanity, and the meaning of life, which may be interesting for some players. The unique gameplay and characters also help these games stand out from other RPG games.

Emotional Storytelling

The stories in the NieR series are emotional and thought-provoking. They often deal with complex themes, such as loss, identity, and the meaning of existence. These are the kind of stories that stick with you long after you finish playing the game. The games can make you cry, think, and feel in multiple ways, and that is the biggest draw to these games.

Unique Characters

Each character in the NieR universe has their own stories, motivations, and struggles. These characters are not just archetypes, they are complex and well-developed. This makes the characters feel real and helps you connect with their stories.

Amazing Music

The music in NieR games is widely praised. It is beautiful, emotional, and fits perfectly with the mood of each scene. In fact, many people feel that music of the NieR series is one of the reasons for the popularity of the series overall.

Meaningful Gameplay

The NieR games are not just about running around and fighting monsters. They often have a deeper meaning and offer different perspectives on familiar tropes of gaming. These games want you to think about what you are doing and why you are doing it.

In short, the NieR games offer experiences that are much more than regular games. If you are looking for games with thought-provoking stories, unique characters and excellent music, you can’t go wrong with NieR series.

In conclusion, the NieR universe is full of interesting games and interconnected stories. While there are only 2 main titles that make up the overall core story, the rest of the games help to flesh out and expand the world even more. Now you know how many NieR games there are, and you can jump into the world of NieR yourself and experience the journey for yourself!