Let's Clear Up Some Confusion About NieR

Okay, Cavia is developing an HD action-RPG for Square Enix called NieR, set to release sometime next year. Sounds straight-forward enough, right?

Apparently not, as gamers all over the internet seem to be completely confused as to what's going on with this title. Why are there two versions? They're exclusives but multiplatform? There's a hermaphrodite character? Who's getting what version now? Why does Square Enix hate me? And the list goes on.

So, in a display of goodwill during this festive season, I have taken it upon myself to clear up this mess to the best of my knowledge and sources, which I hope should put your minds at ease.

The Basics
NieR is an action-RPG developed by Cavia (most well-known in the RPG community for their development of the two Drakengard titles on the PS2) created to cater to the interests on Western gamers. It was initially announced as a multiplatform title for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and will be published by Square Enix.

The original concept of the game was that of a father searching for a cure to a mysterious plague that is threatening the life of his daughter.

Two Versions
Several months after the game's initial reveal, Square Enix announced that the game would actually be changed between the 360 and PS3 platforms, and that each version would be exclusive to that platform.

The original concept of the father trying to save his daughter would be titled NieR: Gestalt, and would be an Xbox 360 exclusive. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 3 version was changed to NieR: Replicant, and the hero was changed from a middle-aged buff dude to a younger, more effeminate character. Additionally, the daughter from Gestalt was redefined as the main character's sister.

It was heavily implied that these changes for the PS3 version were made in order to make the game relevant to Japanese gamers, who reportedly were wary of the idea of playing as an older character.

The Confusion
Though these versions were clearly separated between the two platforms in Japan, Square Enix never mentioned their status overseas. Their silence was taken by the majority of gamers to mean that the changes would carry over worldwide.

Some time later, Square Enix came forward to clarify that NieR Replicant would be a Japan-only title, and that everywhere else would receive NieR Gestalt for both 360 and PS3 under the original title of simply 'NieR.'

Gamers everywhere who had their hearts set on playing as the young, effeminate character, were crushed, and interest in the PS3 version of the game plummeted.

Additionally, due to the difference in relationship to the little disease-stricken girl between the two versions, many gamers believed that the storylines for the two games would be significantly different, and some worried that missing Replicant would mean losing out on a different story.

Hermaphrodite?
Another point of confusion - on both sides of the pond, no less - was the information that a hermaphrodite would play a significant role in the game. S/he was never fully revealed, and always only got a quick, ambigious shot from an odd angle. Clearly, s/he looked more like a girl than anything else.

When the game was split between the two consoles, the original image of the main character was used to promote the Gestalt version, while an image of this hermaphrodite was used in promos for the Replicant version. This lead some to believe that the hermaphrodite character would be the protagonist of Replicant, and would be removed from Gestalt.

People claiming to be about freedom of sexual expression were outraged, but I personally believe they just wanted to play as the character in the string panties and lace top.

At Least Read This Part
Okay, so now you should be up to speed on why everyone is nerdraging against this title. Now here is the actual way everything goes down, and why you shouldn't be as upset as you are.

First of all, the game's protagonist, Nier, is the same person between both Gestalt and Replicant versions. Indeed, the only confirmed differences between the versions are his age (44 and 21, respectively), and his physical appearance. He can still obtain the same weapons and skills, fight in the same manner, have the same personality, and be on the same quest.

Second, the story appears to remain almost identical. Both versions have Nier setting out on a perilous journey to save the young, disease-stricken Yona, and save himself at the same time. The only major difference in the story area is Nier's relationship to Yona. She is his daughter in Gestalt, while she is his sister in Replicant.

Third, the hermaphrodite remains completely unchanged between the two versions. Kaine (pronounced Ky-neh) is Nier's gender-bending partner in both versions, and his/her outfit even remains identical. S/he was never the protagonist of either version, and will not be cut out of either version.

Finally, it should be noted that the game known as NieR Gestalt in Japan is the game that Cavia originally wanted to make, and that NieR Replicant was created for the sole purpose of quelling the "I don't wanna be an old guy!" discontent among Japanese gamers.

Though I agree that Nier's character design is more likeable in Replicant, the fact that the game's original concept will release worldwide is a good sign that there is still room for creativity in the Japanese game development industry, and its nice to see a large publisher like Square Enix take a chance on a developer's vision.

Now, if you are still completely furious that you can't play as the younger, femmier version of Nier, despite the fact that the games will be nearly identical and that the older version is actually the more purist version, then I would advise you to learn Japanese, buy a PS3, and import it.

But never say someone didn't break it down and explain it for you.

NieR will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 sometime next Spring in Japan, North America, and Europe.

[Famitsu]