In celebration of the upcoming NieR remake coming up…albeit, the Japan-only version instead of the better-liked Western one, this week’s #WeeklyGameMusic celebrates the game’s most memorable boss battle theme, the Song of the Ancients, Fate variation (this game also features an adoptive soundtrack). Composed by Keiichi Okabe, Kakeru Ishihama, Keigo Hoashi, and Takafumi Nishimura, this track from now-defunct Cavia classic fits well with the tragic undertone behind this Drakengard spin-off series.
In a future only a couple decades from now, Japan is totaled by the constant snow, lasting well past the summer. In addition to the uncomfortably consistent weather, humans has been haunted by a growing and deadly population of ethereal creatures, shades. In this mess, begins the survivalist journey between a man and his daughter…or brother and sister, depending on which version you’re playing (Gestalt and Replicant respectively). Unfortunately for our hero, the daughter seems to be suffering an incurable disease.
Oh, wait, nevermind: the actual game takes place a full millennium past modern times. And, uh, apparently magic exists? Huh, that’s weir-*shuffles notes*…no, the plots still the same. Our hero, Nier is still trying to keep his sickly daughter/sister, Yonah, alive. Shades still haunts the town Nier lives in. The world is in a constant state of decline. So, uh, how did they survive for so long? Are they amnesic? Why are we suddenly in a fantasy town setting? This…this is still Japan, right? And why is the opening dialogue filled near-back-to-back with slurs?
NieR is an action JRPG renowned for its innovative narrative techniques. At first blush, the game appears like a simple hack-and-slash. Those who’ve played the highly acclaimed NieR: Automata knows, however, the game rapidly changes gameplay, with an eccentric set of party members following along your bizarre adventure. In addition, the series’ trademark multiple endings, each providing a new perspective in the main story, is here as well. Much like how the gameplay changes perspective frequently, so to will the player’s understanding of the overall plot.
NieR was originally released in the US on the Xbox 360 exclusively. It’s remake, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… will be released soon for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Categories: #WeeklyGameMusic |