Nier Replicant Video Shows Off Big Combat Improvements

Nier Replicant releases in less than a week for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and Square Enix and Sony have released a new video to show off the game's upgraded combat and signature bosses. If you've played the original 2010 game, you should notice the improvements almost immediately.

The video, which is from within the first few hours of Nier Replicant in case you're wary of spoilers, shows how the combat has evolved since the original version released. It's more fluid this time around, bringing it more in line with the combat from Nier: Automata. There's a countering system, too, letting you deliver a powerful blow to enemies after parrying their attacks perfectly.

You can mix heavy and light attacks just like you did in Automata, and if you remember the pod characters' ranged attacks from that game, then Grimoire Weiss' abilities will feel right at home. He's got a few other tricks up his sleeve, too, if you want to stay up close to your targets.

Because of its story focus, which can appeal to those who don't normally play games, Nier Replicant includes an auto-battle feature, as well, which will let you zip through encounters. It's also handy, as Square Enix points out, for making subsequent runs quicker, as you'll be "replaying" the game as the whole story unfolds. You'll also probably notice that the "dad" protagonist is nowhere to be seen, as the remake is based on a version of the game that hadn't come to North America before.

As you can see in the video above, you need to make use of a variety of abilities in order to beat the game's dangerous bosses. This includes properly timed parries, mixing up melee and magical attacks via Grimoire Weiss, as well as delivering finishing blows when an enemy is stunned. It's backed by a revamped soundtrack that sets the stage for every battle, and even the dialogue was re-recorded for the enhanced remaster.

Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139.. releases on April 23. Those who preorder the game get a digital mini soundtrack, and all PS4 versions include a dynamic theme and avatar set.