Don't judge a book by it's cover.
I decided to go with my gut instinct and buy the game new off the shelf. I do not regret my decision one bit. This game revolutionized how I see current-gen JRPG's. The story telling and characters suck you into this world as if you have always lived there yourself.
Graphics-7.5: Yes the game isn't anything special to look at. However, the art direction is beautiful and the character design is spot on.
Sound-10: From voice-acting to the amazing soundtrack, Nier is perfect across the board on Sound. I bought the soundtrack immediately after finishing this game.
Story-11: The best video game story to grace this generation of consoles. Beautifully told in creative and unexpected ways. I strongly urge anyone to play this to do all 4 endings. They explain and sum things up so well.
Presentation-9.5: Nier borrows from many different classic games. Intertwining them in a seamless string of events. From Zelda to Resident Evil, Nier never lets you know what it will throw at you. While the menu does feel a little cluttered at times.
Gameplay-8.5: You'll find the combat system at first is a little shallow. You use X and Y to attack and can hold X for a charged attack. They also throw in some SHMUP gameplay elements. (Fans of bullet-hell games will notice.) Boss fights are varied and great.
Replayability- 8: This game has 4 different endings you get by completing the multiple times from a certain plot point in the game. This seems like a hassle but is handled well as in the first time you replay from this point you see new cutscenes. These are seen from other perspectives of the point you are at.
Overall-9.5: This is a must play for anyone who is a fan of JRPG's. It is a shame that Cavia Studios was absorbed. They have released 2 underrated gems that may never get the following they deserve. (Nier and Drakengard)
Play this game and you may learn to not judge a book by it's cover.