Unraveling the Enigma: Decoding the True Ending of NieR Replicant
You have entered the world of NieR Replicant. You battle Shades and face existential dread. You want to know what the “true” ending is. Do not worry, brave gamer. We will guide you through the intricate narrative and uncover the path to enlightenment… or the meaningful end credits.
NieR Replicant: A Symphony of Endings
This game is different. NieR Replicant offers five endings. Forget the standard ‘one ending’ games. Both NieR and NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139… provide multiple endings. The original has four endings. The remake adds a fifth, making it a narrative collection.
The Plot Thickens with Each Ending
Do not groan yet. Replaying the game may seem daunting. Each ending builds upon the last, revealing deeper layers of the story. You must play them all to understand NieR Replicant fully. Think of it as an excavation, unveiling pieces of the complete picture one by one.
The Quest for the “True” Ending
This “true” ending requires effort. To see it, you must complete all the endings. It’s like the game insists, “You want the truth? You must play through everything!”
Decoding Ending E: The Culmination
Let’s discuss Ending E, the special finale. It was originally in “The Lost World” novella from Grimoire NieR. The remake brings it back to the game. It changes everything.
The Automata Connection
Forget Ending D as the bridge to Automata. Ending E sets the stage for NieR: Automata. It alters causality itself. Kaine acts as a singularity, defying fate to revive Nier. This act ripples through time, shaping future events in Automata. If you seek the connection, Ending E is the answer.
Restoration and Revelation
Before the remake, fans relied on “The Lost World” for insight beyond Ending D. Now, Ending E is proudly restored in NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139…. It has its own secret achievement, a cryptic code in hexadecimal, adding another layer of mystery. Developers seem to tease, “You thought you were done? Think again.”
Kaine: The Unsung Hero
Kaine deserves credit. She is not just a foul-mouthed warrior; she is vital in NieR’s universe. In Ending E, her role matters. She defies destiny and resurrects Nier. She ensures the timeline progresses to Automata’s future.
A Rundown of the Other Endings
You cannot jump to Ending E without experiencing the others first. Here’s a quick guide:
Ending B: The Encore
To achieve Ending B, load your Ending A save file. This starts Route B. Play through, and when you see the end credits again, congratulations! You unlocked Ending B. It’s like a New Game+, with new perspectives and extra story details.
Ending D: The Canon Contender (Almost)
Ending D often regarded as the CANON ending, especially before Ending E was revived, is a poignant conclusion. With Ending E now available, the idea of a canonical ending shifts. However, Ending D remains crucial and packs an emotional impact.
Save Data? Gone. Reduced to Atoms.
Warning: full NieR Replicant experience is not for the faint-hearted, or those attached to save data. To reach Ending E, you must sacrifice some data. Data deletion becomes part of the plot. It’s a journey into the depths of Yoko Taro’s storytelling.
Canon and “True” Endings Across the NieR-verse
“True” endings exist beyond Replicant too. NieR:Automata presents its Ending E, regarded as canon and “true.” In Automata’s Ending E, characters 2B, 9S, and A2 get a second chance. They rebuild and escape their past suffering, carving new paths.
All Roads Lead to E (Eventually)
In Automata, all endings are good in their own way as they lead to Ending E. The game breaks you down and builds you up, resulting in a cathartic release. Automata’s Ending E transcends being just an ending; it conveys hope amid despair.
Character Deep Dive: Beyond the Battles
NieR features complex and troubled characters. Let us spotlight a few:
Kaine: More Than Meets the Eye
Kaine is not just a warrior; she is intersex due to a defect in the Replicant production system. She possesses both male and female anatomy but identifies as female. This aspect adds nuance to her character.
Nier: The Nameless Hero (Officially)
Yoko Taro never officially names the protagonist. Fans dubbed him “Nier.” Eventually, Taro accepted this name for future material. So, while technically nameless, he is Nier in our hearts.
Yonah: The Sister to Save
In NieR Replicant, the relationship shifts from father-daughter to brother-sister. Nier becomes a younger brother trying to save Yonah from the Black Scrawl. This change adds emotional depth to the tale.
Emil: Love Knows No Gender (or Age)
Emil, with his petrifying eyes, harbors a secret crush on Nier. Yoko Taro confirmed Emil’s homosexuality. A hint of same-sex attraction threads through the narrative amidst chaos.
2B: Executioner in Disguise
Let’s turn to NieR:Automata. The stoic 2B is more than meets the eye. Her true designation is YoRHa Type 2E, or “Executioner.” Her role entails eliminating 9S when he nears the truth about YoRHa’s project and humanity’s extinction.
NieRverse Connections: It’s All Connected
The NieR universe interlinks with Drakengard, especially through Drakengard’s Ending E. This ending sees characters from Drakengard stumble into future Tokyo, establishing the ground for NieR’s saga.
Prequel Power: Replicant Before Automata
NieR Replicant serves as a prequel to NieR:Automata. It lays the foundation for Automata’s world and lore. Automata offers modern gameplay, but Replicant is where it begins.
The true ending of NieR Replicant isn’t one ending but all endings combined. It’s a journey to uncover the full story. Play through each ending and maybe you’ll find enlightenment… or at least a deeper grasp of this world and its characters.
