Following the massive success ofNieR Automata,Square Enix decided to remaster its prequel asNieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…with an overhauled combat system, improved graphics, and new dialogue. While theNieRseries has undoubtedly caught mainstream attention, it’s often easy to forget that the games are spinoffs from theDrakengardfranchise.
While theDrakengardseries has garnered a cult following in Japan, it remains relatively unknown in the West as a result of its aged gameplay mechanics, performance issues and controversial story elements. Nonetheless, theDrakengardseries can benefit from a remaster in the same way asNieR Replicant ver.1.22with modernized mechanics and combat. Though it depends largely on how successfulNieR Replicant ver.1.22is, there remains growing interest to see theDrakengardgames remastered and modernized.
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Drakengard’s Relationship to The NieR Universe
The firstDrakengardgame released in 2003as a unique blend of gameplay elements fromAce CombatandDynasty Warriors 2.Mixing together both ground-based and aerial combat,Drakengardgained a cult following for its dark storyline and sharp wit. Though it received mixed reviews as a result of its gameplay elements, it sold well enough to get sequels and a spinoff game,NieR.
While the originalNieRretained themes and links to theDrakengardseries, it takes place over a thousand years after the events ofDrakengard.BothNieRandNieR: Automatatake place in an alternative realitywhere the events of theDrakengardgames have caused the world to be left in a state of decay. As Yoko Taro directed most of the games in both series, they share common elements in their storylines and thematic analyses.
The Risk With Remaking Drakengard Games
Theproblem with theDrakengardseriesis that while the storylines are phenomenal, the gameplay can often be frustrating. Though it has its charms, the vast majority of players find the mechanics repetitive or clunky. Furthermore, some of theDrakengardgames have been plagued with performance issues and technical limitations which turn off potential players. With the success of theNieRseries however, it seems that theDrakengardseries could benefit from a modernization as well.
Despite the jokes that Yoko Taro likes to make aboutDrakengard,it’s clear that the series is important toNieR.In thenewestFinal Fantasy 14YorHa raidthat Yoko Taro wrote, there’s purposely a number ofDrakengardreferences scattered amongst theNieRlore. Everyone knows thatDrakengardcould benefit from modernized mechanics in remakes and that the explosive popularity ofNieRmakes it a more likely candidate each passing day. However, given the reception and controversial elements of the original series, it’s also a giant risk for Square Enix to fund.
As a result, the potential forDrakengardremakes is connected directly to the success ofNieR Replicant ver.1.22.WhileNieR Automatais a game designed with modernized mechanics in mind,the originalNieRsuffered from frustrating repetitivenessand awkward pacing the same way that theDrakengardgames did. As a result of the success thatNieR Automataachieved,NieR Replicant ver.1.22has received just as much attention despite its flaws. In that sense, if more players are willing to live with the problems in the originalNieRnow that it has been remastered, thenDrakengardhas a better chance as well.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
