Square Enix’s 2010 Nier released in two forms. Japan received Nier Replicant on PlayStation 3, starring a young protagonist known as Brother Nier, while the Japanese Xbox 360 version, Nier Gestalt, featured the older Father Nier.
The two editions shared their story and gameplay. Their important distinction was the protagonist’s relationship with Yonah: she was presented as his sister in Replicant and as his daughter in Gestalt. International players originally received only the Gestalt version.
That changed with the 2021 remaster, Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139, which made Brother Nier the sole playable protagonist. A newly released PC mod now restores Father Nier and recreates much more than a simple character-model swap.
Father Nier returns to the remaster
Modder Elevna released version 1.0 of Nier Gestalt ver.1.22474487139 on July 30. The free Nexus Mods project brings Father Nier into the 2021 remaster while aiming to preserve the feel of the original Gestalt release.
The overhaul includes nearly all of Father Nier’s alternate outfits, along with bespoke character models for story and gameplay sequences across the adventure. Elevna has also transferred the original Gestalt voice-over into Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139.
Changes for remaster-exclusive content
The mod also adjusts material created specifically for the remaster. Father Nier receives revised voice lines for the new Route E, while the included World of Recycled Vessel DLC has been adapted to suit his appearance as the main protagonist.
In the original Replicant version of that DLC, the playable character changes from Brother Nier to Father Nier. The remaster already retained Father Nier for this section, making it his only appearance in the unmodified 2021 release. The mod reverses that arrangement by making Brother Nier playable during World of Recycled Vessel.
PC players can download the project for free from Nexus Mods. For more gaming coverage, visit RETROCADE’s arcade gaming news. Modding projects like this also provide a useful reminder that preservation can involve software and character presentation as much as physical arcade machines. Readers planning a custom setup can explore the arcade parts catalogue as well.
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