NieR Re[in]carnation

About NieR Re[in]carnation

NieR Re[in]carnation is a mobile RPG developed by Applibot Inc. and published by Square Enix. Released on February 18, 2021, for Android and iOS, it’s set in the same universe as NieR and NieR: Automata. The story follows a nameless girl and her ghost-like guide, Mama, as they explore the Cage, a realm of interconnected towers and dungeons. Gameplay splits into three parts: exploring procedurally generated stages, side-scrolling story segments, and real-time combat with timed skill inputs. It’s a mobile-friendly take on the series, blending fast-paced action with character-driven narratives. The game’s minimalist art style and lore-heavy storytelling make it a niche but intriguing entry for fans of the franchise.

Gameplay

The core loop involves navigating tower-like stages in the Cage, battling enemies in real-time combat. Battles use a hybrid system: players tap buttons at precise intervals to execute skills, adding a rhythm-like layer to action. Between fights, you collect resources and manage a roster of 30+ characters, each with roles and elemental affinities. Weapon stories, presented in hand-painted side-scrolling visuals, reveal character backstories and worldbuilding. PvE and PvP modes require careful team composition, balance tanks, healers, and damage dealers. Sessions feel fragmented, switching between exploration, story segments, and combat. The mobile focus means quick, bite-sized sessions, but progression often requires grinding or microtransactions. Controls are intuitive, but the combat’s repetitive mechanics and lack of depth can wear thin over time.

What Players Think

NieR Re[in]carnation earned a 58/100 on Metacritic and 63.3/100 on IGDB (9 ratings). Community feedback is mixed: fans praise the art style and narrative ties to the NieR series, but many call it derivative. Average playtime data isn’t tracked, but reports suggest slow progression and limited endgame content. Achievement completion rates are low, with only 15% of players unlocking 30% of trophies. Fan moods lean neutral; some enjoy the mobile accessibility and “painting-like” visuals, while others criticize “bland combat loops” and grind-heavy progression. Review snippets highlight the “narrative ambition” but note “a lack of innovation in core gameplay.” It’s a divisive title that satisfies niche audiences but struggles to stand on its own.

PlayPile's Take

NieR Re[in]carnation is a decent mobile RPG for die-hard fans but falls short for newcomers or those seeking depth. The real-time combat with timed skills is a unique twist, but battles feel repetitive over time. Slow progression and a grind-heavy loop may deter casual players. While the art style and lore ties are strong points, the core loop struggles to sustain interest. It works better as a bite-sized companion to the main series than a standalone experience. If you’re invested in the NieR universe, it’s worth a try. Others might find it underwhelming for its price and effort.

Storyline

The world takes place within cages, a series of towers and dungeons, sometime in the future. A girl awakens on a stone floor with no voice and no memories. She is greeted by a strange being calling itself Mama. In order to restore what she has lost and to redeem herself from a past sin, the girl and Mama travel to reawaken fragments of a forgotten world.