小説NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...《ゲシュタルト計画回想録》File01

NieR

by Jun Eishima

いつかこの世に『黒の書』が舞い降り、病を撒き散らす。だがそれに抗う『白の書』が世界を救う。--『イニシエの歌』より『NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...』のノベライズ。 2017年に発表の長編、『NieR RepliCant Recollection(ゲシュタルト計画回想録)』を加筆修正した完全版! 2倍のボリュームにヴァージョンアップしてお届けする第1巻目です。

Genres: Light Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Japanese Literature, Video Games

Tankobon Hardcover

First published June 28, 2021

About the author

映島巡

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was talking to one of my best friends about this book and we both remembered people saying this was "a dark turn from the game" and I'm sorry but.....I don't think we were playing the same game. THE GAME IS DARK AND DEPRESSING AND SO IS THIS. Unless you skipped all the dialogue and cutscenes and just hacked and slashed while looking at Kaine's ass, you would definitely know this is a faithful adaptation of the first part of the game.

is this exceedingly well written? no. is it better translated than "long story short" YES.

As a Nier series fan this was worth a read. it makes implied canon pieces in the series fully canon, and some of the game inclusions are downright goofy at times with how accurate they are.

Play the games first and then read the books. this applies to all nier related books.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly not what I expected. When I first started reading this book I thought it might become one of my favourites. I was right. Kind of. The pacing while slow felt very nice and fitting for the story of Nier. And the ending Part with Emil was Beautifully Written. Overall this just makes me all the more excited for File 02.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this before - this was my second reading.
I feel I’m quite biased whenever it comes to media involving the NieR franchise. It’s my favourite game series and I also really enjoy the novel re-tellings of the stories.

Remembering certain facts that aren’t mentioned in the game left me in shock all over again, and it was pleasant. If there was ever a series I wish I could revisit for the first time, it would be the NieR series. I absolutely adore the world building, the characters and the stories (despite their absolutely traumatising journeys).

It’s also interesting to see chip ins from Devola and Popola that you don’t really see, too. Obviously in Route C you see their conversations, but you get more context and information of their side through the novels. It’s similar to Adam and Eve from the Automata novels and how their lore is expanded upon.

I haven’t read File 2 yet, so I’m excited to see what other tidbits of lore and context I get from it.
4 stars ⭐️

[Seviryn Hemlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid novelization of my favourite Video Game, NieR Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... the 2021 version upgrade of the original release from 2010. NieR RepliCant was a japanese exclusive release along side NieR Gestalt, while the rest of the world only received NieR Gestalt, then dubbed NIER. The only main difference in the 2010 versions is the protagonists relationship with Yonah.

This novel expands on the 2017 NieR:Automata Black Box Edition novel NieR Replicant Recollections, exclusive to the Japanese edition. Expanded and upgraded to match the newest version of the game.

This is book 1 of 2 and leaves off just after the 5 year timeskip. The translation is great and it’s a very easy read. If you enjoy the story, you’ll enjoy this book.

Additionally, the first section of the book, The Boy 1, is a direct insert of the Grimoire NieR Revised Edition short story Red and Black. The novel weaves it in with the main narrative in such a way that it feels like it was always there.

Looking forward to the second volume next year.

[Rebeca F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read Replicant's books since ages ago and was quite excited when SE (finally!) decided to publish them translated to English. I thought this one was a collection of short stories, some of the ones on Grimoire Nier but in a friendlier format, but was surprised to realize it's actually a novelization of the game, quite similar to Automata's Long Story Short.
If you're a fan of the game and the Yokoverse, and I assume you must be to even be reading reviews about this novel, it is a very interesting read, as it focuses on the events of the game until just the beginning of the second half, so the moment when Emil, Nier and Weiss explore the underground lab in the mansion to unveil the experiments that took place there, Emil discovers his past and gains the power to release Kainé in the library. It ends once she wakes up again and Nier gives her the Lunar Tear. But, same as it happens with Automata's novelization by Eishima, it gives a deeper view of certain events, touching more on the reflections of the characters and even showing details that were completely left out in the game. I'm not a fan of Nier, the character, I mean. But in here one sees a side of him that's actually a bit different, less narrow-minded and self righteous, more reflective and kind, specially when younger, before things got too bad.
Because of the limitations of the format, a lot is left out, sidequests that are pretty relevant are barely mentioned, but I understand it couldn't be other way and, besides, I guess it's assumed we already played the game and know all that backstory.
Before each chapter there're notes by the twins registering what's going on with Nier from their perspective and the implications it might have in the project as a whole.
It's a very nice read and absolutely recommended for fans of the game or Yoko Taro.

[James Tester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether it is due to a rather basic translation, or the lack of imagination on Eishima's part; Nier Replicant ver.1....File 01 is a simple retelling of the first half of the original games' story. The lack of narrative flair in sentence structure, be it metaphor or even a more liberal use of adjectives, is a sticking point when it comes to anybody over the age of twelve who enjoys the nature of reading. All this negativity aside, it is still a faithful retelling of Taro's story, and it loses none of the quirky brilliance to which he has become known for in the gaming world. Taro's worlds are always deep, dark philosophical lands with various characters suffering through torments and heartbreaks, the humanity and humour which is interwoven bringing us emotionally closer to stories which could be classed as wonderful but cold. Nier Replicant is a perfect example of heart and character giving more to the story and world, a finely tuned symbiotic relationship. Eschewing world ending stakes to the background, instead Taro focuses on a handful of main characters, especially the relationship between Nier and his sister, and his need to save her. It's this intimacy that makes it greater than even its more acclaimed followup Nier Automata, introducing us to a world of queerness and forgiveness, family and friendship. Considering the first half of the game is the weakest, and despite any faults with the style of writing, it bodes well for what should be an exceptional File 02.

[Ilaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m biased, but I love these characters so much I’ll read (almost) anything about them.

👤🗣️📔⚜️🔮🎭🌙🌙

What I loved about this novelisation:
[BIG spoilers ahead if you haven't played NieR Replicant or aren't deep into the lore and want to know more from the novels/other media]

- the added Red and Black story. My poor, sweet boy Nier ❤️‍🩹;
- Kainé's POV, which also (re)confirmed her being intersex 🤍;
- the twins' reports. Especially, the one where Devola admits to care deeply for Yonah, even going as far as to trying her “cuisine”;
- the illustrations;
- little details that add depth to the story and give an extra insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings.


Recommended to anyone who, like me, can't have enough of the tragic, beautiful world Yoko Taro built.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nier Replicant and all of its lore, so as biased as my review is, it's amazing. I can't recommend the Drakengard-Nier pipeline enough.

It's a tale about a brother trying to protect his sister Yonah and the complications along the way with the world they live in; as you read more, you unfolding the history of the world and the complexity of it and the characters within it.

It is a book retelling of the game, with some additional information and lore that isn't provided in the game, so I highly recommend it to any Nier fans wanting more! <3 Also strongly recommend in general as I adore the story and hope for more people to fall in love with the works of Yoko Taro <3

[Justin Biltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never played NieR Replicant but I did grow up on roleplaying games and this book really captures the essence of one. The nostalgia of completing quests, gathering crafting materials, traveling from town, finding new companions, and grinding through countless enemies were all captured in this book. The writing is decent, but the characters are somewhat lacking and there were some unnecessary "side quests" that disrupted the pacing a bit. Despite all that I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to tracking down the next book.

[303 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really good! Even ignoring the extra lore of Automata and Drakengard 1 & 3 this is still a really good fantasy story. I expected that the book would end before the 5 year time skip and then the second would pick up with Nier being an adult, but it doesn't not do that, and I think that's probably a better way of doing it! Also, the change in formatting to that of a script, to illustrate when Nier and Weiss are inside the Deathdream was really cool!

I look forward to reading the second part, even though I already know what happens!

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

conflicted with this one, because it's Nier, and everything Nier is 5/5 stars to me.

I think the issue is that you wouldn't be able to read this and fully understand/enjoy it if you haven't played the game. it's pretty brief with it's descriptions of areas and how people look, that you don't get the full picture unless you've seen it in the game.
that being said, as someone who has played it, this added a wonderful flavor to the narrative. you get a few extra details that weren't in the game.

i would recommend to anyone that's played Nier Gestalt or Replicant!

[Othy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Video game novels are tough - either they rely too much on the reader's knowledge of the game world, or they describe aspects of the game too much. This novel does both, and at its worst simply describes the hack-and-slash gameplay of the game. Most characters are thin and uninteresting, and very little of the world-building comes through. The writing is decent, however, and the story of the game manages to come through, so the novel ends up being a decent retelling of half the game.

[Can · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not a perfect 5 because it’s basically just a novelization of the first part of the game LMAO

But that being said!! I’ve been really wanting to replay it and I know I shouldn’t (too many other games on the backlog!) so this made me soo happy and safisfied the urge to replay it! I also really loved that we got some of Kainé’s thoughts and POVs when she isn’t with Nier - I kind of hope we get something similar with Emil in part 2!

I will also never feel the same when visiting Seafront :(

[Jenna Rovio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this game, and it was nice to revisit the first part of the game after quite some time, as well as gain a little bit of new info. However the writing itself was weak, and I hoped to get more descriptions of the beautiful world and battle. A quick read, that gives an introduction to the world of NieR if you for some reason don't want to play the game. However you will not be able to build such an emotional bond to the characters as by playing.

[Jorge Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

me encantó que esté libro estuviera tan apegado a su material de origen.
visitar el mundo de Nier es una experiencia placentera siempre.

aunque la experiencia busca ser inmersiva, siento que algunos capítulos del principio jugarlos a leerlos no es la misma experiencia y se hizo pesada la lectura al hablar de misiones de entrega y pesca.

mi parte favorita es la adaptación del bosque del mito, se agregaron mucho al texto original.

[Catarina Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not entirely sure how to rate this because the story is pretty good and I really liked reading it, but at the same time I wouldn't really recommend to anyone who doesn't like videogames because you can very clearly see this was adapted from a game - like you can literally see "this is clearly a side quest in the game" or "they are pretty much describing the boss mechanics".

[Miguel L · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a pretty faithful retelling/recreation of the the game NieR: Replicant ver.1.22474487139... and I really enjoyed experiencing the game in a different medium! Just the first chapter is in need of a slight trigger warning even though a lot of what's said is implied and you're kinda forced to use context clues. ending of the book almost made me cry because of Emil and Kalua's sibling bond

[Christian G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star for a book summarizing the first half of the game. I'd say 3 stars for a overall read. Good book

[Siri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad nier hours

[Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have played the NieR Replicant game before and loved it so I really wanted to read the book adaptation.

I was really surprised with how faithful to the game the book was (for better or for worse). So whether you have played the game and want to relive the experience or you don't like video games but are still interested in Yoko Taro's world, this is a great read!

[Ciel Dahlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great novelization of the game. I found that there were little details added and confirmed here that were only implied in the game and I love how we got the whole and complete story by adding bits from other characters pov, other than simply nier, like in the game for these parts. This really felt like a work of art and made me just as heady and emotional as the game itself did.