With the recent release ofNieR Replicant,fans finally have an opportunity to experience the game on modern hardware with upgraded content. Among the changes thatNieR Replicantbrings, one of the biggest is the new re-recorded soundtrack. When the originalNieRlaunched 11 years ago, one of the most memorable aspects of the RPG was its haunting soundtrack composed by Keiichi Okabe.
The reinterpreted soundtrack forNieR Replicanthas changed up some of the game’s most iconic compositions and some fans are disappointed that the original soundtrack isn’t available in the game. Taking a more cinematic approach to soundscapes likeNieR Automatadid,the soundtrack forNieR Replicantis more subdued than the original with its instrumentation and arrangements.
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The Original Nier Soundtrack
TheoriginalNieRsoundtrack was one of the most memorable aspectsof the game as the ethereal sounds set a backdrop for the decaying world. In previous interviews, composer Keiichi Okabe talked about the importance of designing a soundtrack to match a game’s thematic elements. Highlighting the importance of swirling different emotions together, Okabe stated that he wants players to experience a multitude of conflicting emotions such as hope within sorrow. Furthermore, as director Yoko Taro favors vocal tracks, Okabe ensures that vocalists or choirs are always breathy or atmospheric to avoid distracting players.
One of the most notable aspects ofNieR’soriginal soundtrack was that the percussion was often emphasized in conjunction with the vocals. With the unique tribal percussion and chanting vocals,the originalNieRsoundtrack felt powerfulas it drove the action sequences forward. As elements of the game were often modified to match the music, this gave Okabe the freedom to express the acoustic sounds with melancholy without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Nier Automata’s Influence on Nier Replicant’s Soundtrack
One of the biggest changes that players will immediately notice in the newNieR Replicantsoundtrack is how similar it sounds toNieR Automata.Composer Keiichi Okabe takes the same approach in redesigning the songs so they have a fuller, cinematic feel to them. Favoring the orchestral instrumentation and arrangements, thenewNieR Replicantsoundtrack focuses heavily on vocalsand melodic passages. Unfortunately, this means that the unique percussion and acoustic passages are often toned down when compared to the original soundtrack. For example, tracks like “Gods Bound By Rules” tone down the percussion considerably and this removes the air of tension present in the originalNieRsoundtrack.
While the core ideas of the songs remain intact, many shift towards a more subdued sound to highlight the new orchestral elements. While the new soundtrack will feel more familiar toNieR Automataplayers, it comes at the expense of losing some of the identity from the originalNieR.While some tracks benefit from the subdued sound and heavier emphasis on melodies, others lose out on intensity or intimacy. Ultimately, the newNieR Replicantsoundtrack offers a new experience for playerswith its emphasis on orchestral melodies and a cinematic sound. Although it’s disappointing that fans don’t have the option to choose the original soundtrack inNieR Replicant,it nonetheless mirrors the game’s themes and sequences masterfully.
NieR Replicantis available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
