One of this generation’s biggest Japanese RPGs, NieR Automata, is getting a mobile spin-off in the form of NieR Reincarnation. With NieR Automata bringing the Drakengard spin-off series’ popularity to an all-time high in 2017, going on to sell over over four million copies worldwide, Square-Enix announced earlier this year that the series would be receiving a mobile spin-off in the form of NieR Reincarnation and a remaster of the original PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title with NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, which still has no release date as of now.
The mobile game, NieR Reincarnation, is in development at mobile game developer Applibot and will be a free-to-play gatcha style RPG, supported with microtransactions. While that may turn some hardcore fans away from the title, award-winning NieR Automata composer Keiichi Okabe is returning to compose the mobile title’s soundtrack, with NieR Automata’s character designer Akihiko Yoshida also returning. While series creator Yoko Taro is not directly involved with the title, a first for the NieR series, he is supervising the project and writing part of the game’s story.
After teasing it at NieR’s 10th anniversary event back in April, Square-Enix and Applibot have finally showcased gameplay from NieR Reincarnation, which features some very impressive visuals for a mobile title. The game utilizes a turn-based combat system which features auto-play and speed-up functions. Characters are unlocked through a gatcha-based system, with the game being very narrative driven by design, according to Yoko Taro. While several character designs have been revealed, all of which are from Akihiko Yoshida, none of the characters themselves have been detailed.
Beta applications are open right now to Japanese players and while a Western release has been announced, there is no release window as of yet. The game is planned to release on both iOS and Android devices. Despite being limited to mobile devices, the makings of a NieR game seem to be written all over Reincarnation, with the story already being full of mystery and intrigue, even offering ties into the lore and narratives from the main titles.
