NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…allows fans to replay a game that was originally released over a decade ago, or enables newcomers to dip into this universe for the first time. After all these years,many people have probably beatenNier Replicant, including unlocking the brand new Ending E that connected it toNieR: Automatamore than it already was; consequently, they might want something else to try out.
Luckily, there are a lot of othergames similar toNieR Replicant, especially since the publisher, Square Enix, is mostly known for RPGs. Here are some of them.
Updated July 04, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Specifications have been added for every recommended game, including information regarding their release dates, developers, and open-critic receptions (if available).
Those looking for a slower, more tactical combat experience should check outVoice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars. This release is a turn-based tabletop-style adventure that has players forming parties, attacking, using items, and battling enemies with cards and mana, similar to other popular TCG-style games. Although it’s a far cry from theNierseries, it was actually developed by many of the veterans who worked on the iconic franchise (as well asDrakengard).
It’s a nice change of pace, andVoice of Cardsmanaged to receive critical praise, so much so that a follow-up release hit store shelves around a year later.
TheNierseries has a wonderful visual style, withNier: Automataproviding players with a gorgeous mechanized aesthetic that beautifully married organic life and machinery. The end result is a unique art style that has players questioning if the creatures and NPCs that they meet are more machines than humans. This is aconcept that has been explored well in other games, including the recently releasedHorizon Zero Dawn.
Players will control Aloy, a cloned protagonist who would set out to become an expert machine hunter, tasked with ridding the area of some seriously powerful robotic foes. It feels similar to Nier in its design and is a blast to play thanks to its open-world elements.
Nieris a fun and visually stunning game, but it can actually be quite difficult at times. The action-RPG elements are fast-paced, and players will find their skills tested by the array of enemies and bosses sprinkled throughout the adventure. There are a lot of other games out there that will provide players with a solid challenge while also giving them access to a beautifully designed game world crawling with unique enemies and an engrossing story. A great example isCode Vein.
The game has a dark-and-gritty anime-esque design and players much like aDark Soulsgame, complete with a cooperative mode and some absolutely punishing boss fights. Those who crave a difficult spike will adore this game.
Stellar Blademight be a bit of a controversial pick since Shift Up’s project shares quite a few similarities withNier: Automata, particularly in its premise. In terms of storytelling and writing, the 2024 game is not quite on the same level as Yoko Taro’s masterpieces, but that does not meanStellar Bladehas nothing to offer in its own right. The combat system is pretty darn fun, utilizing a hack-and-slash blend that incorporates some aspects of the Soulslike genre.
Withgood visuals, decent action, and a lot of unlockable outfits,Stellar Bladeis a solid option and an impressive effort by the developer, who had previously mostly worked on mobile releases. The game also incorporates an open-world that is pretty barren, similar to theNiergames.
Despite how popular theNieRgames are, many players might not know that they arespin-offs of a series calledDrakengard. The first game in the franchise, also calledDrakengard, came to the PS2 and mobile devices in 2004.
For those who want to learn more about how the world of theNieRtitles came to be, this is the best place to begin, with many fans hoping that this installment, as well as the otherDrakengardgames, receives the same treatment asNieR Replicant.Drakengardshows its age quite heavily, to the point that its gameplay can be difficult to appreciate in this day and age; however, Yoko Taro’s storytelling is on point throughout the first game. The third entry is pretty good too.
Another Nintendo exclusive that was developed by PlatinumGames isAstral Chain. It came out on the Switch in 2019. Besides the gameplay, what makes this title similar toNieR Replicantis that sibling relationships are very important.
Nier and Yonah, Popola and Devola, and Jakob and Gideon are all characters that show how important the bond between siblings is, and the two main protagonists inAstral Chainare twins, so players who enjoyed the interactions inNieR Replicantwill probably like the characters in this game more than others in the genre.
For those who have never played it,NieR: Automatais the sequel toNieR Replicant. Before it was released in 2017 for the PS4 and PC, and a year later on the Xbox One, theDrakengardfranchise didn’t have many fans, but this installment gave it andNieRthe popularity it deserves.
LikeAstral ChainandBayonetta, this game was also developed by PlatinumGames rather thanNieR Replicant’s developers, Toylogic. Many fans considered this to be the best game in the series upon release andNieR Replicantprobably wouldn’t have received the upgrade players now enjoy if it weren’t for this installment’s popularity.
