Saying Farewell to an Icon: NieR Re[in]carnation Concludes its Smartphone Saga

In a bittersweet announcement on Tuesday, the official website of Square Enix's beloved smartphone game, NieR Re[in]carnation, revealed that the game's epic main story will reach its conclusion on March 29. As the clock strikes 3:00 p.m. JST on April 30 (2:00 a.m. EDT, or April 29 at 10:00/11:00 p.m. PST/PDT), the game will bid its final farewell to fans.

The journey will end with the closing chapters of "The People and the World" story arc. "Act II: The Return" made its debut in Japan on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. JST (or January 22 at 9:00 p.m. EST, 6:00 p.m. PST), with the highly anticipated "Act III: Transmigration" slated for release in Japan on March 29 at 11:00 a.m. JST (or March 28 at 10:00 p.m. EDT, 6:00/7:00 p.m. PST/PDT).

Leading up to the final curtain call, NieR Re[in]carnation will host a series of engaging events for its loyal players. Among these is the Story Completion Countdown Event, a fitting tribute spanning the release of "Act II: The Return" to "Act III: Transmigration," featuring four exciting campaigns to partake in.

The captivating "command action RPG" originally launched for iOS and Android devices in Japan back in February 2021, after a slight delay from its initially planned 2020 release. It later made its way to North America and Europe in July 2021, captivating gamers with its unique blend of gameplay and narrative depth.

This journey traces back to the roots of the NieR series, stemming from the imaginative minds of the now-defunct Japanese game developer, Cavia (known for titles like Drakengard and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles). Originally conceived as a spinoff of the Drakengard universe, NieR emerged in 2010 as a standalone gem.

The original NieR game saw two distinct versions: NieR Gestalt for the Xbox 360 and NieR Replicant for the PlayStation 3. NieR Replicant, with its alternative protagonist design and subtle plot variances, marked a noteworthy departure. It stands as a testament to Cavia's creative spirit, as NieR was their final project before being absorbed into AQ Interactive Inc. in July 2010.

Fans were treated to a glorious remaster with NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, hitting the shelves for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam on April 22, 2020 in Japan, and the following day outside of Japan. This remastered edition breathed new life into the classic, reigniting passion among long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The saga continued with NieR:Automata, the highly acclaimed sequel that debuted on the PS4 in Japan in February 2017, followed by North America and Europe in March 2017. Its subsequent release on PC via Steam in March 2017 and Xbox One in June 2018 only served to bolster its success. To date, the game boasts a staggering 4.5 million in combined shipment and digital download sales, solidifying its place as a modern classic.

As we prepare to bid farewell to NieR Re[in]carnation, let's take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of storytelling and innovation that this franchise has brought us over the years. Though the smartphone saga may be ending, the legacy of NieR will undoubtedly endure, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers everywhere. Here's to the memories made and the adventures yet to come in this fantastical universe.