Square Enix released NieR Replicant, the prequel to NieR: Automata, for PlayStation 3 in Japan.
Square Enix released an updated and expanded version of the original game, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139..., for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC internationally.
The Gestalt Project begins in an attempt to separate human souls (Gestalts) from their bodies (Replicants) to survive a global disease.
Replicants, soulless artificial bodies, are mass-produced to house the Gestalts' souls.
The Shadowlord, the original Gestalt, rebels against humanity, causing a civil war between Gestalts and Replicants.
The protagonist's younger sister, Yonah, is stricken with the Black Scrawl disease, setting the protagonist on a quest to save her.
Nier embarks on a dangerous journey to find a cure for Yonah, gathering allies and battling Shades.
Nier learns the truth about Gestalts and Replicants, and the nature of the Black Scrawl.
Nier confronts and defeats the Shadowlord to protect Yonah, leading to the merging of Gestalts and Replicants.
Nier sacrifices himself to save Yonah and the world, sealing the fate of humanity.
