NieR Replicant is definitely a worthy re-release of the original in just about every way. When It was initially announced two things made me nervous, the lack of the Father Protagonist and it seemingly being Automata wearing the original game's skin. Thankfully I can say that it is neither of those. Firstly I was hesitant on the Brother Protagonist because, despite it being the original main character, I had come to love the Father Protagonist due to his relationship with his daughter being more relatable to me than an older brother and a younger sister. I had also come to love Jamieson Price's voice work in the original release as the protagonist so having a whole new dynamic, and a whole new voice for the main character made me nervous. Thankfully I can say despite the minor characterization differences between the two protagonists, the Brother's story is still very engaging and as a character is very enjoyable. And if you were curious the core of the story is completely unchanged as well so it made me glad to see all the story beats still present and then some. The second concern came from my fear that they were going to try and Automata-fy the original game, because if you know me I really did not enjoy Automata, but I am glad to say after completing the game there was nothing to worry about. The game play is certainly more refined and quicker paced than the original release but still retains that level of simplicity and easiness to master that I really enjoy, and I wouldn't want it any other way. This re-release is not perfect however as the some of the re-recordings of the soundtrack's music feels a little lacking in some places with songs such as Shadowlord. I also wish there was at least an option to play the father, but that's just a minor nitpick to say the very least. The new content added to this re-release also had me concerned but I can say with confidence that I am left satisfied with all the additions that the team made to the story, to not get into spoilers. I see this as a true return to form for the series, and I hope that if and when NieR 3 happens they approach it the same way they approached the new content and gameplay for this rerelease.