Square Enixis mostly known for theFinal Fantasyfranchise, but it has also developed and published several other game series. One example of this isNieR, a spin-off series from theDrakengardvideo games. The games are known forhaving incredible award-winning soundtracks, and fans rate it among some of the best soundtracks in the industry.
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TheSquare Enix Music Channelon Youtube Music features a variety ofNieRmusic, not just from the games, but also rearranged and remixed versions as well. Here are some incredible tracks that either come from theNieRgames or are based on its music.
10"Birth Of A Wish/CEO (Duet)" (NieR: Automata Arranged & Unreleased Tracks)
This track comes from theNieR: Automata Arranged & Unreleased Tracksalbum, which features a number of tracks that either has been rearranged by other composers or tracks that have not been released at all. This track in particular is a remix of “Birth of a Wish”, which is Adam’s battle theme.
This remix combines this anthemic battle theme with a collection of samples of interview sound bites from Square Enix’s and Platinum Games' CEOs, who aresecret DLC bossesinNieR: Automata. This track plays as their battle theme as well.
Listen to the track here.
9"Weight Of The World" (Piano Collections NieR: Automata)
This track comes from thePiano Collections NieR: Automataalbum, which collects piano renditions ofNieR: Automata’s most famous tracks. This particular track is a full piano arrangement of “Weight of the World”,the ending theme forNieR: Automata.
While this version of “Weight of the World” lacks the vocals of the original, it has a somber emotion of its own, creating a unique feel thanks to the delicate piano arrangement used. While both versions are great in their own way, this piano rendition is especially emotional.
8"Kaine" (Piano Collections NieR Gestalt & Replicant)
Another track from aPiano Collectionsalbum, this time from theNieR Gestalt & Replicantgames. This track is apiano arrangement of Kaine’s theme. Once again, this track lacks the vocals of the original, being a purely instrumental track.
Despite that, the emotions of the original track are preserved in this rendition, especially since the original also features piano quite a bit. In general, many of the piano arrangements of theNieRsoundtracks are great, and any fan would enjoy listening to them.
7"Temple Of Drifting Sands" (NieR Tribute Album -echo-)
TheNieR Tribute Albumis a cover album composed of tracks that have been remixed by a collection of electronica artists. This particular track, “Temple of Drifting Sands”, is a remix of the theme that plays in the Barren Temple, and is remixed by the artist millstones.
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This remix replaces the haunting nature of the original track with a more energetic, fast-tempo feeling, making it a different experience. The original track had a rhythm suited for electronica, so the remix does not feel out of place at all.
6"Amusement Park" (NieR: Automata OST)
This haunting track plays in the Amusement Park area inNieR: Automata. Its sad yet slightly off-putting atmosphere suits the aesthetic of the amusement park, which is a place where machines are still going about their work even after all the humans have gone.
Of particular note in this track are the amazing vocals, which help to create a sad, lonely feeling throughout the entire song. The way the song slowly builds up to a climax while never losing that somber emotion is quite amazing to behold.
5"The Wretched Automatons" (NieR Gestalt & Replicant OST)
This track plays in the Junk Heap,a location inNieR Gestalt & Replicantwhere robots and all sorts of parts left over from the old world still remain. The track has a very industrial feel to it, with a sharp, metallic percussion that plays throughout the track.
Like many ofNieR’s soundtracks, this song features vocals consisting of the fictional language used in these songs. The vocals have a lonely, somber feeling to them, like many ofNieR’s songs, which fit the abandoned nature of the Junk Heap well.
4"A Beautiful Song" (NieR: Automata OST)
Another track from the acclaimedNieR Automata OST, this time from the Beauvoir boss fight, which is encountered inside the Amusement Park. Unlike the previous song, this track is more energetic and anthemic in nature.
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This song is very climactic and impactful, and the vocals on this track match such energy. They are extremely powerful, which perfectly represents the boss, who is modeled after an opera singer. The song’s energy makes it very suitable for a boss fight, but it nevertheless maintains the feelings of sadness and loneliness that recur throughout the games' songs.
3"Emil/Karma" (NieR Gestalt & Replicant OST)
This track is another character theme from theNieR Gestalt & Replicant OST, that of Emil,a young boy who is cursed with magical powersand is eventually turned into a skeleton-like being. This particular version of Emil’s theme is heard during the boss fight against Goose.
The track is very energetic, featuring speedy synthesizer melodies and fast percussions. The song also features vocals, and while they are somber and solemn like many of the tracks inNieR’s OST, they are also somewhat hopeful as well.
2"Pascal" (NieR: Automata OST)
Another character theme, this time for a character fromNier: Automata. This track serves as the theme of Pascal,leader of the pacifist machinesliving within the forest. This song plays in the village in which these machines reside.
The song is quite gentle and playful, with vocals that sound almost childlike in nature. It is still a little somber, but it is certainly more lighthearted than any of the previous tracks. It is a very soothing tune, one that helps to inform the player that they are in a location where fighting isn’t necessary.
1"Song Of The Ancients" (NieR Gestalt & Replicant OST)
Another vocal song from theNieR Gestalt & Replicant OST. While this song isn’t necessarily associated with a particular character, the most reoccurring versions of this song play with speaking with the mysterious Devola and Popola.
There are multiple versions of this song, but the versions discussed here are the ones associated with Devola and Popola. Both songs are similar in nature but have different feels. Devola’s version feels somber and slow, while Popola’s version feels more ethereal and angelic. Both versions, however, are incredible and have to be heard.
Listen to theDevola version here, and thePopola version here.
