If Shadow of the Colossus, Final Fantasy and Okami had been fused together to create a game...this would be it.
Unfortunately, because of the lack of hype, this game will be among the many that will go under the radar of many gamers simply based on the look of the game cover and the lack of any real support it seems from SqEnix to hype it up a bit. Don't let any of that fool you. Nier's visually striking art style is amazing. It downplays the "OOMPH" of modern games special effects with an artistic style that is bold and simple, yet wonderful to take part in.
The story, while many might find it "cliche" in this day and age, is well told through dialogue and interactions with NPCs and an occasional cut scene. The father figure shows a genuine concern for the well being of his daughter and the voice acting is well done, especially for Grimmoire Weiss.
The soundtrack for the game is very well done and you might just find yourself entranced in the ambience of the music and the local bards. It's not too flashy and overdramatic and it keeps a sense of pace and localization for where you might be in the game.
The only real flaw I can find in the game, is after the opening sequence, like any SqEnix game, it is rather mundane as it teaches you how to play and do certain things and run mundane quests for the first 45 minutes. After that, the gameworld opens up and you become free to go and slay and learn.
Combat is rather open ended in that you can use swordplay and magic and use spell words and the Grim to begin combos and cause utter destruction to your enemies. Spell words are used to do a bevy of things like add certain percentages to magic power or armor, or to amp up the power of certain magic spells, The Grim is your "magic" enabling you to do amazing attacks with the aid of the book. As you progress you can also make certain items, buy better equipment, up your armour, etc. Of course there are quests a plenty to keep you busy and enabling you to be able to afford that first 17k sword that looks hungry for blood. And blood there is in the game folks, that's right. A SqEnix game with blood....wooo hooo! A word of caution for those with the kiddies in the household though, It is a very mature game, and as such, the language is not kept in bounds, in fact, the very opening of the game uses choice words that you should not let the younger ones hear.
In short, don't believe the naysayers. The game is not for everyone. The artisitic style alone might put off those that appreciate grander effects or the RPG questing elements might put off those that like only FPS's. In short, it's a SqEnix game, but a very good one that should not be overlooked by anyone that follows a good action RPG.