From a confusing opening to one of four different endings, Nier weaves an intriguing plot around a simple tale of a father doing his utmost to save his dying daughter. This being a videogame, of course, he's using weapons and magic, and is able to enlist the help of a talking book named Grimoire Weiss.

It blends simple swords-and-sorcery combat in the field with more puzzle-led gameplay in its dungeon environments, but developer Cavia adds plenty of new ingredients to the mix, including sequences that nod to games such as Sin and Punishment and Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series. While many of its best ideas are lifted from other titles, they've rarely been combined in the manner they are here, with one memorable battle switching between traditional three-dimensional combat and a 2D platform shooter.

Despite these highlights, some terrific dialogue and a superb soundtrack, the game is very rough around the edges, with occasionally slapdash design and disappointing graphics. Though regular changes of pace endeavour to keep things fresh, ultimately its ideas struggle to gel into an entirely satisfying whole. As a potential future cult hit, some might find Nier deserving of closer examination, but there are better titles to spend your money on this month.