As a die-hard gamer who’s been through the wringer with countless titles, I can confidently say that the New Game+ modes in Nier: Automata and Starfield have left me utterly spellbound!
These days, video games can be quite pricey, leaving some players wondering if a single playthrough justifies the cost. That’s when the concept of New Game Plus (NG+) shines. I find myself often appreciating this feature as it allows me to replay a game with new challenges and rewards, making each experience feel fresh while still getting value for my money.
As I embark on my second journey through this captivating game, my aim isn’t just to replay the familiar levels; it’s to amplify the challenges, boost the rewards, and transform the experience into something entirely new. In essence, I seek a fresh, exhilarating adventure that deviates from the first playthrough.
We aren’t solely focusing on boosting the health of opponents or making them tougher; rather, we’re discussing additional narrative strands, exclusive items for New Game Plus, and exciting improvements to the original gameplay that make a second run even more engaging. Here are some fantastic games with NG+ modes that align with our approach.
10 Final Fantasy 16
Not So Easy Anymore
Final Fantasy 16 may initially appear to be an easy game, yet once completed, the Final Fantasy Mode (Hard Mode) is unlocked, introducing a significantly challenging experience that offers novel aspects in multiple ways.
Initially, you begin the game with all your abilities already accessible, carried over from the past games. However, using these powers without a suitable adversary to test them isn’t thrilling. Fortunately, in Final Fantasy 16, there’s no lack of challenge to put your skills to the test.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that the standard foes have been wiped out, making way for tougher adversaries instead. The AI of these new enemies has ramped up significantly, with their aggressive behavior becoming more pronounced. When it comes to bosses, they now live up to their fearsome reputations, acting in a manner that truly reflects their intimidating presence.
You also no longer have QTE prompts during boss battles, leading to a much more challenging affair.
The game seems to have lacked a challenging mode from the outset, making it overly simple for many action gamers. However, it does offer plenty of opportunities for repeat play for those who enjoy continuing the experience.
9 Dragon’s Dogma
Face Yourself
The game “Dragon’s Dogma” stands out for its distinctive New Game+ mode. Indeed, you retain your equipment from previous playthroughs, but the main attraction is the extra content offered.
In the very first town, right on the beach, you’ll stumble upon a portal that swiftly transports you to face one of the game’s toughest bosses, the Ur-Dragon. Additionally, this portal offers you the opportunity to experiment with a distinct character class, introducing an entirely fresh gameplay experience within Dragon’s Dogma.
New quests are also available, as well as new bounty hunt-style quests and new escort missions.
The most interesting addition, however, is the change to the final boss. Spoiler warning if you haven’t finished the game yet, but if you’re playing offline, the new Seneschal will, in fact, be your character from the previous playthrough, making you, in fact, the final boss of the game.
In the captivating world of Dragon’s Dogma, I find myself eagerly diving back in for a second round. The rich lore keeps me hooked and makes every playthrough an exciting adventure!
8 Nioh 2
A New Experience
If you savor challenging, intricate games, Nioh 2 is a treat that could keep you engaged for quite some time. And if you’re the kind of player who yearns for more of its exceptional combat and rich details, then the New Game Plus mode in Nioh 2 will be an unforgettable experience tailored just for you.
In the updated version, you’ll discover fresh equipment, altered positions for enemies, hidden new abilities to use, and most excitingly, foes from the DLC will begin showing up in places where regular enemies were previously present.
Not only do the number of adversaries rise, escalating the tension in each encounter, but you’ll also face several additional challenges and an enormous endgame labyrinth to boot.
Many fans of Nioh 2 believe that the game only starts in earnest during the New Game Plus mode, and it’s quite understandable why they feel this way.
7 Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
Brand New Content
Fires of Rubicon grasps the concept of the New Game Plus mode perfectly.
After finishing your initial challenging experience playing the game, you’ll earn 11 additional missions during your subsequent playthroughs in the New Game Plus mode.
Emphasis on the playthroughs, as the first one isn’t the end, and valuable story beats also play out in NG++ modes.
This game has enough content to make it worthy for the list, but FromSoftware truly exceeded expectations by offering numerous variations of previous missions, providing players with additional intriguing details about this enigmatic cosmos.
In addition, there are seven freshly added weapons, seven new items to discover, and brand-new battles in the Arena. This massive influx of new material means that the game offers so much content that exploring everything it has to story- and content-wise can only be achieved by completing the game at least three times over.
For some individuals, the prospect of Armored Core 6 could be terrifying, but for enthusiasts who take delight in fully exploiting the value of the games they purchase, it presents an exciting journey instead.
6 Chrono Trigger
Before NG+ Was A Thing
Let’s take a moment to honor one of the all-time classic games, Chrono Trigger. It doesn’t merely deserve this recognition due to its exceptional gameplay, but also for pioneering the concept that came to be known as New Game Plus (NG+).
In the game “Chrono Trigger”, the concept of time plays a significant role, and when you enter NG+ Mode, you’re given the ability to control time. With the weapons and gear from your initial playthrough still in tow, you can now confront the main antagonist, Lavos, at various moments across different historical periods.
This aspect is intriguing because it alters the narrative direction of the gameplay. Additionally, there are numerous alternative endings to discover, and the actual ending of the game can only be reached by replaying in New Game Plus mode.
That secret ending comes from defeating Super Lavos, who initially was the cause of the main character Chrono’s death. You are pretty much forced to lose this fight the first time around.
However, the second time, you will be equipped to defeat Lavos and unlock the game’s true ending.
Although the game is quite simple, playing it in New Game Plus (NG+) offers no real challenges. However, if you’re interested in the new plot developments, it’s still worth giving it a try.
5 Resident Evil 4
Now You’re All In Big, Big Trouble
Resident Evil 4 earns a place on this list not for any unique aspects of its New Game Plus mode, but rather for what it allows you to achieve. In essence, everything except for puzzle items gets carried over, turning you into an unstoppable force right from the start of your second playthrough.
It’s now your chance to take action against those frightening villagers who made you flee earlier. With a shotgun and an RPG in hand, there’s no reason to be afraid anymore. The mutated villagers no longer pose any threat to you.
After single confrontations replace the usual ordeals, it makes you wonder about how things could have turned out differently for Leon Kennedy had he been slightly better equipped before embarking on this seemingly impossible task.
Now, you can buy the endless Role-Playing Game (RPG) from the vendor, which grants you additional means to wreak havoc upon your adversaries.
In the game “Resident Evil 4,” the NG+ mode offers an exhilarating power trip that’s seldom seen in horror titles. Despite its occasional over-the-top moments, this empowering experience is hard to resist and keeps you thoroughly entertained throughout.
4 Nier
What Have I Done?
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In the creative realm of Yoko Taro lies the origin of Nier, and since you know his work is far from ordinary, you can expect that its New Game Plus mode stands out in a class of its own.
Starting New Game Plus offers several exciting enhancements: You’ll delve into Kaine’s past, an entirely fresh game segment; uncover Emil’s history through additional scenes; witness extended interactions with various characters; and reap the benefits of keeping your gear from the initial playthrough. But what truly sets it apart is…
During your initial gameplay experience, the adversaries you battle emit an incomprehensible dialect, rendering it extremely challenging to decipher their reasons or intentions.
During the second round of gameplay, you can now understand every word spoken by the Shades, revealing shocking truths about your role as the protagonist that are truly unsettling.
In this version, you’ll discover the full histories of your bosses, which will uncover reasons behind their actions. Sadly, despite these insights, you’re compelled to battle them as it remains the only course of action you’re familiar with.
It’s a fascinating meta-commentary on the nature of games and a true testament to Yoko Taro’s genius as a game designer. This isn’t going to be the last time I mention him on this list.
3 Triangle Strategy
A Ghost From the Future You Become
In the “Triangle Strategy”, the New Game Plus mode employs a distinctive approach. During your first game, your choices significantly shape the narrative, restricting access to specific characters and determining how events unfold based on your decisions.
The magic there is you don’t know what decision will cause what outcome.
In the New Game Plus mode within “Triangle Strategy,” you encounter tougher opponents. However, an extra feature is that all dialogue options reveal the impact they have on your character’s beliefs, leading to various storylines unfolding, as well as characters potentially aligning themselves as allies or adversaries based on these decisions.
This method is incredibly engaging for players, as it presents an exclusive mode to enjoy the game where you can tailor the narrative according to your preferences. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to understand why specific characters initially found you unappealing.
2 Nier: Automata
Keep Going, There’s More To See
In terms of the Nier series, Nier: Automata emerged as a huge success, sparking anticipation for another captivating New Game Plus mode.
In a somewhat sad manner, Nier: Automata concludes decisively. For the majority of instances, things seem to have reached their end. The antagonists are vanquished, secrets are unveiled, and peace seems to prevail.
Apart from luring you back into combat, NG+ offers a unique experience by placing you in the role of an alien you’ve battled throughout the game, implying that you might gain a fresh viewpoint during this new playthrough.
As I step into the digital world, I embody 9S, feeling the weight of repeated deaths on my mechanical heart. It’s a grim reminder of the psychological impact such an ordeal has on a young robot like myself.
In this updated version, the histories of your supervisors will be unveiled, you’ll have fresh interactions with new boss characters, and you’ll discover a unique gameplay method through a hacking minigame that allows you to vanquish foes.
The new perspective on the tale is quite intriguing, and when it ends, it seems as though it has indeed ended – but alas, it hasn’t quite yet.
In this case, the third playthrough allows you to experience the perspective of A2, who was initially presented as a sort of adversary.
In this last round, you’ll discover all the game’s secrets, including numerous hidden bosses, plenty of fresh locations to traverse, new primary antagonists, and the genuine, climactic conclusion.
In the third time playing through this tale, it’s utterly extraordinary and ranks among the most daring narratives ever woven within a video game.
If you’ve completed the game just once, there’s so much more to explore; delve deeper, and you’ll find yourself surprised, amazed, and richly compensated.
1 Starfield
Another Life
2023 saw the release of Starfield, which didn’t quite meet the expectations created by the hype initially. However, its new game-plus mode surpassed all expectations and showcased true greatness.
Once the game concludes, you’re given an opportunity to enter the Unity. From there, you can opt to return to your former existence, or elect to reincarnate as a Starborn and commence the cycle afresh from its inception.
Should you transform into a Starborn entity, you’ll start the New Game Plus (NG+) as a kind of cosmic character, equipped with a freshly minted Starborn spacecraft and attire.
From this point forward, you’ll find the events becoming increasingly intriguing. Some dialogues will provide Starborn dialogue choices, leading characters to recognize your existence across dimensions and make comments regarding it.
You have the option to explore various mission routes, taking paths you skipped during your initial playthrough.
What stands out most is the 10% probability that you’ll find yourself starting a new world as a Starborn, but with a distinctive twist compared to others.
Among these characteristics, you’ll find abilities such as encountering your own self, select individuals from this Constellation have the potential to become malevolent, and surprisingly, it comprises solely of youngsters.
There’s a possibility that every unique outcome hasn’t been uncovered, meaning it’s still feasible to encounter an unusual and unprecedented result whenever you complete the game.
This potential, never-ending variation makes Starfield the number one pick on our list.
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2024-09-25 17:10