The cult classic action RPG NieR, known for its beautifully melancholy score, interesting and likable characters, and mind-blowing plot twist, will be getting a sequel developed by Square Enix and Platinum Games. So far little information has been revealed (even the subtitle of the game was said to be secret for now) but we do know that what we’ll call NieR 2 is set for 2016, exclusively on PlayStation 4.

Yoko Taro, director of the first NieR and the Drakengard series, that the former game fits into, took the stage at the Square Enix conference after the trailer was shown to speak a bit more about the game, wearing an Emil mask. He’s a wonderfully strange fellow who makes wonderfully strange games. It is surprising, but impressive and generous of Square Enix to greenlight this odd game that definitely has promise, even though it’s not a guaranteed blockbuster.

NieR launched to mixed reviews, but the general consensus was that the story, characters, and ideas where strong, while the production values and gameplay were a bit lacking. With the original team at the design helm, NieR should be just as dark and unconventional as the first, but now with improved, polished gameplay from the stylish action veterans at Platinum Games. The first game, though an action RPG at its core, swapped gameplay styles often, ranging from 2D platformer to top down dungeon crawler-esque views while playing and more. If this feature is to return, Bayonetta‘s varied gameplay (fighting on falling buildings, upside down, on walls, After Burner arcade segments, FPS mini-games) proves that Platinum is more than capable to deliver in NieR 2.

As far as plot details, this week’s Famitsu revealed a few details in an interview with Yoko Taro. NieR 2 takes place quite a bit into the future, and those who haven’t played NieR (though they should) could pick up the new title with few issues. Characters from the first game will appear in some form, but will not fill central roles. Whether they will be playable at any point was not said. Yoko Taro states NieR 2 is around ten percent complete, so we have quite a wait on our hands.

This release is far from near (heh) so expect plenty more news as we draw closer to launch. Stick around here at Nerd Bacon and we’ll keep you up to date on all new info.