Best Game of March 2017 Honorable Mention – NieR: Automata
Read the Review!
NieR: Automata isn’t just any typical action RPG, it’s a video game that actively makes use of its gameplay elements and presentation to tell a gripping story. Automata isn’t afraid to take risks, as you’ll soon see from its forced camera angle changes, and mix-ups between traditional action gameplay and bullet hell shmup segments.
The game’s open world may be small in comparison to other titles, but all the areas feel like well-structured set pieces that fit in well with each other. And of course, the one thing that ties all of these elements together is its insanely phenomenal soundtrack. Truly, as engaging as NieR: Automata is on its own, it wouldn’t be half as great without Keiichi Okabe’s composing talents. It’s not just the music itself that’s lovely, the songs actively ‘evolve’ as you progress through the story and more and more instruments are layered on top of each other, allowing you to enjoy the full weight of the song. The sound design and mixing plays such a big role in conveying Automata’s story, it simply wouldn’t be the same game without it.
At the end of the day, NieR: Automata is a game that will likely push you out of your comfort zone, and defy whatever expectations you may have of an action RPG. Still, if you’re willing to keep an open mind about it, and just roll with the craziness it throws at you, you might just fall in love with a gem of a game that will be talked about for years to come.
