Player 1 Start

(Micro)Review: Nier: Automata [PlayStation 4]

Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Square Enix
Rated: M for Mature
Released: March 7, 2017
Completed: February 3, 2018

Nier: Automata is one of the most original RPGs to come along in some time.  The story is a philosophical exploration of human nature.  That's nothing new for science fiction, or even video games, but it's well-told, in spite of some occasionally suspect voice acting that sounds like a cheaply dubbed anime flick.  What's most impressive is how PlatinumGames, makers of the spectacular Bayonetta series and the underrated Vanquish, changes things up throughout the adventure.  One minute it's a third person hack & slash action game, the next a top-down bullet hell shooter, before switching to a unique twin-stick shooter for its hacking interface.  The game also features at least 26 different endings - one for every letter of the U.S. alphabet - ensuring that there is plenty for players to discover. 

In fact, to see the game's full story, you'll want to play through it three times, but don't worry - each playthrough is different, and played from the perspective of a different character.  It all comes together in the end, even if it does start to drag ever so slightly.  The post-apocalyptic world is a bit drab, but the different gameplay mechanics, solid RPG elements and character customization, and engaging story will keep you playing.  It's a genre-busting ride that's well worth taking.

Nier: Automata was completed on a PlayStation 4 with no cheats.

 

(Micro)Review: Doki Doki Literature Club [PC]

Developer: Team Salvato
Publisher: Team Salvato/Valve
Rated: M for Mature
Released: September 22, 2017
Completed: December 23, 2017

I know what you're thinking: "How could Matt enjoy this cutesy anime visual novel?"  Trust me when I tell you that Doki Doki Literature Club is not at all what it appears to be.  After an admittedly dull, bog standard first hour, the game starts subverting your expectations at every turn.  Nearly every review suggests that the less said about the game, the better, and they're absolutely right.  Going in blind will increase your enjoyment - if, in fact, you enjoy this sort of thing - exponentially.  Once it has its hooks in you, it doesn't let go.  As a game, it's your standard visual novel stuff, meaning there's little you can do except make decisions.  As a meta-game, it's brilliant in the way it uses the medium to its advantage.  It's free on Steam, so there's no reason not to try it out. 

Doki Doki Literature Club was completed on PC with no cheats.

(Micro)Review: What Remains of Edith Finch [PlayStation 4]

Developer: Giant Sparrow
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Rated: T for Teen
Released: April 25, 2017 (Digital)
Completed: December 10, 2017

A touching and powerful walking simulator from the people who made The Unfinished Swan.  The story of the Finch clan, and their varied tragic demises, is captivating.  Each family member gets their own gameplay segment that's handled in their own unique style, which keeps the experience fresh throughout.  The only real downside is there's not enough exploration and interaction with the beautiful, eccentric Finch family home, and no incentive to go back unless you just want to experience the story again.  There are also some framerate issues, but given the slow-paced nature of the game, that shouldn't be an issue for all but the nitpickiest of players.

What Remains of Edith Finch was completed on a PlayStation 4 with no cheats.