A game that warrants - and deserves - to be talked about over and over and over. It would be an overwhelming task for me or anyone to try and crystallize even a single perspective in a review. I will however try to compress and skirt over generalities.
To get it out of the way first, the music is absolutely perfect, flawless, and monumental. It elevates crucial moments, it gives a strong taste to areas and little conclusions, and even adds to other stretches. It is a landmark as far as OSTs go.
Automata's control is a bit iffy, you get used to and understand it but it doesn't leave a good first impression. Some elements may not sit will like the need to respec your chips (Upgrades) specially for the multipe runs needed. Also the grueling quest design which I am certain was designed intentionally to feel this way. The enemy level scaling can spike unusually which warrants grinding or using cheesy tactics.
This can be interpreted validly as Taro's criticism on ideas like game design, parallels to work culture etc... But personally I think it's overbearing and negatively affects the story experience, because some subplots are interesting and have great payoff. Also that I've played a good number of games with intentionally hostile design so this novelty is a bit worn off for me.
I can't even decide on a point of introduction for the plot and writing in general. It was some of the most admirable, charming, and memorable dramas I've experienced. It is convoluted when looked at vertically but individual beats can be taken singularly and they're beautiful in many ways. The machine lifeforms are extremely interesting in so many ways than I could express, they elevate or star in so many aspects. 9S is my dear boy.
To put it briefly, playing through automata is somewhat of an effort and a commitment, but like how most commitments are it is very rewarding. If you're willing to take in some jank, this is a must play.
To get it out of the way first, the music is absolutely perfect, flawless, and monumental. It elevates crucial moments, it gives a strong taste to areas and little conclusions, and even adds to other stretches. It is a landmark as far as OSTs go.
Automata's control is a bit iffy, you get used to and understand it but it doesn't leave a good first impression. Some elements may not sit will like the need to respec your chips (Upgrades) specially for the multipe runs needed. Also the grueling quest design which I am certain was designed intentionally to feel this way. The enemy level scaling can spike unusually which warrants grinding or using cheesy tactics.
This can be interpreted validly as Taro's criticism on ideas like game design, parallels to work culture etc... But personally I think it's overbearing and negatively affects the story experience, because some subplots are interesting and have great payoff. Also that I've played a good number of games with intentionally hostile design so this novelty is a bit worn off for me.
I can't even decide on a point of introduction for the plot and writing in general. It was some of the most admirable, charming, and memorable dramas I've experienced. It is convoluted when looked at vertically but individual beats can be taken singularly and they're beautiful in many ways. The machine lifeforms are extremely interesting in so many ways than I could express, they elevate or star in so many aspects. 9S is my dear boy.
To put it briefly, playing through automata is somewhat of an effort and a commitment, but like how most commitments are it is very rewarding. If you're willing to take in some jank, this is a must play.