This review contains spoilers
I was a bit of an emotional mess when I typed this review, so I apologize if it's a little rambly.
In many ways, NieR: Automata is a heavily flawed game. The gameplay is simplistic, the world is poorly designed, the game is pretty easy, and the structure can be somewhat tedious.
Despite all its flaws, however, Automata has left an incredible impact on people around the world. It has a lot going for it: Phenomenal animation quality, great voice acting, a godlike soundtrack, and a fascinating, mind-boggling world. The gameplay, despite its flaws, is incredibly fun and tells a story unlike any other, made possible only by its creative use of the medium of video games.
However, in the conversation about NieR: Automata, I believe the most crucial point in the game's favor is often overlooked: It is perhaps the most uplifting game ever created. It never shies away from showing the hardships of reality, betrayal, loss, and suffering. But despite all that, the player still pushes forward, determined to at least see the journey to its end, hoping that maybe, things will get better.
And my God, they do.
Ending E is the peak of Nier: Automata. Your final struggle against the world is a brutal bullet hell gauntlet, never letting up, even in the last moment. Still, the player pushes forward, failing time and time again, yet driven by the words of players across the globe. Then, you see a message: "RESCUE OFFER RECEIVED. ACCEPT OFFER?"
Then, with their newfound help, the player powers through the credits as the chorus swells, lifting their soul up to the happy ending they more than earned. And once that ending hits, the player is asked to give it up, to help another person reach it a little sooner.
Today, I received a piece of heartbreaking news.
Youtube video essayist James "Schaffrillas" Phyrillas was critically injured in a car crash. His brother Patrick and best friend Chris have passed away. I never knew any of them, but I imagine I would feel similar if the same happened to a very close friend.
As I wait for the news on James' condition, I take a look at the community around me. I see thousands of people doing the same, sending their best wishes to someone they haven't so much as talked to, simply because his funny videos made them happy. I think back to NieR: Automata's Ending E, when it asks you to give up your hard-earned save data to help a total stranger, simply so they can experience the same rush of joy that you felt.
I think, ultimately, that's how we find meaning in life. We're here to carry the weight of the world together.
Glory to Humankind.
In many ways, NieR: Automata is a heavily flawed game. The gameplay is simplistic, the world is poorly designed, the game is pretty easy, and the structure can be somewhat tedious.
Despite all its flaws, however, Automata has left an incredible impact on people around the world. It has a lot going for it: Phenomenal animation quality, great voice acting, a godlike soundtrack, and a fascinating, mind-boggling world. The gameplay, despite its flaws, is incredibly fun and tells a story unlike any other, made possible only by its creative use of the medium of video games.
However, in the conversation about NieR: Automata, I believe the most crucial point in the game's favor is often overlooked: It is perhaps the most uplifting game ever created. It never shies away from showing the hardships of reality, betrayal, loss, and suffering. But despite all that, the player still pushes forward, determined to at least see the journey to its end, hoping that maybe, things will get better.
And my God, they do.
Ending E is the peak of Nier: Automata. Your final struggle against the world is a brutal bullet hell gauntlet, never letting up, even in the last moment. Still, the player pushes forward, failing time and time again, yet driven by the words of players across the globe. Then, you see a message: "RESCUE OFFER RECEIVED. ACCEPT OFFER?"
Then, with their newfound help, the player powers through the credits as the chorus swells, lifting their soul up to the happy ending they more than earned. And once that ending hits, the player is asked to give it up, to help another person reach it a little sooner.
Today, I received a piece of heartbreaking news.
Youtube video essayist James "Schaffrillas" Phyrillas was critically injured in a car crash. His brother Patrick and best friend Chris have passed away. I never knew any of them, but I imagine I would feel similar if the same happened to a very close friend.
As I wait for the news on James' condition, I take a look at the community around me. I see thousands of people doing the same, sending their best wishes to someone they haven't so much as talked to, simply because his funny videos made them happy. I think back to NieR: Automata's Ending E, when it asks you to give up your hard-earned save data to help a total stranger, simply so they can experience the same rush of joy that you felt.
I think, ultimately, that's how we find meaning in life. We're here to carry the weight of the world together.
Glory to Humankind.