Now I am not a huge fan of Square Enix and their practices (i'll get into that in a later review), but I will admit they do make some great games. Putting a massive emphasis on the word "some".
NieR Automata released last year for the PS4, PC and just recently on the Xbox One. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world with the robots 2B and 9S are taking out the machines posing a threat to the world. Over time, they meet other robots and learn shocking truths, but I won't spoil the game as this is best experienced by yourself.
Onto the gameplay. Automata is an Action RPG as stated earlier. You can fight enemies to level up like in an RPG as well as the game having a lot of emphasis on the hack 'n' slash elements. You can utilise your robot companion to either shoot or in 9S' case; hacking into the enemy. There are various upgrades that the player can add on to make the journey easier like more health, power and even the Witch Time move from Bayonetta.
You're gonna need all these power-ups because GODDAMN this game can kick you in the balls if you're not prepared enough. It doesn't stop from making the game a damn good time. Thanks to the assistance of Platinum Games, the gameplay is fast-paced and responsive. The flying sections in the game are fun shoot em ups too, though one of the boss sections can take a long ass time to beat.
The soundtrack in the game is god-tier, with some of my favourites being Weight of the World and City Ruins. They really nailed it with setting the tone with any part of the game whether it be a boss or a fortified place.
The story in this game is phenomenal. I cannot describe it in detail because I don't want to spoil the game for any new players but it is a story full of twists, turns and a lot of genuinely shocking moments. It really reminds me of the Evangelion series minus its mediocre ending that is. Also, there is a strong cast of characters this time. With the waifu of the year 2B and her talkative sidekick 9S to the mysterious pair known as Adam and Eve.
Visually, the game is impressive. Stunning open-worlds and a lot of detail. This game aside from the odd frames hiccup is a technical marvel.
NieR Automata will remain not only my GOTY for 2017 but one of the best PS4 titles of all time. Squeenix and Platinum teamed up to make one of the must-have PS4 games on the system. If you haven't yet, I HIGHLY suggest you get round to playing this game.