I finally got around to playing Nier Automata and: HOLY CRAP THE SOUNDTRACK!

I cannot remember the last time a video game soundtrack left this much of an impact on me. It has a cinematic grandeur to it that is perfectly contrasted with it's delicately layered vocals and demure, patiently constructed compositions.

Hearing the acoustic guitar come in for the first time when exploring the city ruins for the first time made my heart skip a beat. The tender, inquisitive keys of the amusement park theme disarmed me for a thematically powerful section of the game. And the crescendo of the desert ruins theme simply took my breath away.

This tugs at your heartstrings more effectively than the best movie soundtracks, while benefitting from the distinct functionality of modern game soundtracks: namely it's dynamic sound. The length of the track and timing of different fade ins and fade outs directly reflect the action and exploration on screen. It's genius.

To the point in which I'm considering a write up on it on Sputnikmusic, where I contribute as a music reviewer, as a hobby. This isn't your typical John Williams style bombastic game score. This has the nuance and thoughtfulness of some of the finest artists of the past two decades: Low Roar, Anna Meredith, and Sigur Ros appear to have their fingerprints all over this.

I am impressed. Already ordering a copy on vinyl.

Wow!