For people who are saying that the arguments are repetitive: go back and listen to the Saints Row the Third and Skyrim arguments. Those are just as, if not more, insufferable than the arguments that happen in this years game of the year discussion. This happens almost every single year, especially in years where there is a divide in what resonates with people (as happens in a year with a lot of good games). If anything, it was in the best game deliberations that I felt Abby did her best arguing. It was the first time I felt like anyone on this staff (aside from Alex on a few categories) showed any passion for a single game.
Secondly, while people are quick to tear down Dream Daddy being on the list because Abby argued, "It does something different," 1. Brad used that argument in favor of PUBG when it is derivative of other games in that same type of shooter, 2. staff experience is always an important factor in these arguments. In a way, I feel like a lot of this is just backlash that it is not Doki Doki Literature Club, which isn't really fair with regard to the staff not playing it at all. Additionally, it is not as if they have never put games on a best game list for one persons passion (Mass Effect 3, Invisible Inc., Sleeping Dogs) and Dream Daddy had two people who argued for it being on there.
You could argue that it is misleading to use the words, "Best Game," for the category if they use this criteria for determining what goes on the list, but for this staff (and probably most publications/sites) does not play everything, or everyone does not play everything everyone else plays. Nor should they have to. As an amalgamation of staff passion the list paints a decent picture of what they all enjoyed or liked.
I agree with the decision to give Cuphead best style. It can seem odd to give it to the game that won best looking game, but the cohesion and execution of its style is fantastic. Persona 5 has a lot of good style in it, and it is also well executed, but Cuphead has enough style to attract attention from people who do not even like that style of hard platformer. I did not notice the same thing from Persona 5.
At no point while playing Nier did I feel like 2B's sexuality ever got in the way of the game. I feel like the complaint that is easiest to levy against Nier is with regards to its combat not necessarily being for everyone. While I enjoyed a lot of the shooter elements, the hacking, and felt the combat was serviceable, not everyone feels that way. The story, the characters, and world itself were all super compelling to me.
If Abby does not feel that way, I do not know why should would try to force her way through the game. However, her complaints about the horniness and sexuality feel unfair and unwarranted. There is a difference between exploiting, or selling a character on their sexuality and how 2B is portrayed in the game.
This is a cool series. I kinda find it weird that Dan is both a coach, said he wouldn't be giving hints, and proceeds to tell her how to finish fights. However, I also take it that this isn't supposed to be like a breaking Abby kind of thing and more of a, "Hey, lets have Abby play Punch-Out!" thing.
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