A combination of graphics and sound used that is not necessarily the best, but definitely stands out
If we made a separate award for the best graphics and sound, you can expect to see some familiar AAA games being nominated. But when we consider the two as an aesthe- ahem, a e s t h e t i c, as one form of presentation, then the award is not about pure quality, but how the two elements make a game stands out.
Tetris Effect is how you get high on Tetris with its crazy effects blaring up on the sides, dynamic music and the optional second controller support for vibrations. But, questions of accessibility held it back.
Meanwhile, indie 2D Dark Souls-like game Death’s Gambit got in as well. The sweet-looking 2D sprites and the sombre world still stands out despite the obvious influences.
Dragon Quest XI continues to be a JRPG at its finest, and purest. Akira Toriyama’s character designs are well realised with the bold lines. And it has visual parity across PC, PS4 and the upcoming Switch port. Lethal League Blaze, switches from 2D sprites to 3D models that look like 2D sprites, upping its fidelity. Having Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Nagamuna on its already great soundtrack is icing on the cake.
But what if we combine the a e s t h e t i c choices of the two games into one?
Dragon Ball FigtherZ continues to make us confuse on how to pronounce it and wowed us. The 3D models that look like 2D presentation is paired with the iconic IP of Dragon Ball. The result is just pure awesomeness. Plus, the level of fanservice is unrivalled, making fans, and non-fans, want to try out this 3-on-3 tag-team fighting game.
So hats off the Dragon Ball FighterZ!
The Gamer Malaya And Gamer Matters’ Award For Best a e s t h e t i c
Winner: Dragon Ball FighterZ (Arc System Works, Bandai Namco)
Honorable Mentions: Tetris Effect (Enhance Games), Death’s Gambit (White Rabbit, Adult Swim Games), Dragon Quest XI (Square Enix), Lethal League Blaze (Team Reptile)
Choice quotes from the deliberations:
“Guilty Gear, plus anime. Holy ***, this works! Heaven or hell, let’s rock!” -Wam
“I feel like it’s a slide..” -Daniel, after casting his vote for Dragon Ball FighterZ
“Death’s Gambit… it has the same vibe as Castlevania, the pixel art looks pretty nice, the ambience matches up with the background environments. Ommph!” -Irham, proving Daniel wrong
“Tetris Effect.” -Anan, proving Daniel wrong, again
“I do not know anything about Dragon Ball but it still makes me hyped about Dragon Ball.” -Meck, who almost voted for Tetris Effect and proving Daniel wrong
Stay tuned for tomorrow where we will reveal The David Cage Award For Best Story!
Check here for the full results of the Gamer Malaya and Gamer Matters Game Of The Year Awards 2018.