The Aggie Awards – The Best Adventure Games of 2021 page 12
Best Acting (Voice or Live Action): Twelve Minutes
As common as voice acting is in adventures these days, it’s not every game that can boast a star-studded Hollywood cast of A-list actors. Enter Luis Antonio’s indie drama Twelve Minutes, in which big-screen talents James McAvoy and Daisy Ridley deliver believable and emotionally powerful performances as a husband and wife whose domestic bliss is shattered one fateful night when a violent impostor invades their home. Effectively portraying the transition from loving affection to mortal terror is no small feat, and the two pull it off splendidly. No less noteworthy, however, is the instantly recognizable addition of Willem Dafoe, effortlessly slipping into the role of villain and practically dripping malice with every uttered syllable. It’s a vocal tour de force that makes it all too easy to care for the plight of the young couple about to experience the worst night of their lives from the first moment you meet them. The trio may not have any Oscars or Golden Globes, but they’re now the winners of the far-more-coveted Best Acting Aggie Award for 2021.
Runners-Up:
The Forgotten City
Lake
Minute of Islands
Strangeland
Readers’ Choice: Life Is Strange: True Colors
Outstanding voice acting has been a hallmark of DONTNOD Entertainment’s Life Is Strange series from the start, a trait we were delighted to see carried over to True Colors even with Deck Nine taking over the reins this time. Nowhere is this more evident than with the game’s protagonist, Alex Chen, who goes through a wide range of emotions as she seeks to unravel the mystery behind her brother’s death while also dealing with her paranormal gift as an empath, which lets her sense other people’s thoughts and feelings. Throughout her ordeal, Alex is voiced to perfection by Erika Mori (and musically by YouTuber mxmtoon, aka Maia, who fills in as singer whenever Alex composes her private thoughts thorough melodies). But Alex is not the only standout here. Everyone in the picturesque town of Haven is brought to life by a host of talented performers, including Alex’s two friends, the goofy but earnest Ryan and the loyal but less predictable Steph, either of which you can choose to pursue as a romantic interest if you wish. Add in a great supporting cast like the forgetful florist Eleanor and town drunk Duckie and you’ve got just the right mix for our reader Aggie acting winner.
Runners-Up:
Strangeland
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One
The Forgotten City
Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo
Next up: Best Sound Effects... the envelope, please!
