NieR: Automata [Day One Edition]

Since then, they have been sending android units back to Earth to fight proxy wars against the machines, until it becomes safe to return.

This game follows three units from the YoRHa android series: a battle unit named 2B, a recon unit named 9S, and an older prototype unit named A2.

Battles are fought in the overworld.

The active character can use a variety of different attacks, and may use one of four different weapon classes.

Weapons may be switched during combat to create combo attacks.

The character also has a Pod, a flying robot that launches automatic ranged attacks and can use different types of programs.

As robots, the main characters may install plug-in chips in order to benefit from buffs and other helpful attributes.

A character may have a finite number of chips equipped at once, as each one requires a certain amount of storage, but it is possible to save different configurations and switch between them on the fly.

RPG elements include various quests, of which many are optional, and an experience-based leveling system where enemies generally level up to match the player's character level.

Weapons and pods can be upgraded multiple times when the needed materials have been gathered.

There are also various support items and shops where items can be sold and bought.

Plug-in chips can be sold or fused for a price, making them stronger but often at the cost of additional storage.

Next to the main gameplay, there are many flying shooter sections, often involving "bullet hell" environments.

It is also often possible to hack opponents, which is presented as a different type of shooter mini-game.

The game uses a story that is told over the course of several playthroughs, sometimes retelling moments but with another protagonist, or experiencing events before or after the main story.