Watch 27 minutes of NieR: Automata gameplay

Square Enix has shared an extended look at NieR: Automata, showing off some of the RPG elements players can get a handle on when they play the game next week. Titled “Exploring Earth’s Distant Future,” the video highlights several gameplay systems, skills and features that provide depth to the game’s fast-paced action.

These systems include but aren’t limited to:

  • “Reliquary” System: Players can return to where their characters were defeated to gain additional buffs, or even gain an ally to assist in their battle against the fearsome machines.
  • 17 Different Pod Skills: Using “Pods,” your mini-robot companions, players can not only temporarily hover or be thrown distances to access additional areas, but each Pod can be programmed with a variety of offensive and defense skills, including lasers, hammers, and more. By using up to three Pods at the same time, players can also charge their skills to make them up to three times stronger.
  • “Plug-in-Chip” System: By installing chips into your android body, players can increase damage and add skills to help survive against enemies.
  • Riding System: Players can ride boars and other wildlife for quicker travel, while also using them to attack.
  • Quest Hub: As players immerse themselves in the desolate world, they can take on a variety of sub-quests from multiple Quest Hubs scattered throughout.
  • Fishing Minigame: Players can catch a variety of fish through this mini-game to sell or gain temporary beneficial status effect.

NieR: Automata is due out for PlayStation 4 in North America on March 7 and Europe on March 10. A PC version for Steam is also in development for release some time this year.


About the Author

Erren Van Duine As a self-professed Final Fantasy fan, Erren created Nova Crystallis in 2009 as a place to collect the latest information on her favorite series. As owner and Editor-in-Chief, she also spends her time as a freelance illustrator.

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