2B’s Basic Characteristics Battle is performed in a seamless, open world. In battle the Square button is for “speed attacks”, the Triangle button for “heavy attacks”, and any additional attacks can be chained together depending on which button is pressed to create a simple yet refreshing battle system. Speed & Heavy Attacks For these types of attacks, you are able to equip whatever set of weapons you like, from single-handed and double-handed swords to gauntlets and twin blades. You can equip two sets of two weapons, and you can switch between these two sets with the touch of a single button. For example, if you have a single-handed and double-handed swords equipped in Set 1, you can easily switch to Set 2 with a gauntlet and single-handed sword to continue your attack. Simple controls allow you to perform a multitude of attacks! There are no complex strings of combo attacks; instead, your attack will continue as it registers additional button inputs. Single-handed Blade

This type of weapon is easy to use and has a nice balance of attack power, speed, and range. There are plenty of different skills that have easily connecting combos regardless of the situation in battle. Double-handed Blade

This type of weapon is both large and heavy, requiring the use of both hands. The pride of this weapon lies with its exceptional power and reach, but since its attacks are relatively slow, it gives the enemy a slight window of attack. ＊ By charging your weapon, the range of your attack will increase. Gauntlets

Although the attack range is relatively short, the advantage of this weapon is its speed and how many successful fits you can achieve in a short amount of time. It is the singular weapon of choice in one-on-one combat with its strength in speed and ease of landing special attacks. ＊ Pre-orders for the special edition “Black Box” release of NieR:Automata is currently available through the Square Enix e-STORE! This comes with the game, a 2B figure, the audio soundtrack from the NieR Music Concert & Talk Live from last April, an artbook, and novelized version of the original NieR. The sale price is set at 25,800yen. Evasion

By pressing R2, you are able to dodge enemy attacks at any time. Dashes can also be performed by adding in the Left analog stick with R2. Being able to dodge in a sort of arc motion is unique to Automata that you can see in various trailer footage. If you manage to successfully dodge as an enemy is about to attack (this is referred to as a perfect dodge*), your player character will seem to glow golden and be temporarily invincible. This will allow you the perfect window for attack. ＊ Successful Perfect Dodge! ＊ Utilize the advantage of a Perfect Dodge to launch into a devastating attack! ▲ If you ever feel like you can’t defeat a boss, switch over to the Auto Mode! For anyone who finds action games to be too difficult for them, we’ve included an Auto Mode function to help you. When you activate Auto Mode, your player character will automatically attack and dodge. All you have to do is direct your character into battle and you will have no problem winning! As you may have seen from the demonstration at TGS, Auto Mode is only accessible from Easy Mode and only takes control of close and long-distance attacks. There is also talk of adding in an Evasion Only Auto Mode that would only cover your defenses while you command all attacks.* * Whether or not this particular mode will make it into the final version of the game is not currently known. ＊ You can turn off Auto Mode at any time to return to Manual play. ＊ A Blu-ray of the “NieR Music Concert & Talk Live” event that was held this past April will be released on Wednesday, December 14 for 4,800yen.