Today's issue of Weekly Famitsu included a sizable batch of screenshots of Square Enix's upcoming action JRPG NieR: Automata.

First of all, we get to see a small crossover between NieR: Automata and Final Fantasy XV, the Engine Blade, which is the sword Noctis is gifted by his father, king Regis, for his birthday, representing the King's legacy. The sword will be available within NieR: Automata as well.

It's an area where a stream flows gently, and a lush, green forest has spread. In the depths of the forest there is an ancient castle ruin, while a derelict machine life form that used to guard it can also be found, abandoned.

The area is not deserted, though, and there are many machine life forms in the forest. They have a somewhat funny look with medieval-style armor. It seems that they have formed a distinctive community, training and fighting under the direction of leader-like individual, even learning to use formations in battle.

Last, but not least, we get the introduction of a new weapon, the spear. It's attack speed is average compared to other weapons, but it features long reach and high damaging power. Since it attacks in a linear fashion, it might be at a disadvantage when surrounded by enemies.

NieR: Automata will release for PlayStation 4 on February 23rd in Japan, and in early 2017 in the west, both on PS4 and on Steam.

Keep in mind that the screenshots in the gallery below are not direct feed, so their quality is not comparable to what will be visible on the screen. If you want to see the latest direct feed screenshots, you can find them here, and some fantastic artwork by character designer Yuya Nagai here.

Incidentally, the gallery also includes two bonus screenshots of Final Fantasy XV, featuring the Engine Blade.