13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a single-player hybrid of visual novel and real-time strategy game. The story is set across multiple timelines in a near-future Japan threatened by the appearance of massive mechanical creatures. Thirteen different protagonists, all high school students, become drawn into the conflict when they are chosen to pilot giant mechs known as Sentinels. Each character experiences the events from a unique perspective, gradually revealing how their lives are intertwined and how their battles connect to the survival of humanity.

The game is divided into three main components: story segments, combat missions, and an analysis archive. Story sequences are presented as side-scrolling adventure segments in which the player controls one of the protagonists, explores environments, and triggers dialogue events that branch into different narrative paths. Dialogue choices occasionally alter the flow of events, unlocking new scenarios or perspectives in other characters’ storylines.

Combat takes place in a strategy mode where the chosen Sentinels must defend a command terminal against waves of enemies on a grid-based battlefield. Battles unfold in real time but can be paused to issue orders. Each Sentinel belongs to one of four classes, ranging from agile units specialized in melee combat to heavy models equipped with long-range artillery. Energy points fuel abilities, requiring players to balance offensive and defensive tactics. Successful missions award experience points used to level up pilots and meta-chips that unlock new skills or upgrade equipment.

Progression through the game is nonlinear, allowing the player to switch between character stories and battle sequences at will once unlocked. The narrative unfolds piece by piece, requiring completion of certain events or combat stages to unlock new chapters for other characters. This structure creates an interwoven timeline that can be pieced together in varying order.

The Analysis mode serves as an in-game encyclopedia recording discovered plot points, character details, and terminology. Players can replay combat encounters to earn higher ranks and additional rewards. Between battles, resources can be spent on upgrading Sentinel abilities, pilot skills, or terminal defenses.