Binary Domain is a shooting game set in Tokyo, in 2080 where human-like robots threaten to infiltrate civilisation and take control. Play is a combination of shooting and squad management. It stands out for the believable robotic enemies and a Bladerunner-inspired story about the implications of robots that are imperceptible from humans.

Dan Marshall and his squad are sent to bring the robotic community under control and stop them from living as if they were humans. You play by controlling your character as they move through the city, using cover and shooting down the robots. At the same time, you give commands to your squad on your side.

There are a number of systems that made the game stand out at release. For example, your robotic allies think they are human and remember the way you treat them. They also (to some degree) think tactically for themselves and invite different tactics. More impressive is the way the enemy robots are injured when shot. Not only can you blow parts of their armour and body off, but they respond to this by compensating for missing limbs or changing up their tactics.

The result is a linear but satisfying journey into the heart of this futuristic Toykuo starting in the slums and ending in the pristine tech towers. Like Gears of War, which popularised the third-person battle with human enemies, Binary Domain does this perfectly with a robotic carapace rather than flesh being the target of your bullets.