Most of the item, equip and PE ability is self-explanatory, so I won't be going into much detail with that. However, remember some things:

1. Aya can only hold a set amount of items. Put the rest in boxes for later use, or let Wayne at the station hold it. Remember that keys take up a considerable amount of space.

2. BP (Bonus Points) are awarded for every level Aya gains, and this increase is in direct proportion to the level attained. (That is, the higher the level the more BP) I would recommend using all your BP to increase either Item Capacity or (my personal choice) Active Time, as powering-up your weapons is kinda useless when you'll get new ones. Each 100 BP equals one increase.

3. Parasite Eve is really touchy with items etc..you'll have to stand exactly in the proper position to do some things. So if it looks like you can open a door, get a chest, push a switch or some other tricky affair and you can't, push the button repeatedly while walking around the area. Chances are you'll do whatever you want to.

4. Every time you enter the station, going to see Wayen and looking at the box on the counter will net you 30 bullets.

5. Your PE gauge charges fast the moment you enter combat, but slows considerably as the fight drags on. In order to recover a fast charge rate, change weapons.

Combat System

I really must congratulate Square on such an innovative combat arrangement; it combines action and strategy in a incredily fun mix. Here's how it works.

Firstly, Aya can only do anything (be it attack, change weapon etc) when her attack gauge is filled. Other than that, she has to run around avoiding her enemies attack. It might be wise to note that going too close to one of them is not a wise option; unlike Aya, they can attack pretty frequently.

Once the gauge is filled, however, certain options become availabe. Aya may attack with her equipped weapon or access the status screen for a wider range of choices, among them changing her weapon and using PE and items. All these actions will reduce her gauge to zero again.

Okay; first, we have attacking. Be sure to position yourself well (especially if using a close-combat weapon) before doing so. Guns also tend to do more damage close up, but be wary of firing two shots or more, in particular at multiple targets - Aya will have to stay still in order to do so, which leaves her open to attack from enemies.

Use the Pause button to assist you in battle. I cannot stress this enough, so it gets a whole paragraph to itself. ^_^ Pausing really helps, especially when dealing with a bunch of enemies or spread-fire attacks. Get a proper bearing before cutting loose with your weapon of choice.

Also, watch carefully for your enemies patterns, as they usually follow set ones. They will also vary their attacks, and change position quickly if you get to their backs - strike fast. Knowing your enemy is vitally important.

Another point to take note of is your enemy's position. You'll have to strike at exactly the correct location to do the most damage - usually from the back or side. (The yellow numbers, critical hits, will have more chance of appearing if you shoot near the enemy.) Be sure to get close enough to hit effectively; this is especially true with guns, which will do pitiful damage if too far away.

Jockey about if your attacks don't seem to be doing much harm; chances are you're not aiming right. And of course, when the green targeting circle is present, you can look carefully to see whether your attack will hit. Do take into account the enemies's movements, though.

A last note : different weapons charge your attack gauge and PE one at different rates, so pick carefully.

Now for other options. Obviously, you're going to be wanting to use your PE gauge next, which refills slowly during combat. Make use of the fact that your PE gauge regenerates! Get into combat and stay there, healing all your wounds.

You can also change your weapon by going to the Gun icon and fiddling around. It will take Aya some time to do this, so be careful. Items may also be used.

Reconstruction Commands

Using the two wrench like objects in the game will allow you to access this particular function. The one with the longer name will not destroy one of the two items being re-made, but the one with the shorter one will. (What a way to classify items.)

Ignacio Delucas's explanation is a pretty good one, so I'm sticking it here.

Well, let's start with this. I'm quite sure you know about the "bonus" points a weapon/armor has, don't you? These are, well, bonuses that are added to the base parameters of the item. Each weapon/armor has three parameters which are Attack Power, Range and Ammo for weapons, and Defense, Parasite Energy and Critical Evade Rate for armor. Now, the bonus points are added to these parameters to form a particular weapon/armor's parameters. You can increase the "bonus points" of an item's parameters by using 100 of your own "Bonus Points" (the ones given to you when you level up), or by using special, one-use items.

The reconstruction stuff works more or less like the fusion thing of Chocobo Mysterious Dungeon. You fuse a "base" weapon with another one, and you get an improved version of the first. In Parasite Eve you can fuse the "bonus points" of two items (add the second's to the first's), or you can add one of the "special abilities" of an item to another. In both cases, the item which is not the "base" is destroyed.

To do this, you must first select the base item. Then, select the item whose bonus/abilities you want to add to the first. Finally, select either the bonuses or one of the abilities of the second item. Then a confirmation screen with the name of the item which will be destroyed should appear. Confirm it and that's all.

What I usually do whenever I get a new armor/item with a better base defenseis to add my old equipment's bonuses to the new one. BTW, don't get too excited about adding the possibility of adding the "7 shots each round" ability to a rifle or such: the ability itself lowers the real attack power of the weapon so it will stay proportional :(. It's only use seems to pin down an enemy pumping lead on it while your ATB bar refills.