11/30/2014 - 4:29 PM - GMT +8
By: Seth Legaspi
Neptuuuuuuneeeeeeeee!!! Yes, I really like this game series. I've been following it since its first game on the ps3, and I simply have to say that this rebirth is leaps and bounds above that very first game that felt more like a prototype than a full game.
So, here's a brief intro of the game first...
By Idea Factory, "Hyperdimension Neptunia" is set in a fictional world named, 'Gamindustri.' Here we meet our main character, Neptune, the CPU (Console Patron Unit) of Planeptune. Upon meeting the main character, we are then set on the fun and wacky story, along with the totally amusing dialogue that is signature to the world of Hyperdimension Neptunia. (Yes, that's my intro, because the game will give a full intro upon starting it, and I don't want to be a repeat of that, thus my somewhat general introduction of it).
The game has a pretty good tutorial feature that's quick and informative, and only appears before a certain function, though I believe that the series' Veterans may not need it anymore. (That's 'veterans' with a capital 'V')
So... Some call this a remake of the first game... In fact its start is very similar to the first game with very minor differences... This keeps up for a while in the game's chapter 1 until...
Yes folks. As Neptune affirmed upon reaching this difference in the plot at the beginning, I just knew that the story will be totally different, and how different it really was... I'm not even sure if I should call it a remake... I guess that's why they called it Re;Birth. I mean, uhh... Just look at this screenshot from the prologue, it's glorious! It really blew me away when it started playing in the prologue. (note: Different from the op song)
Adding to this, all those unimportant side-characters that used to have sprites that were generic shadows, now have their own art. To point em out, here are some of these side-character's new portraits. Try to identify them if you can! (Except for the first one of course)
Aside from the characters above; new side-characters, whose portraits I will not include, are also introduced.
Another revamped feature would be the Goddess Blogs. They really look like blogs in a sense now, though I wonder when Neptune will make hers...
As for the gameplay; the battle system is similar to Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory's.
From this, I would like to point out the very informative descriptions of the character's different skills.
The EXE skills still have that 'awesome' effect to them that makes me like watching these EXE move scenes all the time.
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| Nothing's overkill for a Clione no matter how small it is |
On the topic of 'Victory,' you can get the character's costumes from the shop once you unlock them in-game.
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| Neptune's 'Victory' clothes - Jersey Dress |
Next would be the new 'Remake' system. It basically replaces the Item Development, and the scouting system from the previous games. As for being called the 'Remake' system, it will later on enable a player to change the very essence of the game itself, making the game either easier or harder, and even unlock certain special things/events that might even be the link this game has with Re;birth 2...
Thanks to Neptune's efforts, as you might have seen in the images above; you can now use a large cast of characters that are unlocked as the story progresses.
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| Loochs tneve emag noitamina cisum |
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| Yes, Broccoli's wearing a Di Gi Charat themed costume |
Despite having a pretty large cast, the game's story, at any point, did not feel awkward for me, and it still transitioned quite smoothly with its eccentric dialogue.
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| Yes. Blanc finally uses her inner strength |
Speaking of dialogue, I am quite disappointed with the English Voices since not all of the scenes are dubbed unlike its Japanese counterpart, wherein all the scenes are voiced. (Yes, I did two playthroughs, one in English, the other in Japanese. note: The Fairy Fencer F DLC is not voiced)
Despite this, I would have to give props to the English Voice acting though. It was pretty decent, though if compared to the Japanese one, it's just not the same. An example would be a scene where two characters simultaneously say the same thing; the English one was not aligned that well, while the two voices were literally overlapping in the Japanese one. It's a small negligible thing, but these small things coupled with not everything being voiced in English sort of gives more points to the Japanese Voices in my opinion.
To sum it up; I had loads of fun with this game (I was actually still playing it while typing out this article) . I recommend this game for the Hyperdimension Neptunia fans, as well as those who have a thing for the JRPG genre (I'm pretty sure you'll find the references entertaining). If you're not one of those wonderful people I stated, but aren't very conservative, then I'd suggest you give this game a try, you might find it pretty fun!
If you don't find it pretty fun, well it's understandable; this game, in a sense, has its own niche, and there are just some people who don't like it. But then again, You'll never know until you've tried it!
My Rating:
(9/10)
Pros
- Glorious Battle System
- Voice Acting really gets you into it
- Very entertaining dialogue
- A large cast of playable characters
- Two different endings!
- Has a "new game+" feature
- Maps are not too large that they become a chore to traverse
- No yellow stamina bar of doom.
- OP song
Cons
- English Voice Acting not in all scenes
- Maps get Repetitive after a while (thank Neptune they're not too large)
- Battles may also get repetitive
So... Noire's getting her own game in this series localized soon.
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| Of course, Neptune will make a jab at her |
That's it for now, have any comments? Leave em below!
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