Those familiar with Hyperdimension Neptunia series are probably owners of the Playstation 3 since a majority of its titles made its appearances on that same video game console essentially. Each has there charm as it attracts you with its anime populated characters filled with color and brightness. What also enticed players is the humor it takes towards its storyline as it pokes fun at the gaming industry. But of course, other players may find its quirkiness odd and somewhat displeasing. Nevertheless, the demand for the Hyperdimension Neptunia series must still be rampant as it the first game has just been launched of the Playstation Vita. It’s time to welcome Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 (no, that’s not a typo) to this portable console!
Just as in the original Playstation 3 version, you’ll enter into a world called Gamindustri that happens to parallel with the gaming industry (get it?). Conflict continues to rise between neighbors, similarly to what you’d expect from competing video game companies, but in a bad way! Playing as Neptunia, you’ll fight the forces in hopes of stopping this madness.
But once you jump straight into the game, it plays out like a nice Japanese RPG. You are basically given some objectives to complete, which prompts you to venture into certain areas within a map or dungeon. Each dungeon you enter into may take you about ten minutes to complete. The objectives here can consist of targeting a boss, killing a set number of enemies, or simply finding an exit. With the number of items to equip your characters with, there’s some depth involved here. Additionally, you have autonomy in terms of the adventures and side quests you wish to engage in.
If you played the Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory or any other titles for that matter on the Playstation 3, you’ll have no problem playing on the Vita. The control scheme remains as faithful as before, thereby allowing you to transition your gameplay experience to this portable console with ease and finesse. The commands that you execute during your adventures are straightforward and easy to get used to even though there are quite a few to keep track of.
Moving around using the left analogue stick feels very responsive and fluid. This is important since exploration via the third-person perspective requires quick convenience, especially when you have to gain access to menu screens. You will need to make use of a combination of face and shoulder button presses if you want to become proficient in this game, which can be pretty complicated and cumbersome. But once you get through this, you’ll be on your path to success.
While the cut scenes help add to the plotline’s explanation, it can be quite annoying when you want to constantly jump straight into the action. In other words, if you’re the impatient type, then you won’t be able to appreciate the superb work placed on the animation.
Strategy is essential when playing a game like Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1. Basically, you’ll be embarking on a number of journeys to the dungeons as you take on enemy encounters. You’ll get plenty of chances to collect a huge diversity of items, cash and experience points. Looking closely at the battles, the gameplay takes on a turn-based fashion, which actually plays out with a good amount of pacing. You’ll be able to select your characters’ actions as well as their skills within the combat area.
At first, the gameplay can be simple and straightforward to progress through. But during certain times, the difficulty can increase significantly out of the blue, thus leading to some unfair amount of challenges in the most unexpected and perhaps inappropriate times. Looking past this though, the RPG elements do have some amount of depth that keeps this Vita title entertaining and engaging. And because of that, players are most likely drawn into this type of game once they get started.
In regards to the presentation, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 delivers exceptionally with its solid and vibrant colors. You’ll really be able to see what the Playstation Vita screen is capable of producing in terms of graphics. The characters do look amazing while the environments are beautifully designed. With the music consisting of electronic tracks along with effective voice acting, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 ends up with a memorable impression. Together with the game’s audio and video, you get a force that can’t be reckoned with.
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 is a surprisingly splendid title for the Vita that improves a lot from the Playstation 3 version. The humor may be corny to the point that you’ll be rolling your eyes. But the nice anime artwork and enga   ging RPG gameplay will have you addicted and yearning for more.
