Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is the latest entry in the long running Neptunia series. Regarding its predecessor, MegadimensionNeptunia VII was originally released in North America on the PlayStation 4 in February 2016. The Steam release followed shortly afterwards in July 2016 to generally positive reviews within the PC gaming community. Developer Compile Heart and Idea Factory have returned with Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, the enhanced version of Neptunia VII on the PS4 with a new engine, upgraded battle system and a new VR experience that is compatible with the PlayStation VR Headset.
The story takes place in Gamindustri, a world sitting at the convergence of multiple dimensions ruled by the Four Goddesses. Public opinions and rumors run rampant as the citizens begin to question the authority and credibility of the Four Goddesses and their right to rule the nations during the CPU shift transition period. In the midst of these events, Neptune and Nepgear unwillingly find themselves trapped in the Zero dimension on the brink of collapse ruled by its final guardian, Uzume Tennouboshi. Fighting against the colossal evil and powerful Dark CPUs, they band together and assist Uzume, who is none other than the adorable and cheerful Orange Heart CPU. Along their perilous journey, the girls encounter support from other allies that are sure to pique the interest of gamers and dedicated fans of the Neptunia series. With Neptunia VIIR, there is direct involvement with the player as the Goddesses will visit your room time to time as you get to know them better on a personal level.
Battles follow a turn-based format that have been enhanced and upgraded from the original system in the game’s predecessor. You can select attack combos in real time or “on the fly” and perform special attacks with your teammates via coupling skills. Depending on your strategic formation, these skills can be activated via Partner Skills with your front line “Vanguard” characters and back line “Rear Guard” characters. You can also switch between party members and in waiting for the next turn or in the absence of enemy attacks, you can decide to defend or hold your position with no guard in place. If you choose the latter, the speed of your next turn increases at the expense of your party member being vulnerable on the open field. Pocket points are consumed every time item skills are used that allow you to use an item for offensive, defensive or healing properties. Formation skills are formidable attacks that may include up to four party members to combine their might and destroy your enemies. The requirement to unleash these skills requires your party to be in a strategic formation, possess the necessary SP and to be simultaneously be in the same transformation state. Stronger enemies can be worn down by initiating a “Parts Break” that lowers their defense and immobilizes them from using specific attacks. This is activated when you relentlessly attack and bring the HP of that enemy part to zero.
The Player Room is exactly as it sounds: the room where you reside and can invite the CPU Goddesses to visit when the opportunity arises. VR events take place when the Goddess agrees and pays you a visit and any objects obtained from these events can be used to decorate your humble abode. This ranges from furniture, carpets and pillows to numerous accessories. How you go about it is entirely up to you as it may or may not trigger a reaction from one of the Goddesses. These visits can be enjoyed with the PlayStation VR headset as an option rather than a requirement with questions from the Goddesses answered with a straightforward yes or no interface. Should you direct your gaze at the Attention Marker that appears during VR events, the reactions from the Goddesses varies. At the start, you can watch the first VR event for each Goddess that visits your room and meets your acquaintance. New interactions are gradually unlocked as you progress through the main storyline. It is worth mentioning that the VR headset can only be used during the VR Events with the Goddesses in the Player Room.
Fighting the Dark CPU is an enormous undertaking in and of itself taking place in special area called a Sharing Field. Select skills can be used to attack and wear them down as combo skills cannot be utilized against them in the giant boss battles. Employing the right strategy through trial and error is necessary as you switch, move and jump between floating islands within the Sharing Field to heal others, spread out your attacks or regroup with your party members. The Dark CPU is said to destroy not only cities but also matter itself with continents and cities vanishing into the void where it is reported to have attacked and laid siege.
Visually, the game sports detailed and very colorful character designs. It’s unfortunate the Player’s Room feels bland and average by comparison, even with the presence of the visiting CPU Goddesses. The intent to include a VR experience is well intentioned but poorly executed as it doesn’t extend much beyond the occasional Attention Markers and Yes or No responses. It serves as a nice diversion from the main storyline for diehard fans who want to spend private time with their favourite Goddess without having to endure hours of repetitive gameplay. The soundtrack is your standard Neptunia music fare that isn’t bad but not particular memorable either.
Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is the definitive version of the original Neptunia VII game that fans have been waiting for. Although the VR capabilities using the PlayStation VR Headset are rather limited, the upgraded battle system, new engine and the inclusion of the Colosseum make it a solid JRPG for those who missed out or passed over its predecessor. It is difficult to recommend this game to fans that have already beaten the original Neptunia VII but for everyone else, it’s a grand adventure that is worth pursuing with the legendary Gamindustri Goddesses.
PROS (+): Upgraded Battle System, Solid Visuals, Comical Dialogue
CONS (-): Limited VR Interactions
SCORE – 8.0/10
This review is based on a digital copy of Megadimension Neptunia VIIR on the PlayStation 4 provided by Idea Factory International.
