Hyperdimension Neptunia: Perfect For The JRPG Fan?

We've got BioWare and Bethesda to help us out with the WRPGs, and Atlus can offer plenty of unique experiences (see Demon's Souls), but as most JRPGs this generation seem to be few and far between (many are made, but they remain stuck in Japan), fans of the sub-genre have been feeling a little left out. Square-Enix can still give us Final Fantasy, but as far as the long-time followers are concerned, that franchise is...well, embattled might be the right word, at least until S-E reclaims lost glory for their flagship series.

So maybe it's up to smaller companies like Gust and NIS America to deliver what the JRPG fans crave, and one such title might be Hyperdimension Neptunia. Featuring a style of combat, storyline, and a design, theme, and setting that resonates with the niche group of fans, it could become quite popular amongst members of said group. And you know, it might be even more popular because of the lack of competition. Of course, it's almost a guarantee that Neptunia will fare better in Japan, but that doesn't mean the US doesn't have its fair share of JRPG lovers. And don't let that innuendo throw you; there appears to be quite the in-depth gameplay mechanic involved, and other elements of the adventure should be quite appealing, too. In short, maybe we need this.

By the way, if you're psyched about the game, you can always spring for the Limited Edition, which features an art book, playing cards, special packaging, and more. Lastly, the title officially arrives on February 15 but don't be surprised if you see a PSXE review long before then...

Related Game(s): Hyperdimension Neptunia

Tags: neptunia, hyperdimension neptunia, nis, neptunia premium

1/21/2011 9:13:38 PM Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Comments (69 posts)

Toggle Scrolling | Reload Comments

Dreno
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 10:02:28 PM
Reply

sounds pretty sweet. might the US be getting the rpg of days passed that SE has failed to deliver? i sure hope so.

on a side note, im still waiting on wkc2. whats up with that?

this message brought to you by my ps3.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:00:06 AM

I was digging around about that the other day.

Aparently some of the voice actors have been working on WKC2, and have even mentioned their work on the game, by name, in their Bios. There is a wave of DLS for the game in Japan that includes new story elements for your Avatar to play, as well as upgrades for the GeoRama and more quests. Some of the DLC has already been delivered there (perhaps all of it - not 100% sure). But the suggestion of all the information I could find is that once the DLC is finished releasing in Japan, an International version will be assembled - like last time. Since we do have confirmation that the voice work is ell underway (if not finished) I think we have to be looking for a release before summer. I hope for something earlier, but I'll wait if need be.

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:12:52 AM

If only it was releasing in Summer, it would be here by the end of next month. :P Really bad southern hemisphere joke...

I hope that you're right Highlander. But perhaps I should simply have faith. After all, you usually are.
Peace.

1 up, 0 down

Douchebaguette
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 10:06:22 PM
Reply

Doesn't this game parody the video game industry itself?

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:26:05 PM

Yes it does.

1 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 6:36:55 AM

Actually, I think it might be more of an allegory. But I guess we'll have to wait and see to know for sure.

1 up, 0 down

Douchebaguette
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 8:18:58 AM

I sheee. Cheers.

0 up, 0 down

PorkChopGamer
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 10:10:49 PM
Reply

I wonder how many of the supposed JRPG faithful are willing to give up Killzone 3 to play this... I'm guessing, not many.

Last edited by PorkChopGamer on 1/21/2011 10:11:41 PM

0 up, 4 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:27:05 PM

It depends on if it is a good JRPG or not, which of course we don't know yet. But yes I'd take a great JRPG experience over a great FPS experience any day of the week.

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:45:04 PM

HA! If you're amoung a group called the JRPG faithful, you weren't looking at Killzone 3 as a game on the top tier of the buying list any way. no offense of course, I know that Killzone 3 will be an epic game with stellar imagery. But if you're a JRPG fan, a first person shooter isn't going to do what this game can.

3 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:57:36 PM

I never finished Killzone 2, in all honesty.

I will always take the 8/10 jrpg over the 9.7/10 FPS. It's a matter of taste, really.

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:09:47 AM

The insinuation that the JRPG fans are somehow just suffering and they'll leap at anything "better"......is a little insulting.

3 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 9:02:10 AM

Who says we have to choose? I'm getting both. The only question is "In what order?". Although for me that question is already answered.

0 up, 0 down

AnonWTF
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 9:55:05 AM

I'm guessing you have to chose if you don't have the money.

1 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 10:07:38 AM

There is always the option of putting off one or both until later.

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 10:25:21 PM
Reply

I love jrpgs but this game doesn't feel appealing to me.

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 10:47:03 PM
Reply

Now I'm skeptical about this one, Famitsu gave this a 26/40...........Yea I know Famitsu ain't the most reliable source but when a JRPG get such low score from Famitsu, it's never a good thing.

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:04:02 PM

Reviews (outside of psxe) don't matter.

They gave WKC a bad score yet it's one of the better jrpgs this gen. And one I still play.

5 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:24:57 PM

Yea but still, 26/40 is too damn low.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:49:38 PM

Snaaake,

Famitsu's reviews have been weird this generation. Their reliability remains in question in my opinion. I still take the way more seriously than most places, but still...

Incidentally, if anyone is likely to give the game a terrible review, it's the wonderful guys at IGN who gave WKC a mosterous (as in awful) 5.1 out of 10.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:14:19 AM

Didn't Famitsu give Nintendogs a perfect score? That kinda kills their credibility for me.

2 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 6:39:40 AM

I wouldn't rely on Famitsu for this one. That review is somewhat outdated now. For example, one of the things they complained about was long loading times. However the game has been patched since then to cut down on the loading times.

And the western release is going to come pre-patched. And with no mandatory installation to boot which is always a plus.

Last edited by Looking Glass on 1/22/2011 6:40:46 AM

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:05:42 PM
Reply

I love the art, it also helps that I like anime. I think that will be the main difference between FF fans who will only get less anime-ish jrpgs.

I love anime and when put together into a game it's always beautiful to see.

Will be looking into psxe's review. But ultimately playing it myself will be the final word.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:31:34 PM
Reply

I'll try not to get my hopes too high for this since it might be a little too niche (a la Trinity Universe), but the review here should let me know.

It would be great to have a sleeper hit JRPG on our hands. Did anyone say turn based yet? That's important.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:55:21 PM

The big difference is that Trinity Universe was much like Cross Edge, it was a mash-up of characters and themes from other games thrown together in a world that must be saved. Very thin on coherent story, and really just an excuse for a battle system and synthesis system with pretty graphics. Which is fine. Cross Edge (I didn't get TU) is like a toy or game you pull off the shelf every now and again for the specific type of gameplay it brings.

From the sounds of things, Neptunia has a slightly preposterous story, but does have a story and isn't simply a mashup of characters and settings from other games.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 2:07:22 AM

I liked the battle system in Trinity Universe, but you hardly got to use it. There was like hours of two people just gabbing, way too niche for me. I like a well planned world to run around, a battle screen to kick ass on, and the traditional world or kingdom saving escalation with strong characters like Star Ocean, FF, and Suikoden have.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:46:22 PM
Reply

Ben,

If that's a hint that you already have a copy and the review is incoming when you're done, please tell me whether this is one of those that would be worth this gamer's pre-order dollars? I am already leaning towards that, and would love to see your review first, but if this one turns out to be popular, I don't want to lose out on the pre-order goodies.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 10:26:28 AM

Don't worry, I'll tell you.

And I should have the game within a few days.

0 up, 0 down

Zemus101
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:54:58 PM
Reply

This is the JRPG that uses pictures and stuff from your PS3 hdd, no?

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 11:56:43 PM

Hmmmm....? If so, I must download that 8GB of Anim....er....scans of the classic artists such as De Vinchi...;)

0 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:05:14 AM

Yes this is the game.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 2:09:06 AM

How does it do that and what for?

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 6:45:18 AM

The game allows images saved on your PS3 hard drive to be used for two purposes as I understand it.

First, an image from your hard drive can be used as an emblem on the main characters back. They can also be used as summons. Although I get the impression that there just might be a lot of people taking pictures of their butts with Playstation Eye cameras and using the resulting photographs as powerful attack summons.

Last edited by Looking Glass on 1/22/2011 6:46:10 AM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 10:57:05 AM

That's awesome. I'd use cool stuff though, not my ass.

3 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 11:27:47 AM

Well of course I was half-joking about the butt thing. Personally I'm not sure quite what I myself would use.

Last edited by Looking Glass on 1/22/2011 11:29:21 AM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:16:01 PM

Some people would probably do stuff like that actually, but then that would be more characteristic of a fratboy FPS fan's sense of humor over a JRPG fan's.

Not that there's anything wrong with that, just sayin.

0 up, 0 down

Pandacastro
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 5:49:48 PM

So only pictures or stuff from my save data too?

0 up, 0 down

Clamedeus
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 7:49:54 PM

@Looking Glass: Well, atleast you can call him an ass face. :D

Last edited by Clamedeus on 1/22/2011 7:54:28 PM

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 8:22:28 PM

@pandacastro

I'm sorry. But I don't quite follow you. What exactly do you mean?

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 8:23:48 PM

@Clamedeus

Who exactly are you referring to?

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 8:32:12 PM

Oh, and while we're on the subject of images from the hard drive, somebody just posted something interesting with regard to the subject on the gamefaqs website.

Here's the quote:

"Certain spells in the game has no image. You can add that image from your harddrive into the game to that spell.

The file size, attribute, width, height and other properties of the image may affect the hits and power of that spell."

I have no way of gauging the factual accuracy of this statement. But it's still very interesting and worth thinking about.

0 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:05:29 AM
Reply

I'm looking forward to this review. It sounds like I'll have enough time to pre-order if it turns out okay. I noticed Amazon doesn't offer release day delivery on this title. I guess that's reserved for what they consider big sellers.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:19:19 AM

If you're going to preorder, use the link in the article it goes to NIS's pre-order for the limited edition version.

0 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:38:45 AM

Yeah, I clicked on it and bookmarked it for future reference. Just waiting on a review score from Ben first.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:18:04 AM
Reply

It sounds glorious. But, if my guess is not far off the mark, the price of this game will drop quickly. So, I'll pick it up a little way down the track.

Speaking of Demon's Souls, I almost picked up a copy of 3D Dot Game Heroes today... but after getting about six biscuits to look for the disc behind the counter and out the back of the store, they couldn't find the disc and manual. I was not happy. At all. So, I got Brutal Legend instead.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 2:06:59 AM
Reply

Lawless,
I hate when that happens.

But I squeeze lemonade out of their sour lemons.
If they can't come with the disc, then(as a known collector in all 5 of my local GS/EB stores), I make them donate that case to me, along with the cover art & manual, since they've got to trash it now anyway.

So now I have an extra case for it in case I happen to find a good disc with some of the stuff missing, or at least an extra case to swap out for a game I got from eBay with any messed up case/art/manual.

Plus if I wind up not needing it, I can always either sell, or swap that cover art and/or manual to someone who does need it(I've got lots of extra PS2 covers & manuals).

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 2:28:13 AM

That would have been a good idea. The thing that really stumps me though, is that there were two other cases on the shelf, and they were new copies. There is really no plausible reason for it to disappear.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 4:29:39 AM
Reply

I'm looking forward to the review because I love RPG's more than anything. My favorites are all JRPG's, but they are ones like old school Final Fantasy, White Knight Chronicles, Star Ocean, stuff like that.

The little 10 year old girls with ginormous boobs and pink hair has never really done it for me, if you get what I'm saying. Those type of JRPG's have never been to my liking.

So I'm just wondering which will this be more like, also curious about that Atelier chemist JRPG that just came out not long ago, it looked like it could go either way, any suggestions.

2 up, 1 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 6:48:19 AM

You have a strange definition of "ginormous". I'd be willing to bet that you've never seen the anime "Eiken".

0 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 9:27:59 AM

I agree I'm not big on jrpgs with dat much Moe of Lolicon art direction.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:33:27 PM

Just so you know Kraygen, since you seem so horribly mis-informed, 10 year olds don't have ginormous boobs. Granted there are a lot of anime characters with very young faces, and a lot of characters in their early-mid teens with fairly big chests. But typically, the ginormous ones are reserved for the late teens and twenties.

Atelier Rorona was/is pretty good. But it's not very heavy on story, and it's more about a simple turn based battle system that feeds items into a comprehensive synthesis system.

2 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:02:48 PM

@TheHighlander

I've said this before but yes the story of Atelier Rorona is very simplistic. But then again the game isn't really about the story but the characters. Deep and complex stories are great and everything but games of course can still make do without them. I learned that from Phantom Brave. The story of that game was also very simple but I still greatly enjoyed it because the character interaction was rich, meaningful, and overall pleasant to witness.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 2:11:05 PM

@ thehighlander

yes I know, but was trying to describe merely how they look. Surely you know what I mean. Some of those jrpg's have very childish looking girls with over the top features and the games feature very quirky sexual innuendo's aplenty. That type of setting just isn't my thing.

0 up, 0 down

Slime
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 9:52:57 AM
Reply

I'll look into this game looks promising. I think my fave games this generation though have been Enchanted arms, Darksiders, Star Ocean and when I got time i'll probably go back to playing Agarest:generations of war or possibly try to finish bayonetta or maybe just maybe FFXIII :)

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:36:30 PM

Enchanted Arms doesn't get a lot of love, which is a shame, it deserves some.

0 up, 0 down

Dreno
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 10:45:20 AM
Reply

The highlander :

Thank you good sir, for the information for wkc2, that was much appreciated. I've been stoked for that game since I first heard it was comming out. Now its just the waiting game. But it will most likely be my 2nd preorder game. For the info, I thank you sir.

Now, regarding the comment made that the jrpg fans are suffering and will just get "the next best thing" I agree with ben, its insulting. I havnt even given kz3 a thought, ill take a mediocre jrpg over ANY fps or any other game any day.but hey that could just be me.

And on a side note, ben I'm having troubles changing my avatar pic. I uploaded my new one but when I clicked the change button it says that it was unable to perform said change or whatever. Anyways kee up the good work sir.

Oh and as for this game, it has gotten my interest, especially the bit about the pictures, while I do imagine some people will have butt pictures being summons and symbols for the characters, ill be using a picture of my son. Nothing better than a 9 mo. Old kid beating the crap out of high level monsters.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:34:47 PM

LOL! A 9 month old kicking butt and taking names?

Somehow, that works.

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 6:05:07 PM

@Dreno

Just in case you misunderstood. I meant that the images on one's hard drive can be used as an emblem on the back of just the main character. Not the other characters as far as I know. But don't quote me on that.

0 up, 0 down

Teddie9
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 11:23:21 AM
Reply

propably won't pre-order neither do I want to rely on this game as the jrpg we've all been waiting for.
*oh but I can't help but beg that this will be good!*

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:35:50 PM

Indeed, I don't want to rely on what is clearly much more of a niche market game for JRPG gameplay, but until WKC2 get's here, I'll take what I can get - and work on rebirthing my WKC Avatar.

0 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:45:07 PM
Reply

When I first saw gameplay if this I instantly thought, "Okay, we're getting another Trinity Universe". The thing that bothered me about TU is that it had too much pasttime dialog that just seemed like it was filler space and didn't really have anything to do with the story.

Now that's fine in a JRPG but TU capitalized on it. I mean like "overkill". The other thing that bothered me was that it didn't really have a strong story. I guess that is truly what I'm going to be keeping my eyes on with Hyperdimension Neptunia. The turn-based combat they've got down but the stength of the story could either make it or break it for me.

Last edited by shadowscorpio on 1/22/2011 12:46:05 PM

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:09:01 PM

I doubt that this one is going to be a same as Trinity Universe. But I think Highlander already at least partially addressed the issue in one of the earlier posts on this thread.

0 up, 0 down

Kevadu
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12:49:37 PM
Reply

You know, there are still lot's of JRPGs this generation...just not on consoles. Get a PSP and/or a DS.

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:06:44 PM

Not good enough. PS3 gamers need some love too you know.

1 up, 0 down

Miggy
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 1:50:29 PM
Reply

If I get it, it will collect dust. I still have to beat Demon's souls, white knight chronicles, eternal sonata and my recent purchase of mass effect 2. They're being rotated on a regular basis. Well I mainly play white knight chronicles. I'm surprised at how great it is.

Last edited by Miggy on 1/22/2011 1:53:24 PM

1 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 2:12:12 PM

It is a good game imo, Whight Knight Chronocles that is. I'm the opposing end of your table. I still need to revisit WKC but have been blasting away at Demon's Souls. I've actually beaten it 3 times but there are some things you can only do on consecutive gameplays and I'm so close to getting platinum status. DS is addicting nonetheless and I'm sure WKC is no different.

0 up, 0 down

Miggy
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 3:26:50 PM

Yeah I had Demon's Souls before I had WKC. I'm still working on my first playthrough and I've put in over 40 hours already but only beat 7 bosses. I like to grind in rpgs and the gameplay in Demon's Souls is addicting so that's all I mainly do. The last thing I did in DS was get the armor from old king duran and kill the fool's idol.

0 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 8:13:21 PM

Nice. I've got 3 more trophies to get and they involve grinding for rare drops from enemies for weapon upgrades. Its been a while but i'm still at it.

0 up, 0 down

fdgtyr568
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 8:24:10 AM
Reply

Hello,everybody,the good shopping place,the new year approaching, click in. Letâ€™s facelift bar!
= w w w . y a h c c . u s ===

Air jordan(1-24)shoes $30

BOOT $50

Nike (R4,NZ,OZ,TL1,TL2,TL3) $33

Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $33

Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16

Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30
2
Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci,Armaini) $12

New era cap $9

Bikini (Ed hardy,polo) $18

FREE SHoPPING

( w w w . y a hc c . u s )

0 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Time Crisis 3 cheats	PS2
Jet Moto cheats	PS1
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 cheats	PS3
WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain cheats	PS2
Quake 2 cheats	PS1
NFL Gameday 2004 cheats	PS2
Porsche Challenge cheats	PS1
MLB Slugfest 2004 cheats	PS2

Playstation 3

Playstation 4

PSP

Playstation Vita

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Perfect For The JRPG Fan?

Comments (69 posts)

Leave a Comment

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Metro: Last Light review	PS3
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge review	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review	PS3
Star Trek: The Video Game review	PS3
Injustice: Gods Among Us review	PS3
Dead Island: Riptide review	PS3
Defiance review	PS3
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 review	PS3
Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel review	PS3
Bioshock Infinite review	PS3

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified preview	PS3
Time and Eternity preview	PS3
Ride to Hell: Retribution preview	PS3
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger preview	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon preview	PS3
Spartacus Legends preview	PS3
Payday 2 preview	PS3
DUST 514 preview	PS3
Dynasty Warriors 8 preview	PS3
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness preview	PS3