MegaDimension Neptunia VII Returns With Some New Virtual Reality Features

If fan service were a Neptunia game this reworking of "MegaDimension Neptunia VII" would be it. It takes the already improved game formula, improves further upon it, and adds in VR character interactions as a means to draw the player further into Gamindustri than ever before. It's like the ultimate interactive edition of the previously released entry. As far as VR features go the game can be experienced with or without a VR headset. The VR portions of the game are limited only to the new player's room area which can be accessed between gameplay sections through the world map. It is a supposedly real world place where you get to interact with the CPU Goddesses on a more personal level. You, as "The Player", are introduced to the ladies of the Gamindustri as that enigmatic guiding presence that they finally get to meet. Through continued interactions the Goddesses are able to change the items in your room, and carry a conversation through your motioned "Yes" or "No" answers as well as through the movement of the camera's focus. By focusing on certain parts of the Gamindustri gals it will sometimes provoke a response. Sometimes the response is that of embarrassment, and other times of shock if you look down towards their legs. Even the environmental objects will evoke a response if focused on in the correct moment. You'll even find that some of the conversations are deeply involved while some are flirtatious, and others meaningful in the sense that the player finally gets to meet those he/she has watched over throughout the history of the Neptunia series.

Other additions to the game's player room menu are the "Memories (pictures, movies, music ...)". This particular menu takes the place of the usual options menu listings. As you continue to play through the game conquering dungeons, and various baddies you'll unlock screenshots, the soundtrack, and even movies that you can view in your free time. There is also a VR items menu where you can place furniture you've obtained by engaging in the character driven VR chat. Things like different colored couches, rugs, and coffee tables can be switched out to change the scene as you chat it up with Neptune, Blanc, Vert, or Noire. When it comes to the base game it seems to have gained a visual overhaul itself making it look crisper, and graphically more impressive than I recall the game being the first go around. The combat menu system also seems to have been overhauled, and is more akin to something you'd see in a VR game with pop-up panels to click away for the usual actions, and camera angles that add to the VR flair. The in-game graphics in the battles, and dungeon traversal are definitely an improvement on the old game's presentation as well.

Overall, this version of "MegaDimension Neptunia VII" is everything the original was, and then some. It lets the gamer revisit all parts of the game in the usual episodic fashion with dungeon battles, and character storytelling intermissions between. For those of you interested in reading the details on what the game was originally about you can check out this review (MegaDimension Neptunia VII) that I did a while back. Just know that this updated version of the game is a polished, and potentially VR enhanced experience with everything that made the original great still intact. Fans of Neptunia will ultimately be able to live out their dreams as the player behind the scenes, and get some one on one time with those they've grown to love, the Gamindustri Goddesses.

The Verdict ...

Being a long time fan, and advocate for the series you can likely guess my verdict, but I'll leave it for you anyways. This reworking of "MegaDimension Neptunia VII" was most definitely an upgrade worthy of revisiting, regardless of the minor gripes I harbor. Gripes like the pop-up panel battle system being visually intrusive, and the sometimes awkward nature of the VR visits. In the end I enjoyed once again hooking up with Neptune and the gang even though it was on slightly familiar terms, and with minor issues. Also to note the VR portion of the game was good, but honestly at times had characters like Blanc feeling somewhat out of character, especially with the shared conversation/interactions. That being said their personas weren't so off as to throw off the enjoyment of seeing the gals in the real yet not so real world. I liken the experience to "The Never Ending Story". It's like Bastian meeting Falcore the luck dragon in the real world for the first time. It feels out of place, but oh so right. It's like meeting a distant friend whom you've only seen in pictures or read about through letters. I think in that respect the developers did a great job bringing the audience in to be apart of the world they've been indirectly a part of for several games now. If you fancy finally meeting the Goddesses you've followed, and aided all these years ... whether it be with or without a VR headset ... I think you'll really enjoy doing so. Even without a headset the interactions remain interesting, and visually pleasing. Just note that you will be prompted when to put the headset on so that it can be calibrated. That, and when to hold down "X" to use the controller. However you choose to play it if you don't mind paying up for the penultimate player room edition I believe you'll enjoy this return to the Neptunia wonderland!

MegaDimension Neptunia VIIR gets the Inferno's "Hell Yeah!!!" seal of approval!!!