Super Neptunia RPG (PS4/NS)

IFI never strays away from tackling important topics of discussion involving the gaming industry, and the gaming community. They always find ways to integrate their cute assortment of Gameindustri Goddesses in standalone stories meant to not only give the gamer something fun to play, but also to provide something to reflect upon in a more serious manner. In this particular RPG retro tribute, which happens to be a joint effort between Compile Heart and Artisan Studios, we find one such tale unfolding in somewhat real time via gamer progress as Neptune, and the gang get caught up in yet another round of mischief and mayhem. Neptune, the series protagonist, returns as the series protagonist once again in what could best be described as an amnesiac's return to the past of gaming itself.

Taking design elements from "Final Fantasy 7", and even "The Legend of Zelda II" the developer uses Nep-Nep and company as a means to bring light to a situation regarding the past Gamindustri's cartridge based retro monopoly, and their unwillingness to change formula for something more risky, innovative, and potentially more rewarding. For the future of the industry. On one side of the fight are the bad guys, and gals including Filyn and the Bombyx gang. A group not unlike Shinra of FF7. On the opposite, and good side lies Chrome along with other joining allies of a common interest. Bombyx, much like the Shinra Corp of FF7, tries to keep the population of Lastation feeding the greed monster that is cartridge/retro gaming. Damaging the industry as a whole a lot like the Mako Reactor in FF7 with the perpetual game creation to sales cycle as it's metaphorical energy source. In order to make ends meet financially these businesses, and homeowners (or game devs, if you will) are forced to pay a tax in the form of a cartridge based game. If the game succeeds in making Bombyx money, and gains favorable reviews for the experience provided the creators get to continue living as they have, a life of luxury. If not they are kicked to the curb, quite literally. It's no doubt a metaphor for the dirty developer, and corporate dealings that go on in the real world. That, and how it ties-in with the gaming communities fixation with gaming's past, and the industry's greedy intent in going forward in regards to said demands.

Moero Chronicle H (NS)

In an age of gaming gone censored Compile Heart boldly dares to break free from the puritan industry trends that are currently being enforced, and releases one of their most "Adult" JRPGs yet! With "Moero Chronicles H" we get blessed with a story about a perverted protag with a childhood monster girl, friend. It is through Io, the perverted male protagonist, and Lilia the previously mentioned monster girl that we gain insight into the lurid, and lewd tale about a kingdom plagued by mysterious monster girl corruption.

Heading out, not to be the hero, but as an ousted member of society, Io journey's with Lilia to confront whatever or whomever it is that's inflicting dark marks of status upon the monster girl population of Monstopia. Battling his own "Desires" Io, and their soon-to-be panty thieving seal-like companion, Otton, seek to rid the afflicted of their curses by rather unusual means. By traversing labyrinthine locations of the fantasy sort in first person dungeon crawling antics you will not only face-off against fiendish oddities in the form of fantasy creatures, but will also run into, and battle with monster girls whom you can recruit. Upwards of 50 monster girls of varying pedigree. The battle that unfolds against said monster girls is a dual clothes shedding experience with a touchy-feely mini-game added in to heat things up. An erotic series of events which has Io storing, and releasing pent up positive energy while his monster girl compatriots up the desire percentage a notch by adding in some charm of their own. A specialty skill unique, and beneficial to joining monster girls. Ultimately making attacks, and aura (fire, wind, earth, water) skills deal more attire destroying damage.

Cyberdimension Neptunia: 4 Goddesses Online (PS4)

For those of you new to the Neptunia games they are a part of a JRPG gaming series created by Compile Heart, and Tamsoft. Each of the adventures, and even the spin-off entries included in the line-up which are published by Idea Factory Intl. incorporate a lore that mimics, makes fun of, and pokes at the real life gaming industry happenings. Whether it be related to content creators or the gaming community the mostly all girl cast of characters playfully make you think deeply of each aspect of the gaming industry while they deal with their own lighthearted in-game engagements against foe, and friend. The main characters including Neptune, Blanc, Vert, Noire, Nepgear, Uni, Rom, Ram, and a whole host of other characters based on gaming console companies, and PR among other things hail as the CPU goddesses of their respective Gameindustri nations as well as characters of related interest. Usually fighting over Gameindustri shares via all out battles, or saving their nations from certain doom inflicted by a threat of various evil entities the Gameindustri gals steal your heart with their charm, and sometimes lewd antics.

MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death (PS VITA)

Idea Factory International, and Compile Heart bring to us yet another creative anime RPG with a unique twist. This time around it's a fresh take on the age old dungeon crawling formula set within the anime fantasy that is "MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death". The story, for those of you who are curious encompasses an unusual mythology where the world has ceased to function, and demons have begun taking over. To the rescue are a handful of busty (one not so busty) Machina Mages including Estra, Setia, Flare, Maki, and Connie who are each tasked with the duty of winding up the world key at the heart of four towers within the Southern Cross so that the world they live in will once again know peace and prosperity. The catch being that only one Machina Mage can wind the key, and in turn be granted the head position at their temple. Along with their mage skills these four young ladies of unusual elemental prowess are accompanied by Kaiju-like guardians who help them with the oppressive demon threat, and the dark Machina Mage known as Gagarin who is at the center of the dilemma. As the title suggests you, as Estra will be traversing various labyrinthine environments alongside her compatriots in the first person point of view as you do as the temple elder has ordered you to do. You'll take on guild quests, rest at the Star Wind Inn when need be, and shop at the temple merchants store for items that will benefit both you, and your party members. Guardians included, of course. While it all sounds simple combat within the multi-floor labyrinths is a little less so. Luckily past the flashy spectacle that is the anime intro the developer drops several tutorials that will have you understanding the game in no time.

Megadimension Neptunia VII - Heart Dimension Neptunia H

Coming around full circle "Heart Dimension Neptunia H" ties in everything from Uzume's initial introduction to the goings on in regards to the failed attempt at securing Uzume's console in the second part of the unfolding tale. At the heart of this current story arch you'll find that the CPU candidates, and the four Gold third members are the main role-players in a quest that has finally pitted them against the real culprit behind the scheme at hand. After the ruling CPU's evolved into their next form during the final battle against Affimax's leader in chapter two they succumb shortly afterwards to the tricks of a doppleganger known as Kurome, and are forced against their will into the Heart Dimension. Kurome, as it turns out is the main villain of this latest Neptunia tale, and she is intent on seeing things through to the end. Until now it wasn't made clear what Kurome's agenda was, but as things come into the light through character interactions it is made known that she is intent on merging both Zero Dimension, and Hyper Dimension so that the Hyper Dimension falls in a similar manner as Uzume's world did. Along with Arfoire and Croire, Kurome continues to lead the CPU candidates on a chase in hopes that she can possess the console that she sought out from the start. The only thing standing between her and that end goal now is the CPU sister candidates, and the Gold Third who had become allies through circumstance.

Megadimension Neptunia VII - "Zero Dimension Neptunia Z" (PS4)

Over the years, and through different Playstation consoles the series that is "Hyperdimension Neptunia" has evolved, and improved in various ways. The gameplay, the visuals, and even the soundtrack have been tweaked over time to bring to the gamer the most inviting experience possible. While the mechanics, and gameplay constantly hold strong to the game's root theme the underlying plot that accompanies each narrative heavy tale only changes to fit in with the goings on of the current real world gaming industry. For those of you who have never played a 'Hyperdimension Neptunia" game the series is basically a parody of real world gaming industry topics, and concerns. The fantasy driven tales encompass everything from the console wars to journalist and community based opinions, and even the state of the industry. Often times the characters, which were created specifically for the game's lore are tied in with various consoles, and even operate as nation rulers in their own alternate game industry (Gameindustri). Like the console makers of our industry these characters, or 'CPUs' battle it out with each other for shares, and favor among their fans. Even with this mirrored storytelling logic set firmly in place as Neptunia's foundation the games in the series remain as their own unique experience, and keep things both lighthearted, and fun while doing so. For me, it's the one video game series that has always brought a smile to my face, and laughter to my stressed out life. Having also played Idea Factory's and Compile Heart's latest release of 'Megadimension Neptunia VII' I still find myself pleasantly surprised, and happy with what the developer has produced.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3 (PS VITA)

Following in the footsteps of it's last-gen predecessor "Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory", the newly overhauled port of "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3 V-Generation" adds plenty of extra features to entice fans of the series to return to it's roots on Playstation's 'PS Vita' legacy console. Along with the main story that we know as fans comes additional plot material featuring the cute cast of CPUs from the constantly war torn GameIndustri. Amongst the more lengthy plot, and additional story panels also comes other noticeable game additions, and changes to gameplay. Once you start the game up you'll meet, and greet the CPUs and their sister candidates through the main protagonist, "Neptune" in a visit within her homeland, and her homeland of an alternate reality. Accompanying Nep-Nep (or Neppy, if you prefer) this time around are alternate Lastation's CPU "Noire", and "Plutie" who happens to be the newly crowned CPU of Planeptune in the alternate GameIndustri. Of course there are other girl goddesses (CPUs) involved as well, each of which will be dealing with the current predicament in their own interesting ways.

As you can probably guess the game would not be true to the series without it's evil antagonists included, and to fill those shoes are seven dastardly villains looking to control the GameIndustri as a whole with their oppressive laws, and misdeeds. These bad guys, and gals are known as the 'Seven Sages', and are revealed one by one as they make their debut appearance throughout story panels, and contributing dialogue. All you need to know is that the timeline of events ranges from the NES glory days (Lowee) to Sony's rise as a console maker (Lastation), and even deeper into Microsoft's (Leanbox) involvement in the ongoing console conflicts. There's no doubt things will get crazy as the CPUs clash with their new rivals on the newly introduced battlefield!

Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed (PS VITA)

Having had the privilege to play through, and review most of the recent Neptunia releases I've noticed a sort of gaming evolution within the series. It's a subtle yet noticeable evolution that seems to be aimed towards finding that perfect presentation for the attraction of a much wider audience. From the 'Re;Birth" re-releases to the Noire spin-offs 'Compile Heart', and their co-developers have re-imagined, and brought to life Gamindustri's CPU Goddesses in a variety of different ways. Some of these newer renditions of the fan favorite niche adventures stayed true to the original formula while others strayed from said path, and introduced entirely new gameplay mechanics. I watched as the Lily Rank system took on different meanings within each new release, and watched as the games' micro-management options took on different approaches that benefited each game in a uniquely complimentary fashion. In the case of this latest misadventure we find both the CPU Goddesses, and their sister candidates at an intersection of peaceful times within the Gamindustri. After being approached by a couple of competing journalists offering some article exposure opportunities based around quests, and monster battles the CPU Goddesses, and their younger siblings decide to take on a rivalry of their own in an attempt to impress their fanbase even further. Of course with this newly introduced plot comes some mechanics that are entirely different from the normal Neptunia adventures, and thankfully so ...

Omega Quintet (PS4)

When I first caught word of this PS4 exclusive I was truly excited. It marked the first time an Idea Factory Intl./Compile Heart game would be coming to new-gen consoles, specifically the PS4. I immediately looked up the game's trailer to see what it was about, and the intro sequence that was shown really captured my attention. I liked the darker appearance of the enemies, and the unique concept that girls with pop idol talents would be the heroines to take on the ominous threat. At the time I had no idea how things would play out regarding the story, and battle, but once I got my hands on a review copy of the game It all began to make sense, in a wacky RPG sort of way.

Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (PS VITA)

Innovation, and a new direction is what this latest Neptunia spin-off is all about. While co-developers Complie Heart, and STING do good to stay true to the roots of the series, and the characters therein they take a gamble on an almost completely new combat system. One that really pays off. Of course it goes without saying that the story is entirely different this time around though. In fact you'll find that instead of Nep-Nep being the game's protagonist that the often times second place Noire gets her turn to shine as team leader. As far as the plot goes Noire, and her share dueling friends once again find themselves mixed up in a terrible mess regarding the Gamindustry. Having bumped into a shady character while sporting a new holier than though demeanor Noire lets down her guard only to be tricked into messing up the Gamindustry shares for all of the CPU goddesses including herself. To right her wrongs Noire soldiers up, and joins her former friends to figure things out, and restore their respective Gamindustry lands.

A Preview Review - Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (PS VITA)

Before I briefly go over the details you need to know in order to make an educated decision about a possible purchase of this upcoming PS Vita exclusive I need you to understand that this is a "Preview Review". In simple terms it's more, or less a preview of my future full length review. It will not be a complete disclosure at this point for the simple fact that I got the code for the game late, and will not have the full playthrough finished before it's release. As such my purpose behind posting this micro-review is to tell you whether, or not I think the game is worth a purchase, and what the game entails this time around. I hope you enjoy this article posting for what it is, and I hope that it gives you a proper understanding of "Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart". Do enjoy!

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation (PS VITA)

Over the years, and through several different releases the game development staff at 'Compile Heart' have taken us on a lighthearted journey with some of Game Industri's most quirky, foul-mouthed, and sometimes pervy gals. These goddesses known as CPUs fought against each other many times over for company shares while making friends with the odd few individuals. They fought for their right to be number one in the console wars while fighting off the minions of Arfoire who were also out to make themselves known. In this latest follow-up release of the newly introduced "Re;Birth" series things take an unexpected darker turn that even I did not see coming. From the opening cinematic to the events that follow it becomes apparent that Idea Factory has a message for the gamers in real life. Instead of the usual plot about console wars within the Game Industri we find the older CPU goddesses defeated outright at the hands of a threat greater than themselves. This threat which mirrors the current goings on of the real world gaming industry reveals itself in the form of global entity known as ASIC. ASIC, as it were is all that is bad with gaming. Whether it be hacking, modding, or piracy ASIC deals in it all. Their goal, like the real threats in the real world is the destruction of the Game Industri, and the introduction of gaming anarchy.

Fairy Fencer F (PS3)

Abounding in compelling content, and vibrant with attention getting art "Fairy Fencer F" aims to draw the gamer in with a new story built upon old standards. Like 'Neptunia', and 'Mugen Souls' you will find that this latest JRPG has some elements slightly akin to those previously mentioned series. Along with the old does come the new though. This time around the main protagonists are bound by mystical relationships that harken back to an epic battle between a Goddess, and a Vile God. Ending the fight in a stalemate eons before the main protagonist came to fulfill his role both deities were left impaled by hundreds of furies (swords), and were imprisoned by each other's actions with only the fairies that were left behind to share their tale. Fencers who prove worthy to carry the furies are destined come to the aid of the imprisoned fairies contained within, and in doing so form a mutually binding relationship meant to free one of the two deities. Of course it goes with out saying that there is a wish to be granted as well once the said deity of choice is freed. In the end it is up to you, and those you choose as companions to release either one deity, or the other. Thus letting the world's fate be decided by those who added that spark to life in the first place.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 (PS VITA)

This time around co-developers Idea Factory, and Compile Heart take the reigns of the previously published "Hyperdimension Neptunia" PS3 series of the same name, and revamp it in a more gamer friendly manner for all those anxious PS Vita owners who are looking to get their hands on this niche JRPG series for the first time. While the story theme is basically the same as the the original PS3 releases you will find that there is a completely new story included which is geared more towards the newly provided in-game mechanics. The battle system which was a slight bother before due to it's stiff, and somewhat dull nature has taken on an overhaul as have certain aspects of the equipment setup, the way difficulty settings are managed, and the way you navigate the Game Industri map. There's even newly introduces characters from games like "Mages", and "Tekken" thrown into the fray for your gaming enjoyment.

You'll also find in the story portion of the game that Neptune (aka, Purple Heart) returns in all her former glory amidst the new tweaks as Planeptune's reigning Game Industri Goddess, savior, and main in-game protagonist. The game itself starts off with an epic intro cinematic sequence that takes in account the "War of the Guardians" which was meant to determine which Goddess is to rule all in the Game Industri. In it Purple Heart (aka, Neptune) ends up falling from Celestia during her fray with the other Game Industri Godesses, losing all of her memory in the process. With the aid of new found friends Histoire (Game Industri's tome of knowledge), Compa, and IF, Neptune (or Nep-Nep, as her friends call her) aims to regain her memory, and save the world from the grips of a dominating evil corporation known as Avenir ...

Hyperdimension Neptunia: PP (PS VITA)

The Loli girls of Hyperdimension Neptunia are up to their generations old shenanigans once again. This time around though they are trying to thwart an otherworldly threat that comes in the form of Pop Idol sensations 'MOB48". It seems that other gaming CPUs (Goddesses) are no longer the only threat to the shares (fans) that Noire, Vert, Blanc, and Neptune are facing. With MOB48's popularity far surpassing that of the CPUs, and their respective lands they are forced to come up with a plan to combat the escalating situation. In the midst of some girly brainstorming the four CPUs ultimately come to the conclusion that it's best to beat MOB48 at there own game, so-to-speak. Instead of turning  into their dominatrix style HDD forms, and whooping a whole lot of !@#$% these Loli gaming Goddesses aim to become Pop Idol sensations themselves. Unfortunately for them they have no producer to train under, and must find one if they hope to become successful enough to defeat the opposition. To solve this issue they all combine their powers in HDD form, and summon a producer from the outside world. This of course ends up being you, a gamer with no real Pop Idol training experience whatsoever. Luckily for you though you do have some skills in playing Pop Idol video games.

Monster Monpiece: "Network Mode Explained" (PS VITA)

Due to the severe length of my main review I opted to leave out a detailed description of Monster Monpiece's "Network" mode. Being the thorough journalist that I am I felt bad in doing so though. As such I'm going to take the time in this follow-up article to explain what the "Network" mode entails, and how battles actually function online (Wifi 3G). Keep in mind I will not be able to go over the local Ad Hoc multiplayer though as I have no friends, or family who own the game. Once again I do apologize for the lack of this info earlier on, and hope you can forgive me for not giving you all of the details the first time around.

Monster Monpiece (PS Vita)

Idea Factory, and Compile Heart team up to bring us lucky US citizens a mature, and unique card battle experience like no other. This game that bares the namesake, "Monster Monpiece" deals with the judgment of mankind which was dished out in two punishment phases via earth penetrating pillars known as the "Hammer of God". In the first punishment phase God unleashed monsters upon Yafanir to kill off the human race entirely for their continuous misdeeds, and in the second phase of punishment the monsters who were sent to do God's bidding in the first place were ultimately trapped inside some of the human's bodies forcing them to live at less that full power, because of their disobedience.

The story contained within the game's main campaign also takes in account the coexistence of the two races who were once mutual enemies. It addresses the joining forces of the monster race now known as "Monster Girls", and the remaining humans who try to withstand God's wrath while finding a peaceful understanding. In order to once again make merry with the man upstairs the gifted human students join forces with Monster Girls of different academies to right the wrongs which their races have committed via a special card battle system. In teams of two these human girls, and their monster girl partners battle against the "Lost (Evil Monster Girls)" on a 7x3 grid with HQ (Headquarters) on either side. It is in this virtual battlefield where victory means everything, and failure is not an option.

Mugen Souls Z (PS3)

Spanning across multiple universes, and multiple world groupings NISA/Compile Heart aims to continue their wacky series about female gods, demon lords and their quests to rule the multiverse. Having won over the "Seven Shining Worlds" in the last battle against Belleria, the undisputed god of the universe 'Lady Chou-Chou' sets her eyes on an even bigger prize. This prize just so happens to be 12 other worlds ruled by demon lords. During her trek across space with her peons, Belleria, and her hero partner Ryuto, Lady Chou-Chou runs into a once slumbering goddess with a huge rack as well as a recently acknowledged female hero named 'Nao'. Through some interesting events, and a ton of dialogue the unusual group finds themselves in dire need of each other's help. The once powerful, and undisputed goddess Lady Chou-Chou is turned mini-sized compliments of a mishap with Syrma's (The Slumbering Ultimate God) special coffin. The coffin which is meant to recombine the Ultimate Gods into a single form unfortunately drains the power from Lady Chou-Chou, and forces her to side with those she initially wanted to conquer. Thus is the story so far ...

Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God (PS VITA)

In the world of gaming you'll find plenty of copycat ideas, and blatant rip-offs. Most of the gameplay mechanics that are copied, and combined with these new game creations end up making for a complete mess. In other instances the mixture of old gameplay features, and new plot material works in the developer's favor. In the case of Compile Heart's "Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God" the mixture works out quite nicely for the most part. It contains some LOL humor mixed with memorable characters, and a lighthearted story that is entirely unique to it. On top of the new also comes some features that definitely seem inspired by previously released PS3, and PS VITA RPGs. Among the inspired tidbits you'll find dungeon crawling turn based mechanics very similar to that of NISA's "The Guided Fate Paradox". There's also hint's of other NISA RPGs thrown into the mix such as that of the "Atelier" series. While I could pick at the game all day for containing such content the fact remains that I think Aksys Games, and Compile Heart came out smelling like roses with this JRPG release.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory (PSN)

If cutesy anime girls with oddly perverse dialogue oriented scripts are your forte then "Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory" might just be the RPG experience you've been longing for. This latest chapter of the ongoing saga featuring the goddess-like CPUs brings to the table yet another otherworldy dilemma set in the fictitious lands of the GameIndustri. Neppy (Neptune), and all her kawaii little girly pals get lost in their lazy daily activities while paying no attention to the duties they should be tending to. In the heat of the moment Neppy parts ways from her GameIndustri CPU friends only to be spirited away to another dimension where the GameIndustri is less evolved than the one she came from. With the Seven Sages up to their usual antics it is once again up to Neppy, and her old friends as well as her newly found friends to set things right and thwart a plot to rid the GameIndustri of the CPU's authority.