Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters | PS4

Metaphorically speaking, and perhaps even prophetically so the goings on in Game Industri once again reflect on real world conflicts of technological and socially relevant interests. Returning with glorious graphics, a slightly reworked battle system, and an overall visual reimagining for the new era of gaming the Goddesses, and Goddess candidates head once again into the fray in a tale that starts off at the climactic end, but retroactively catches the gamer up to that impactful point in time in a "How we got here" kind of storytelling.

It is in this most recent timeline of events regarding our playful protagonists that new and old Industri deities clash at the apex of an all encompassing threat to their existence. An army of foes in the guise of a Trendi Phenomenon. Ever spawning through Trendfluencers. All coinciding with an emergence of a mysterious new Game Industri candidate that has not only enveloped and consumed the PC continent, but has drawn in the Four Renown Nations of Lowee, Lastation, Planeptune, and Leanbox. Introducing into the mix Anri, and Maho among others. 

Moero Crystal H (REVIEW)

If adult anime humor is your thing, and you don't mind a wee bit of perversion then this definitive port of "Moero Crystal H" might be right up your alley. The game itself is centered around a fantasy world created by a certain Goddess of Creation. This Goddess created both humans, and monster girls to coexist in perfect harmony in their respective parts of the world. The land, and sky respectively. She also created the Panties of Light as well as the Bra of Darkness to keep them in check. Basically, two relics that keep the world, and it's inhabitants from being destroyed. Unfortunately for a traveling dude named Zenox, and the Guardian of the Panties and Bra (Luanna) a mysterious thief known as Dark Ottonias stole away the Bra of Darkness with the intent of doing some dirty things with it. Namely putting poor monster girls under a human hating spell. A spell that can only be undone in the most lewd of acts. That act being the destruction of certain clothing articles. It is through these awkward encounters, and the goal of stopping the end of the world that Zenox, Luanna, their panty thieving pal Otton, and the monster girls they recruit along the way will find the Bra thief, and whomever else that might be hiding in the shadows as well.

Death end Re;Quest 2 (REVIEW)

Dark, and serious are two words one would not usually associate with a IFI game release. With "Death end Re;Quest 2" though that is exactly what you get. This mature rated JRPG sequel earns it's ESRB rating by including a protagonist subjected to unrelenting physical and emotional abuse. That and her resulting journey into what could be best described as descent into madness. As Mai the player gets plunged into a dreary, and hopeless reality as well as a seemingly unreal situation due to her parents dealings with her and her younger sibling, Sanae. Abandoned by her mother, and abused by her father Mai's only hope in life lies with knowing that her sister is better off in the company of her mother. This hope draws to an abrupt close early on though as Mai receives an enigmatic text message from her sister with an ominous warning attached. An event that falls into place right before a bloody confrontation with Mai's abusive father. Mai ends up discovering herself first hand that the preemptive warning which related to her sister's placement at the all girls dormitory called Wordsworth is itself steeped in mystery. Being located in a town that is shrouded in it's own religion, and hush-hush happenings only serves to further the intrigue as she finds herself the newest resident orphan. 

As Mai you will take on the day, and night task of finding out clues to your little sister Sanae's whereabouts. During the day you will interact with the dormitory's staff, and residents doing some sleuthing while at night you will venture out into the streets of Le Choara without authorization to do so facing the ghosts of it's peculiar past. Phantoms that may or may not be as real as Mai believes ...

Azur Lane: Crosswave (REVIEW)

To say I was really looking forward to reviewing this game would be an understatement. I've seen images of the Azur Lane art over the years, and something about anime girls with battleship parts attached to them really seemed cool to me. Other than previously viewed character images though I never really knew what the story behind the fleet of leading ladies was. That all changed when I began playing IFI's "Azur Lane: Crosswave". Not only did the game tell the basic origin story of the girls of the four nations of the Azur Lane planet, but it also built upon said lore with a new deeply involved tale involving a new threat. It seems the girls with battleship rigs are known as Kansen, and their adversary within Crosswave, Sirens. The Kansen, which are class based ship rigged heroines who defend their own nations with an arsenal of weapons as well as special skills come face to face with the equally, or more well armed Sirens whose intentions are yet unknown. In a chance encounter during a training session orchestrated by Takao, Shimakaze and Sugura of the Sakura Empire stumble upon the invading Sirens, and their invading mass-produced fleet. Ultimately discovering new cube-like technology amid the wreckage, and a lingering question regarding the Siren's intentions.

Arc of Alchemist (PS4)

Some games really hit home with their storytelling, and reflect the state of the world you and I live in. I think it's safe to say that IFI's new action JRPG does exactly that. Arc of Alchemist takes the player on a fantasy adventure based on a grim future. Through war, and wastefulness humanity has turned the world that the heroes, and heroines of the story reside in into a desert wasteland. A once thriving world with plentiful water, and oceans now rendered drought stricken. Leaving the remaining inhabitants hopeless yet hopeful for salvation in the guise of a sought after legendary great power. Through conversations between the expedition force's leader Quinn, and her team of brave soldiers who set out on a mission for said great power we find that each member has their own backgrounds, and own inner struggles in mind as they face the uncertainty of their future together. A last bastion of hope set forth to find out just how hopeful the future will, or will not be.

Death end re;Quest (PS4)

I never thought I'd see the day that IFI went full-on mature with their games. That day has come though, and as much of a surprise (or shock) as it was it was a pleasant one. I've always saw beyond the character driven antics into IFI's more brilliant plots pertaining to the industry, and it's many involvements in real world goings on. I could always read between the lines, and find a deeper meaning in the cute facade, and fantasy features that were a built upon staple of all their creations. In "Death end Re;Quest" all of the above still holds true. Through it's deeply applied character building, and layered mystery solving you will be fully immersed in the gritty world of cyber-hacking, criminal investigations, and the implementation of revolutionary VR game development accented by AI programming that is not too indifferent from applications of our own real world.

Enter Shina, and Arata. Two employees working for a game development studio known as Enigma. A studio working on a groundbreaking VRMMO engine known as the Alice Engine, and a virtually real gaming experience known as World's Odyssey. It is through the back and forth real world scenarios of Arata, and the resulting contact and ongoing combat situations of Shina through her mysterious VRMMO resurfacing in World's Odyssey after having gone missing for a year that we are clued into the spidery web of happenings that go beyond corporate interests into cyber-sleuthing in a dual attempt to get to the bottom of things. Through the staff at Enigma together with Shina, and Arata the fight to find out the truth about what's going on will take them deep into the metaphorical rabbit's hole as they follow Shina to the true ending of the World's Odyssey. A task, and undertaking that will not only effect Shina's fate, but also the fate of the world in which Arata, and his team of coders are struggling to deal with the aftermath of Shina's disappearance, and the resulting impact of it on the tech world.

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force (Nintendo Switch)

For those of you who missed out on "Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force" the first three times you'll have another chance to play through the game, and all of it's DLC on the Nintendo Switch. This version which comes out on the 17th of January is the same multiple path adventure that the previous port was. You get to play as the male protagonist Fang with up to six supporting characters as you fulfill your destiny as a fabled Fencer. Along with Fang comes his anxious Fairy partner Eryn who urges him along the way to revive the Goddess, and put an end to the battle against the Vile God that was waged so long ago. By collecting and wielding the Fencer swords, and their Fairy's magical powers you will press forth in strategic battle that is not too indifferent from previous Idea Factory JRPGs. The catch is that you can become more powerful by performing a Fairize where you merge with Fairies, and transform into the weaponized hero you were meant to be. This gifts you different combo combinations, and skill attacks that can be dealt to lesser, and greater foes alike. Unfortunately time is of the essence, and there are other Fencers also seeking to collect the 100 Fencer swords, and bring their own desires to fruition in the ultimate fight of good versus evil.

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.

A Glance Back At 2017's Games

I know what you're wondering. Why didn't I do the usual game of the year list? I just didn't feel bothered to do it to be honest. It's not that I don't think there were any good games, but more so that I needed a breather before getting back down to business in 2018. I also didn't want to basically sound like a parrot listing off the favorites everyone else already covered. Everybody, for the most part, seemed to enjoy what I enjoyed. While the reviewed favorites were common across most outlets I did find my leisure time preferences to be a little different than others'. To that extent I do have some things I'd like to mention before moving on into 2018's business. I'd like to take a moment to reflect on my personally favorite gaming experiences of 2017, and type about some studios that really impressed me with their offerings.

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.

Mary Skelter: Nightmares (PS VITA)

IFI (Idea Factory International) is mostly known for their lighthearted action JRPG adventures like that of the Neptunia series. Games which are adorned with a delightful bunch of bubbly female protagonists fighting against villainous threats within their world, the Game Inudstri. For whatever reason that base formula, and series was dropped briefly for something much darker, and more mature, but oddly very fun to play through. This bloody tale that features dual protagonists in the form of Jack, and Alice begins on a horrific note with them being subjected to torture in a living tower known as the "Jail" which is located where a forgotten vanished Japanese city once stood. Run by demonic Marchens, and plagued by devilish Nightmares the once free inhabitants of the now gone Japanese district plan an escape that may never come. Luckily for Jack, and Alice though their roles are crucial to the opposing DAWN organizations escape efforts, and as a Blood Maiden herself Alice must tag along with DAWN's recruits through the dungeon-like Jail if she ever hopes to free her and her beloved Jack from their torment.

Dark Rose Valkyrie (PS4)

IFI rarely ever branches off from their mainstay Neptunia series features. Their battle mechanics usually adhere to similar setups as does their animation style. While "Dark Rose Valkyrie" is unique in regards to the studio's staple animations, and stories it too harbors similarities with some of IFI's previous games. I think there's a little bit of "Omega Quintet" thrown in alongside some "Hyperdimension Neptunia" influence. Dare I say it I also think some inspiration was taken from games like Koei Tecmo's, "God Eater". In fact like "God Eater" there is a protagonist within the game recruited into a certain military agency with a unique ability tied to wielding special weapons. Large over-sized experimental weapons called Valkyrie which are to be used against Chimera infected people, and animals. As far as the gameplay goes most of the game has you learning, and earning your role as a commanding officer in the "Special Force Valkyrie" unit under the leadership of ACID (Anti-Chimera Interception Division) while taking on missions in relations to the Chimera virus threat. As a commanding officer who has an ability which enables him to wield the new weaponized technology you must effectively boost troop morale, and trust while completing the objectives given to you by your own commanding officer. This is done through headquarters interactions, and through mission outings that are kind of like what the Neptunia series has set in stone. Not only that, but there is at one point an infected subordinate who must be found in order to save the world. This will require a deeper understanding of the cast of characters, and attention to detail.

Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds (PS VITA)

When I first began playing "Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds" something seemed oddly familiar about it. I knew I had seen the plot, and the characters before somewhere. It's at that time of recollection that I realized I had actually reviewed Aksys Games' version of the same game on the PS3 several years back. In comparison to that version of the game this version of the Hakuoki story seems to be more streamlined in delivery, but actually half of the game that "Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi" was. In fact the press release for 'Kyoto Winds' states that this is the first half of a two part tale. Why IFI chose to divide it up is beyond me, but I suppose memory space does have something to do with it. Regardless of that, this trip down memory lane, and the realization that I'm once again playing through the same game I still found intact the admiration I found the first time around. In my first review I had actually discussed how the game was geared more towards a feminine crowd, and how it was a nice change for those less inclined to buy the more gender specific types of games. Yes, back in the day I was spouting nonsense about gender bias in the gaming industry. Perhaps I'm the one who got that ball of dung rolling (I hope not though) ... For those of you who missed out on that oldschool Inferno nugget feel free to read up on it here (Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi) as it will mostly mirror what I've got to say about IFI's rendition of Hakuoki ...

Superdimension Neptune vs Sega Hard Girls (PS VITA)

Idea Factory's Neptunia series has taken on a rather odd, and seemingly non-canon plot twist this time around in which IF is the protagonist, and a Segami (an amnesiac on a mission) is trying desperately to stop the post-apocalyptic end of the world which was brought on by inner conflict among the Sega Hard Girls. When the game opens up IF is shown scouring a desolate wasteland on her motorcycle in a search for an ancient library. She eventually finds said library, and in doing so meets up with a predicament tied to the disappearance of history itself. It seems the grand library is the storehouse for all historical knowledge, and is run by the series' motherly figure, Histoire. While browsing the volumes of information IF falls victim to a surprise attack, and later realizes through Histy's inquiry about her whereabouts, and the lost tomes of knowledge that there is a history thief among them. Of course during the visit, and perhaps before that Segami is found roaming aimlessly about, and insists on tagging along with IF. Together IF, Histy, and Segami work out a deal to travel back in time from era to era to figure out what exactly happened to the missing data. Histy actually turns IF's motorcycle into a time traveling vehicle, and it is with that motorcycle that IF, Segami, and the select characters she encounters travel back and forth from library to era doing their detective work as they attempt to fix the future.

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.

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force (PS4)

Before you read the following review regarding this PS4 re-release of "Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force" be sure to read my thorough review of the original PS3 version of the game via the following clickable link ... Fairy Fencer F (PS3)

Idea Factory International is a JRPG studio which has often times focused on the more "Moe" appeal of anime fantasies, and anime characters. While some of their older games such as the earlier "Hyperdimension Neptunia" releases stuck to a routine formula involving cute girls doing cute things they have innovated along the way, and have created many other noteworthy experiences that weren't solely based on said formula. "Fairy Fencer F" itself is nothing really new in comparison to the more recent IFI (Idea Factory Intl.) releases though it still remains one of the studio's more unique, and noteworthy adventures when it comes to plot, and character development. For one thing, "Fang", who is the game's slightly unwilling protagonist is a male character placed in a fantasy world where the joint efforts of both male and female characters are the norm. IFI actually strayed quite heavily from the all female, and all "Moe" casting of their previous Neptunia series within "Fairy Fencer F", and in doing so made the main role players more diverse in various ways.

Story-wise, "Fairy Fencer F" is also a game where there is a full fledged adventure without too many heavily comedic side skits. There are definitely some serious moments, and there is definitely a reason for gamers to advance the plot in order to see the three paths that are made available through ending choices come to fruition. As far as plot advancement goes you will be basically following Fang the Fencer, and his Fairy sidekick Eryn as they go about collecting Furies (swords containing fairy servants) in order to awaken a slumbering Goddess, or the Vile God who rest in an eternal stasis not far from each other. Choosing to revive either deity will have it's pros and cons as will going neutral at the end of it all.

MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune vs Zombies (PS VITA)

In possibly one of the most creative, and different ways imaginable developer Tamsoft, and publisher Idea Factory have come together to steer the Neptunia lore in a distinctly new direction. This spin-off of sorts does away with the usual Neptune guided hijinks, and puts Blanc of Lowee in the seat of power as a the Gamindustri gal leading the show. In fact it is a sort of indie movie show that plays out as the Gamicademi girls/CPUs fight off a very real zombie threat. When the game begins we find the ruling CPUs of the Gameindustri attending a Gamicademi (Academy) which is on the brink of closure due to a lack of attendees. Like the anime "Love Live!" these CPU goddesses, and their CPU sister candidates devise a plan to attract an even bigger crowd to the Gamicademi in hopes that they can keep it open. This begins with a fantastical idea involving the creation of a film club, and later a scripting of a zombie apocalypse indie that pays homage to games like 'Resident Evil'. The filming starts off innocently enough with only actors participating, but for whatever reason real zombies come into the picture only to be used by Blanc, and her quirky film crew as source material for their indie film project. There are plot twists, and sequels aplenty as you act your way from cut scene to cut scene in fun-loving film fashion.

Trillion: God of Destruction - The Verdict

Idea Factory's "Trillion: God of Destruction" is one of those special gaming experiences that is slow to start, and hard to grasp at first, but is one that grows on you the more you play it. It's a game that takes in account persistence, endurance, faith, sacrifice, relationships, love, and loss and weaves it all into a heartfelt fantasy about overcoming seemingly impossible odds. It's a lot like real life in that sense. While I do understand the game on such a level now I will be honest in saying that it took me a while to warm up to it, myself. Once I did though I fell in love with the characters involved as well as the story being told, and was rooting for them from deep within as they each faced insurmountable opposition in the form of a God who was out to destroy their home.

When I first began playing all I could think about was how story heavy 'Trillion: God of Destruction" was, and about how much time was spent on character development. I felt that the little time spent fighting Trillion, and Mokujin wasn't significant enough to make me call the game an "RPG", or even a purchase worthy game. I felt that it was more of a visual novel, and that due to it's lack of explanation and provided direction that it was poorly designed. Those were my initial thoughts. As I continued to play and build upon character relations along with the character stats though I found myself caring more for the characters involved, and was utterly heartbroken when some of them died by my own careless mistakes. When I realized these untimely deaths of my favorite characters were meant to be to a certain extent it took away my grief of the loss somewhat, and had me hoping that all would not be lost for Zeabolos, and his lady overlords. Thankfully not all is doom, and gloom when it comes to fighting the all consuming Trillion, and supposing you can fight the good fight you will be able to see one of the better endings out of the available ten that are there for unlocking. You'll also find plentiful moments of heartfelt emotions, laughter, and relationship building that will make each decision you apply all the more important to you.

Trillion: God of Destruction - Early Impressions

For the sake of keeping focused, and keeping you in the know I'm going to do this early impressions review about "Trillion: God of Destruction". I am free to write/type as I please since there is no embargo, so no worries there. Just take these impressions for what they are. It's not a definitive review just yet as I am still trying to figure things out.

When it comes to categorizing this particular PS Vita exclusive I have found it to be more akin to an interactive visual novel due to it's heavy dialogue, deeply involved character interactions, and deep seeded character development. Sure, it has some gameplay in it, but that RPG style gameplay is very limited. What you'll be doing with most of your time in 'Trillion: God of Destruction' is micro-managing your current overlord during a series of cycles, or weeks. This cyclic training ties in with the story's premise which basically involves a last ditch effort to save the underworld from total destruction. The game's story, as it were revolves around the inhabitants of an underworld that is much like the hell of Christianity, and slightly like the Hades/underworld from Greek mythology. It has a leading demon overlord (Zeabolos), and his overlord underlings which are each seven deadly sin stereotypes. During the games introductory narrative, and following tutorials it is made known that a god of destruction that is called "Trillion" is consuming the underworld in which these denizens of the damned reside from the surface inward. Zeabolos, in his vanity thinks he can deal with the problem easily, but in attempting to do so along with his brother he suffers a near fatal wound. After being fatally wounded a mysterious person of interest (Faust) enters the scene to do some devilish bargaining. For his soul, and flesh she offers to help him exact his revenge on Trillion, and save his underworld from destruction. Thus the underworld's fight for survival ensues.

Why I Love the Neptunia Series

After having an open talk with my friend Aaron this morning on Twitter I realized that there needs to be some clarification as to why I recommend, and back the Neptunia series/franchise. The series itself is undoubtedly notorious for including sexual images of younger looking female characters, and I know that does not sit well with some people. It is understandable, and I'm not trying to defend such artistic practices as that sort of moe, and loli inspired creative direction does weigh heavily on morals. I will say in the game's defense though (for those who can look beyond the girl-on-girl perversion) that it holds value in it's storytelling. As I've said many times before the series is tied to, and reflects our own gaming industry happenings. Whether it be the console wars of old, or the copyright issues of today everything is discussed in a between the lines kind of fashion. That's why I fell in love with the series. That and the hyper-stylized anime combat. As far as the perverted side goes it is there, and to a varying degree, but if you can look past it 90% of the story, and gameplay overshadows the few images, and innuendo placed within. You do have to be willing to look beyond something so outstanding in nature though.