[PS3] 超次元ゲイムネプテューヌMk2

 Though it seems like a fruitless pursuit (and mainly for my own personal satisfaction anyway), the main reason I started doing reviews of the games I've played (and totally got smitten with) is because I read those done by the gaming media on a regular basis, and needless to say, I'm not impressed. They'd give low scores to a game just because they couldn't understand what it's really all about.

Case in point is Chou Jigen Game Neptune. It got mainly lackluster reviews from the so-called "pros" who have little to no experience with otaku culture, merely dismissing it as "a sexist hack from the land of the rising sun". That statement totally reeks of not being able to appreciate moe, and that irks me to no end. Take your BS degree and shove it if you don't have a clue on what you're dealing with, please.

After going through the game twice (both the Japanese and NA versions) , I impatiently awaited the release of the sequel, Chou Jigen Game Neptune Mk2. The original game featured personifications of home consoles (with several developers in tow) and was ridden with gaming history references, fanservice and dungeon crawling. Mk2 doesn't necessarily pick up from where it's predecessor left off (blame the inflexible ending for that one), but features a whole new universe based on the prior theme, an improved combat system, and best of all, the introduction of the original casts' "younger sisters" all of whom are personifications of contemporary handheld consoles. This also answers the need for otaku fans who get off on siscon moe (and I happen to be one of them, by the way).

As much as I hate to see the Goddesses lose...

 

...it's well worth it to see them in this state.

The year is 20XX. Game Gyoukai is currently in a precarious situation. The industry is losing tons of shares because of the proliferation of Magicom piracy devices by the criminal organization "Magiquone".  The goddesses have weakened significantly as a result. Despite their best efforts to protect the land, they proved to be no match against Magiquone's "Magic The Hard" and are soon taken prisoner at the Industry Graveyard. IF and Compa rush to the goddesses' aid; but with the Share Crystal's power being severely limited, were only able to rescue Nepgear, Neptune's younger sister. After barely evading an ambush by Judge The Hard, the three head back to Planeptune to regroup. The only way to rescue the goddesses is to find the legendary "classic game character" discs, enlist the aid of the other goddesses-in-training and win back the lost shares from Magiquone. Though traumatized by the events back at the Industry Graveyard, Nepgear rises up to the challenge for the sake of saving her sister and all of Game Gyoukai...

Though unsure of herself at times, Nepgear will develop to be the most unreasonably powerful character in the whole game. Play it to see why.

First off, Mk2's combat system does not in any way inherit it's predecessor's Trinity Universe-sourced style. Battles are set in a mid-sized environment, where actions ranging from movement to actual fighting are done in a semi-real time SRPG system. Rush-and-attack style players are penalized by some enemies having a wide hit range that can affect everyone taking the frontal offensive, so it's important to have a halfway decent battle plan for every situation. Don't fret, certain types of weaponry can also afford you the same kind of leverage... it all boils down to how well you use it though.

One of Uni's specials involve a very nice view of her posterior to distract an enemy, lowering evasion as a result. The best part? It works on almost everyone.

In Mk2, item usage doesn't depend on the irritating hit-or-miss battle exclusive activation percentages and situations that made the first game a pain to play at times. Consumables can be accessed freely, and the variety has increased significantly. Synthesis isn't limited to just on-the-fly medicine mixing anymore, you can now create other items like weapons, armor and processor parts using plans and the needed raw materials. In addition, items you've developed once will be incorporated in the shop's inventory, allowing you to get more without going through the hassle of procuring ingredients again.

We already have 99 each of all the items that "?" spot provides, so ignore, ignore, ignore...

Dungeons are no longer just enclosed spaces. The inclusion of a grassland, forest and resort field adds more variety to crawls, though latter ones still fall victim to the rehash bug with only the enemies, treasures and layout slightly altered. Random encounters have also been abolished. Like in Persona 3 and 4, you have the option of closing in on the enemy and hitting it with your weapon, causing a "Symbol Attack" instance. (provides attribute bonuses that tilt the battle to your favor) If you're not feeling up to fighting, you can simply avoid coming in contact with the enemy. As an added bonus, if you're exploring a dungeon where enemies are significantly weaker than you, hitting their models will defeat them instantly.

As much as you may envy those lucky (slime) dogs, their opportunistic bout of sexual harassment is to be tragically short-lived. (in more ways than one)

The graphics in Mk2 still utilize cel-shaded models like the first game, and now applies them for event scenes as well. Sadly, the meticulously animated motion portraits are now limited to some of the unlockable CGs. Minor events feature only galge-style static  character frames with minimal variations and voices still noticeably absent.

Yes, the characters also get a dance number. You don't ask why, just watch and enjoy the many views it affords.

As this is a fanservice title, expect no major player of the male persuasion to show up in Mk2. (lest it cause an uproar similar in scope to the Xbox 360 release of The Idolmaster, an event also lovingly parodied in-game)  As such, relationships between characters usually fall into the realm of GL, though handled very lightly through subtle hints in events and omake content. (watch for a certain maker character's voice clip that announces her refusal to let go of a longtime companion, lol)  In my opinion, this could have been used to further advantage in the coupling system, where characters apart from Nepgear can have exclusive attacks and abilities to reflect as such. Unfortunately, no such system for them exists, and the coupling only serves to provide passive skill bonuses and substitution options, no different from a few other RPGs.

IF, put that phone away! We're never gonna get this Guild quest done if you keep checking it every ten seconds...

 Despite the prevailing girls-only party, there is a very prominent inclusion of a certain game creator of a beloved 2D action platform series. Aside from imparting advice on the importance of dreams, his likeness is also featured in a couple of attacks that Nepgear can use assuming the right conditions are met. I'm guessing that some people may find it out of place amid the moe-ridden backdrop, but speaking for myself, it's a welcome addition. Besides, I've admired this guy's handiwork for years.

Finally, the share system. While it was ambiguously presented in the first game, Mk2 makes it the center of it's whole universe. The actions you take, ranging from mundane fetch/hit quests to Colloseum battles will determine which major region's influence will flourish, affecting event instances and even the ending itself, of which there are 7 in all. Left hanging over the first game not having a real "bad ending"? Mk2 will not disappoint you. However, be very, very prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that it will inevitably cause.

If you can tell what's wrong with this picture, then you're now officially addicted to the game. Congraturations, a winner is you!

New patches and DLCs are still being made for this game, so a handful of things might change over time. Among those I would like to suggest if given the opportunity is for this game to allow skipping of enemy walking animations. Though battles are often fast-paced and attack frames can be shortened via the L2 button, encounters where enemies come from a distance can bog things down, especially since most of them are soo slow.

Overall, Mk2 is a highly recommended game for RPG fans, hardcore gamers and anime otaku. If you're not any of the above, either stay away or come join the fold. We need more true believers to overpower the ignorant commoners who might bash gems such as this.