Megadimension Neptunia VII Brings Long Name To PC
Dreamcast dimensions
Japanese RPGs have the most wonderfully/needlessly long-winded, tongue-twisting names, don't you think? Following its western debut on consoles earlier this year, Megadimension Neptunia VII [official site] is the latest to arrive on PC, and belongs to the Hyperdimension Neptunia series - a collection of Japanese role-player-meets strategy 'em ups best known for their vibrant, combo-laden, fast and furious fare. While I've never actually played any of them myself, folk seem to really like this 'un (according to its Steam player reviews), and, having just glossed over its plot, I'm keen to make sense of what's going on here:
I dunno about you, but I couldn't really make head nor tail of any of that. From what I've read, though, Megadimension Neptunia VII marks a return to the world of Gamindustri - a land ruled by four goddesses who figuratively depict our real-life console wars, representing Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony and Sega - where central characters Neptune and Nepgear have happened upon an old Dreamcast system that's somehow sucked them into the alternate Zero Dimension. Standard stuff, it seems.
From there, the narrative splits into three chapters wherein the game showcases its new-to-series features, such as "Parts Break", which allows you to lower enemy stats and disable their special attacks; "Giant Battles", which imposes limits on your own offence so as to "challenge the strategist in you"; and NEXT Mode which enables special skills and new costumes. A new Dungeon Minigame also offers players special items upon successful completion within the allocated time frame.
Clear as mud? Maybe this stream from publisher the Idea Factory will better depict some of that in motion:
Admittedly, if you've not sampled the series before now, starting with the series' earlier Re;Birth games will probably make more sense, however Megadimension Neptunia VII is out now for Windows on Steam for the reduced price of £17.99/$29.99/27,59€. After July 11, it'll cost you £29.99/$39.99/35,99€.