Neptunia developer to kick off the year in style

Compile Heart, the Japanese developer behind the relentless Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise, has announced that it has a grand reveal planned to kick off its new year. The announcement will be made in the January 19 issue of popular publication Weekly Famitsu, tho?ugh no further ??details were announced.

At this point, we can do little but speculate, but given Compile Heart'?s seemingly endless ability to repackage the cheesecake universe of Nep-Nep and friends into almost any genre, we can only assume that the residents of Gameindustri are getting set to embark upon another colorful and goofy adventure.

The most recent title in the series, Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters launched in Japan in the spring of this year, and is headed west next month �just in time for this new announcement, in fact. Convenient. Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters will launch January 2023 on PlayStation and PC platforms, and will be the first title in the series since 2018'??s Super Neptu??nia RPG to feature a fully localized English dub.

Compile Heart teases announ??cement for January issue of Weekly Famitsu [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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The Equalizers

Compile Heart has launched a teasing website for an upcoming project set within the universe of niche Japanese franchise Galapagos RPG. The site �which you can ??check out right here �teases a "Galapagos RPG Evolve," which suggests a remaster, remake, or sequel to the cult adventure.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcmnKD2rrPI&t

The new website hosts a mysterious video titled "Evolve: Mashup," which sees the original Galapagos RPG brand logo ripped open to reveal two audio equalizers �each of w?hich represents two different songs. The music tracks combine in a dramatic crescendo, also revealing the latter "F" on-screen. The songs separate once again as the video comes to an end.

While the "F" is likely a reference to the first title in the franchise, 2013's Fairy Fencer F, it remains a mystery as to what the new site is specifically advertising. Regardless, we won't have to wait too much longer to find out as Compile Heart will lift the curtain on the mystery title in this week's issue of Japanese publication Weekly Famitsu, which will hit the shelves later this week on May 19. We'll be sure to bring you any pertinent news or details as it pertains to this peculiar come??back.

Compile Heart launches "Galapagos RPG Evolve" new title teaser? website [Gematsu]

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ChrisEvansIUnderstoodThatReference.gif

Video game franchises crossing over with one another has been a celebrated part of the industry for almost as long as there has been one. The earliest example I remember is Battletoads & Double Dragon, which saw a few rentals in the Andriessen household back in the early �0s. But the origins of this practice go back years before Rare popped out that memorable brawler on the NES. Games like Super Robot Taisen, Konami Wai Wai World, and Alex Kidd in Shinobi World were early pioneers of the concept, laying the groundwork for future franchises like the Vs. Capcom series, Super Smash Bros., and Kingdom Hearts.

Some crossovers seem almost inevitable, like Battletoads & Double Dragon or SNK vs. Capcom. Others are more out of left field. Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars belongs in the former category. These two franchises, linked by frequent developer Tamsoft, have pretty much been on a collision course since Neptune appeared as a guest character in Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash. Given how many spinoffs and side games both franchises have seen, it was only a matter of time befo??re we g??ot a proper pairing of these two niche series.

Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars (PS4, PC, Switch [reviewed])
Developer: Tamsoft, Idea Factory, Compile Heart
Publisher: Idea Factory International
Released: April 19, 2022 (Switch)/October 26, 2021 (PS4)/May 11, 2022 (PC)
MSRP: $49.99

Actually, “proper pairing�wouldn’t really be the words I’d use to describe Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars. To me, the idea of a “proper�pairing would mean that ideas and concepts from both franchises are used to create something that can satisfy two distinct fanbases that might not necessarily overlap. While I’m sure the Venn Diagram for the fans of these two series comes pretty close to forming a perfect circle, those who favor Senran Kagura’s structure and side activities might be a little disappointed with what’s on offer here. This really isn’t Neptunia x Senran Kagura as much as it’s “New Neptunia Game featuring the Girls of Senran Kagura.�/p>

Asuka and friends are merely guest stars in Neptune’s latest escapade, which sees Gamindustri reimagined as Gamninjustri. In this world, inspired by ancient Japan, two warring kingdoms �Heartland and Marveland �agree to set their differences aside as they face a far greater threat that cou?ld spell doom for the entire world. The only way to save the day is to join forces and grind their way through a handful of short levels populated by a sparse number of enemy combatants. Players start off with access to the four heroes of Heartland �Neptune, Vert, Blanc, and Noire �but it isn’t long before they’re joined by Marveland’s greatest ninjas in the form of Asuka, Homura, Yumi, and Miyabi.

Cue the saucy "group bath" scene.

As with all Neptunia games, the story here is pretty lightweight, with low production values that managed to educe a few chuckles out of me. There is still a heavy emphasis on reference humor throughout, with nods to the game industry, the developers and publishers of these two franchises, and past Neptunia titles. As has been the case with previous games in the franchise, the narrative is wildly overwritten, with no piece of exposition left unsaid. Individual cutscenes can run ??several minutes and while it is possible to skip over everything to get straight to the action, if you cut out most of the story, you might find yourself with not much game left.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky3pqewVpvs

I wouldn’t mind s?itting through so much story if the combat waiting for me at the end was engaging and worthwhile. Sadly, the action here is rather basic and a mediocre showcase for what developer Tamsoft is capable of. Before each mission, players can choose two characters to take into battle a?nd you can mostly switch between them on the fly. Each character has a single-button melee attack and it is possible to start a combo with one character only to finish it with the other.

Characters also have two long-distance projectiles and four Ninja Art Skills that can be loosely chained together for huge damage. Then there is the flashy Shinobi Extreme a??ttack. Fill up each character's attack gauge to unleash this powerful maneuver that you're pretty much going to save exclusively for the various bosses you'll encounter. Add in the Fuurinkazan Drive system, which lets you switch your battle type at will for various short-term benefits, and you have the makings of a somewhat decent fighting system, one that would be a hell of a lot better if the action didn't pause so damn much to annoy players with cutscenes of gates opening and closing. Or if the auto-targeting system were more reliable. Or if it were easier to cancel out of combos?? and Ninja Art Skills.

Like with some past Tamsoft titles, the use of the dodge mechanic is pretty rigid here. If your character is in the middle of an animation, be it when you’re attacking or taking damage, be prepared to wait until it’s over before you can dodge or block any incoming attacks. This wouldn’t be so much of a big deal if it weren’t so easy for enemies to strike you from off-camera, sometimes even through walls. While I was playing through this game for review, I redownloaded MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune as well as Senran Kagura Estival Versus to compare and contrast the action. I found that these titles, both developed by Tamsoft, had a lot more fluidity in both their combat and their movement and that’s something I would have liked to have seen more of in Ninja Wars.

I also would have liked to have seen a lot more content and characters. At just 12 or so hours, Neptunia x Senran Kagura is a brief excursion with some pretty blatant artificial inflation of the running time. You’re going to be revisiting the same few maps often, completing not-so-optional requests outside of the mandatory story missions to grind up your character levels. And you’re going to be doing it with just 10 characters. The four protagonists from each franchise are joined by newcomers Goh the Crow and catgirl Yuuki, and while the representatives from Neptunia and Senran are an obvious bunch of heroes, it’s pretty pathetic other characters from those two expansive rosters couldn’t make their way into the game. Especially considering that MegaTagmension managed to get 15 playable characters in there while Estival Versus had a whopping 34 when you include DLC.

It’s not just the roster that is anemic. Outside of combat, there is very little extra content for players to engage in. For those who primarily enjoy the Senran Kagura series, know the dressing room and diorama modes did not make the cut in Ninja Wars. Also out is the plethora of costume options the series has cultivated over the years. And you can forget about getting a little one-on-one time with the girls. The only additional activity you’ll find here is the Peaches & Cream Meditation mini-game, which uses motion controls to see how well you can keep the girls balance??d on a giant peach. Doing well here will net you buffs in battle, but eventually, you’ll be able to earn tickets that will let you skip the balancing act altogether while still scoring the rewards.

And really, the lack of commitment I see with the Peaches & Cream mini-game is evident throughout the entirety of Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars. It just feels as though the developers didn't have any interest ??in presenting players with anything other than a mindless hack'n'slash. All the characters more or less play the same, all the requests you accept are more or less?? the same, and all the maps feel derivative of one another. It's just a run-of-the-mill experience from beginning to end.

There is so much potential in a crossover between the Neptunia and Senran Kagura series that it’s a real disappointment this is the best Tamsoft, Compile Heart, and Idea Factory have to offer. What should have been a celebration of two niche franchises that have defied the odds (an??d critics) to succeed in this industry is instead yet another forgettable spinoff for two series that have already seen their fair share of forgettable spinoffs. Both franchises deserve better, and quite frankly, so do the fans who have done their part to keep th??em going.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Naughty ninjas nearing Nintendo

[Update: Idea Factory International has confirmed that Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars is coming to Switch and PC in the west spring 2022. A Limited Edition is now are now available to pre-order from the IF Store.]

Compile Heart has officially announced that its crossover anime adventure Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars is to receive a Nintendo Switch port, following on from its previous release on PS4 earlier this year. The Switch edition of the cheesecake ?action title will launch in Japan in March of 2022. A western localization is expected, but was not announced.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6NlbW6zDQU

Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars sees the two hugely popular multimedia franchises clash in a tongue-in-cheek duel over the franchise's competing combat styles. Neptunia's "Compa" (after developer Compile Heart) takes on Senran Kagura's "Honeypa" (after developer Honey Parade) as the denizens of Heartland and Marveland collide in an intense, violent, and very, very silly action-R?PG. Obviously, the two brands are practically made for each other, each sporting its own roster of loud, adventurous characters and wild, slapstick humor. Frankly, it's surprising it has taken this long for the brands to meet.

The Nintendo Switch port of Ninja Wars will include all of the content of the original PS4 release, but will also boast additional sub-quests, an "Extremely Hard" difficulty option, and a selection of previously released DLC character skins. Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars will launch in Japan on Nintendo Switch March 17, 2022. It is availa??ble worldwide right now on PS4.

[Via Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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Sisters are nepping it for themselves

Last time I checked my calendar, today was A Day, and that means it's time to announce another video game set in the Hyperdimension Neptunia universe. True to form, long-time series developer Compile Heart has dropped both a teaser trailer and a website for the new release, which is to be officially unveiled in the November 25 issue of Weekly Famit??su.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaUHfht-pm8

As teased in the trailer above, Nep Nep's latest jaunt involves "The Next Stage..." in some form, with a teaser trailer that feature?s four unknown silhouettes �though one of them is likely our gal Neptune, while two of the others look like Noire and Blanc. Accompanied by the Neptastic sounds of blaring digital music, the trailer sees Neptune ascend a staircase, before offering the viewer the message "Sisters, to the next stage..." and the release date of Weekly Famitsu.

Mate, it's Hyperdimension Neptunia, this could turn out to be a JRPG, a dancing game, a shmup, an arena fighter, a pachinko machine. It could be a fucking pro-wrestling game for all I know, (and it would STILL be better than WWE 2K.) All bets are off when it comes to Nep Nep and the world of Gamindustri. Whatever form of fashion this latest release takes, you can be assured it will feature the wholesome spirit, wry sense of humor, and retina-blurring razzle-dazzle that has made Hyperdimension Neptunia one of the most enduring fr?anchises of the modern gaming age.

NEPPU!

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Nin Nin Ninja, Ninja, Rap

In a collaboration set to rock the foundations of the very galaxy itself, Compile Heart has announced that goofy adventure series Hyperdimension Neptunia is getting set to crossover with cheeky cheesecake franchise Senran Kagura for a brand new, sword-and-sorcery, action RPG.

As revealed by Famitsu, the succinctly titled Senran Nin Nin Ninja Taisen Neptune: Shoujo-tachi no Kyouen is currently in development for PS4, and is tentatively scheduled to launch in Jap?an later in 2021. An expectedly silly premise sees two ninja schools - one ??trained in the art of "Command" attack and the other in the art of "Action" attack, combine forces when the land is invaded by a mysterious third school of unknown origin, kicking off the world-shaking "Super Ninja Wars."

Senran Nin Nin Ninja Taisen Neptune will star a bevy of battlers from both the Neptunia and Senran Kagura franchises, and will no doubt be packed to the rafters with dopey comedy and much fanserv??ice. The new adventure will also introduce a?? brand new character in the form of protagonist "Yuuki," voiced by popular Japanese singer and voice actor Miku Itou.

While the crossing over of Hyperdimension Neptunia and Senran Kagura seems a fine fit on paper, I'm not sure if our humble Earth can handle the utter ridiculousness that such a part??nership will bring forth. I guess all we can do right now is pick a side. And while Daidoji will alwa??ys be one of my favorite gaming gals, you'll find me firmly in the corner of Team NEP.

You can check out some early gameplay in the video below at ??the 02:37:58 mark.

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Nep Sounds

Idea Factory International has announced that its remake of a remake Neptunia ReVerse will be launching in the west this summer, with the PS5 JRPG hitting North America on June 8, with Europe following a few days later on June? 11. The release date was announced as part of yesterday's New Game Expo Plus (NGPX) presentation.

Already available on the next-gen Sony platform in its native Japan, Neptunia ReVerse is the "definitive edition" of the 2018 PS Vita release Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which itself is a remake of the original Hyperdimension Neptunia,?? which launched on PS3 back in 2010. Confused? ; Well,?? that's the Nep-Nep way, chum.

Neptunia ReVerse contains the original Re;Birth 1 Plus content in its entirety, spruced up with a fresh run of balance tweaks and bug-fixes, as well as new features?? and content including a photo mode, a fully unlocked ro??ster of characters, a modified crafting system and - an absolute necessity in the modern RPG genre - a fishing-based side activity.

Though packed full of eye-rolling tropes and gimmicks, the Hyperdimension Neptunia ??series is a fun franchise, fully self-aware and embracing of its ridiculous anime nature. I'm not sure if Nep-Nep and Co's first foray into the new generation really needed to be another remake, but if nothing else it might offer a glut of newcomers a new way to get up to speed with the batshit world of Gameindustri.

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A good Nep these days is hard to find

Idea Factory International has announced that Neptunia Virtual Stars will be arriving on PC via Steam, alongside its PS4 edition, when the action-adve??nture RPG wings its way westward sometime in 2021 on PC and PS4.

Originally released in Japan this past summer, Neptunia Virtual Stars (or VVVtunia) sees our favorite CPUs enter a brand new virtual realm, where they encounter, and then team up with V-idols MEWTRAL in a last-ditch effort to fend of the imposing might of the Antis invaders, who ??are bringing chaos to the planet Emote. Video games.

Neptune Virtual Stars features a cast of series regulars such as Nep-Nep, Vert, Blanc, and Noire, but also crosses over with legendary "real-life" V-idols who you may know from streaming brands such as Hololive, ReVdol!, Horror Academian, and upd8. Is "Korone" one of those?.. I'm so old, I'm so, so old.

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NeeeeeeeeePU!

Idea Factory International has officially confirmed that upcoming PS5 release Neptunia ReVerse will indeed be coming to North America and Europe at some point in 2021. Arriving in both physical and digital form, pre-orders are now open on the official Idea Factory store.

Neptunia ReVerse, (or Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse) is the "definitive edition" of 2018 PC and PS Vita release Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which itself is a remake of the very first title in the cute Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise. ReVerse will feature the Re;Birth RPG adventure in its entirety, along with a skill re-balance, new fishing mini-games, revised stats and abilities, and a completely unlocke??d cast from the get-go.

As I've noted before, it's disappointing to see that Nep-Nep's first foray into next-gen gaming is - of all things - a remake of a remake. But still, it is at least good to see that Idea Factory has faith in western Neptunia fans and will continue to pu?sh the adventures of Neptune, Vert, Blanc, Noire and friends into th??e coming year and beyond.

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The Dark Nep Returns

Compile Heart has released an extended gameplay video for Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse - the incoming PS5 remake of... erm... another remake, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which first launched on PC and PS Vita in 2018.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen will offer a remade re-tread of the original fun-packed adventure, that went on to spawn the cult Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise and its many spin-offs. Players guide a party of characters including Noire, IF, Vert, Blanc and Nep-Nep herself as the battle to save the realm of Gameindust??ri from the impending "Console War."

The remake will feature a revised and re-balanced battle system, new mini-games, an expanded party, and the opportunity to play the entire cast from the get-go. While Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse looks to be a good jumping off point for those new to the franchise, it's undeniably disappointing to see Nep-Nep's first next-gen release is merely a remake of a remake.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse launches in Japan on PS5 December 17. Compile Heart is yet to announce a western localization.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse second trailer [Gematsu]

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Gals and Guitars

Compile Heart has released the intro movie to the next release to Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse, the next release in the Hyperdimension Neptunia anime RPG franchise, which also happ???en to be Nep-Nep's first foray into next-gen gaming!

To be honest, it's a little disappointing, consisting of no more than a bunch of hi-tech screen wipes and some standard character portraits. But at least our ears can enjoy the guita??r-heavy vibes of title track "For Share!!", composed and?? arranged by araKEN and performed by Japanese techno-rockers Zwei.

Described as the "definitive edition" of the Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, (which itself was an enhanced edition of a previous release), Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse will feature new and reworked elements in both the JRPG's audio/visual aesthetic and its gameplay. These include new difficulty options, the ability to take an extra character into battle, a fully unlocked cast from the get-go, and a fishing mini-game.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse launches on PS5 in Japan on December 17, retailing for a princely ¥7,600, (roughly $70). Pre-order customers will receive a download code for a copy of last year's cutesy retro shmup Neptunia Shooter. A western release is yet to be confirmed.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse opening mov?ie [Gematsu]

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Neppin' back to the past

Compile Heart has revealed that its recently announced PS5 release Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse is not a brand new entry in the Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise, but is in fact a "Definitive E???dition" remake of the first title in the series.

As reported in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu, Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse will be an enhanced edition of previous remake Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 Plus, which launched on the PS Vita and PC platforms in 2018. Go! Go! 5 will feature several new and reworked elements,?? including improved balance, the option to take four characters into battle, a completely unlocked cast, revised stats and skills, and a new fishing mini-game.

No release date, nor a western localisation has been announced for Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse, but it will retail in Japan for ¥7,600, or roughly $70. Pre-order customers will receive a download code for a copy of last year's cutesy retro shmup Neptunia Shooter.

It has to be said, it's a little disappointing that the first Neptunia title to arrive in the next generation will be, essentially, a second remake of a now decade-old game, at full price no less. Here's hoping we'll see all-new adventures from Nep-Nep?, Vert, Noire and pal?s soon.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse details [Gematsu / Ryoukutya2089]

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I guarantee it won't be called that on these shores

Today is the tenth anniversary of the fun and dopey Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise. To celebrate this Neppest of occasions, Compile Heart has announced the first Neptunia title heading to PS5: Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse.

Announced during a special episode of online show "Compile TV," the publisher offered nothing in the way of details, merely offering Neptunia fans a title, a logo, and the confirmation that the game would be headed to PS5. One can only assume that Go! Go! 5 will be the next mainline entry in the Neptunia series, and will likely see Neptune, Noir??e, Vert and friends rally together for another ques??t filled with exploration, combat, fanservice, and pudding. You can check out the announcement in the video below.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse is currently in development for PS5.

Go! Go! 5 Jigen Game Neptune reVerse anno?unced for PS5 [Gematsu]

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The party don't start 'till Nep walks in

There are a lot of unanswered questions pertaining to the next generation of gaming platforms, but we can finally put one of the most important, crucial inquiries to rest. Yes, Nep-N??ep will be making an appearance in some fashion on next-gen consoles.

Compile Heart has announced that it plans to reveal a "new development" in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series tomorrow, August 19. Incidentally, this date represents the tenth anniversary of the franchise, which began with the release of original JRPG Hyperdimension Neptunia and has gone on to spawn several sequels and spin-offs, alongside a catalogue of? cu?te memes.

The new project will be revealed as part of a "Compile Heart TV" live stream, which will broadcast sometime in Japan's evening hours. No further information regarding platforms, release date, or whether this new development was a straig?ht sequel, a VR title, another spin-off, or something? else entirely. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. NEPPU!

Nep??tunia new development ?for new hardware to be announced [Gematsu]

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— コンパイルãƒãƒ¼ãƒˆ (@CompileHeartWeb) August 18, 2020

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Still better than Reaction Videos

Well, this is a new experience. Compile Heart has debuted 10 minutes of footage taken from the next entry in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, VVVTunia - which is headed west on PS4 as Neptunia Virtual Stars in 2021.

The novel twist here is that the VVVTunia is itself being played by two more virtual characters. Upd8's Hibiki Ao is controlling out the action, while being hosted and cheered on by "virtual YouTuber" Ilheart. While I wrap my old man head around this meta-beyond-meta concept, check out the gameplay footage the video below, courtesy of... Ilheart... I guess?

Gameplay begins at 05:28. Be warned, the first 20 seconds of this video are pretty intense.

Neptunia Virtual Stars will see Nep-Nep, Vert, Blanc, Noire and friends visit the digital universe of EMO, on a rescue mission to save and protect a squad of Virtual Idols who reside there. As opposed to the typical Hyperdimension Neptunia JRPG format, Neptunia Virtual Stars is more of a straight third-person action-adventure, ??as demonstrated in the above video.

Okay, so I may have been a little glib at the top of the hour, but still... Virtual YouTube celebrities live streaming video games... Back in my day you had a bag of Monster Munch and Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors and you were thankful for it. What a time to be a??live?.

For those of you who prefer your marketing in the more traditional sense. Compile Heart has also released a new five-minute trailer, which you can check out below.

Neptunia Virtual Stars launches on PS4 in Japan July 2, and will head west in 2021.

Neptunia Virtual Stars: 12 minutes of gameplay [Gematsu]

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Anime adventures on pause

Two of Compile Hearts' major releases for 2020 have been struck with unfortunate delays. The latest entry in the Hyperdimension Neptuina series, VVVtunia, and the ultimate final Mary Skelter release, Mary Skelter Finale, have both been pushed back due to what the developer no??ted as "various ??circumstances."

Originally scheduled for launch in Japan on July 2, VVVtunia will now release on August 6. The spin-off adventure sees Nep-Nep, Vert, Blanc and crew travel to the digital world of EMO, where the team tag up with a struggling band of Virtual Idols to fend of the might of the invading "Anti." The action adventure includes direct-control combat, a selection of fun mini-games, and the typical tongue-in-cheek humour of the Neptunia series. Idea Factory has also announced that VVVtunia will get a western localisation in 2021, under the new title Neptunia Virtual Stars.

Mary Skelter Finale has been pushed back from its August 27 launch date, and will now arrive on October 8. Supposedly the final entry in the anime dungeon-crawling series, Mary Skelter Finale follows the exploits of six stylish protagonists who, after escaping the living hell that was "The Jail" must now press forward toward the Overseer Tower, while avoiding the waifu-led?? execution squad known as "Genocide Pink."

VVVtunia launches on PS4 in Japan August 6. Mary Skelter Finale launches on PS4 and Nintendo Switch in Japan October 8.

VVVtunia delayed to August 6 in Japan, Mary Skelter Final delayed to Octob?er 8 [Gematsu]

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Nep-PU! Nep-PU! Nep-PU!

There's still a full two months to go before the Japanese release of VVVTunia, the next entry in the beloved Hyperdimension Neptunia series, and Compile Heart is yet to speak of a western localisation, but that do??esn't mean we can't all enjoy this delightful op?ening sequence.

The video features the hyper-cheerful track "∞ (Unlimited)," written by Japanese artist Jin, and performed by new VVVTunia idols Me and You, (that's the characters' names, I don't literally mean "me and you"). The video itself reintroduces us to series veterans Noire, Blanc,?? Vert and, of course, Nep-Nep herself, while debuting new superstars Vice, Licht, Mauli, and Kili - who is "a mood" - as the kids say.

VVVTunia will see our favourite console gals travel to the digital world of "Planet EMO," responding to a distress call from the Virtual Idols who live therein. Eschewing the typical RPG format of previous Neptunia titles, VVVTunia is a third-person action-adventure, featuring direct-control combat and a vast new world waiting to be explored. VVVTunia will also feature dancing mini-game BeatTik, a new "Video Mode," customisation options, and the silly humour that is a staple of the franchise.

VVVTunia launches in Japan on July 2, exclusively on PS4.

VVVTunia opening movie [Gematsu]

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Love Boat

Azur Lane has had a rather rapid rise to the upper echelons of gacha gaming. Once, it was derided as a Chinese "clone" of the Japan-exclusive Kantai Collection. Now, less than a year after its official English release, Azur Lane is arguably bigger than the game it's accused of ripping off. The learner is now the master �??/span> of adapting fearsome 20th-century warships to the popular "sexy anime lesbian" form factor.

With phones and tablets under its belt, Azur Lane's ship girls have turned their gunsights on a new horizon: the choppy waters of PC and console gaming. Their first incursion comes in the form of Azur Lane: Crosswave.

Azur Lane: Crosswave (PS4 [Reviewed], PC)
Developer: Compile Heart, Idea Factory, Felistella
Publisher: Idea Factory International
Released: February 14, 2020
MSRP: $49.99

Azur Lane: Crosswave belongs to a fine game industry tradition: Taking a popular IP and adapting it into a 3D action game of some sort, not unlike what was done for Hyrule Warriors or Girls und Panzer: Dream Tank Match. In the core mobile game, Azur Lane, battles are conducted via a turn-based strategic grid. Actual combat encounters are done via 2D shoot-'em-up-style scrolling-screen encounters. Players maneuver their characters through patterns of ene??my fire and destroy hordes of enemy sprites.

Crosswave opts to ditch the turn-based strategy aspects for something more akin to a visual novel that has a battle system. Players select battle encounters from an overworld map, then control a party of three "Kansen" �/span> the in-game term for the ship girl characters �/span> on a 3D field, firing their weapons in all directions at enemies coming from every which way.  Enemies range ?from normal-sized ships to flying fighter planes to other Kansen themselves, and they lay down patterns of fire that need to be avoided.

Each character has a class that corresponds to a warship hull type. Battleship Kansen like Suruga move more slowly, but pack powerful cannons that deal major damage t??o armored targets and other Kan?sen. Destroyer Kansen like Shimakaze and Laffey are speedy and can dodge incoming fire, but they're fragile, and their pea-shooter guns are mostly good for dispatching planes, forcing them to rely on slowly moving torpedo volleys to clear the field. Aircraft Carrier Kansen like Saratoga can launch their own planes to destroy other aircraft and bomb surface enemies. Every Kansen has a unique set of skills to do things like increase their damage output or reload speed.

Between battles, players can change and upgrade their equipment and level up their Kansen's skills, as well as unlock new playable characters. Through use, Kansen can also level up their affection for the player, allowing them to be bound to an "Oath" �/span> read: married, complete with a ring �/span> for additional stat bonuses. A handy Photo Mode allows players to capture the happy moment for posterity and/or so?cial media clout.

The battles can get hectic, and even exciting, particularly when lots of fire is on-screen, or when doing the tougher "EX" missions, but they always feel short and restrictive. The playable space on each battle map is tiny, hemmed in by invisible borders, and each battle is extremely short, denying players entry into that flow state one experiences when playing shmups. This is a situation where Azur Lane: Crosswave's attempts to re??plicate the mobile version's structure have backfired.

Short battles are good for a mobile game designed to be played repetitively and in short spurts, but on a home console or PC title it makes for a disengaged, staccato pacing, where players might spend twenty minutes in various conversation scenes, only to load into a 30-second battle. Further, battles don't really escalate in terms of challenge, for the most part. Increased difficulty simply functions as a gate based on a player's progress in upgrading gear and levels. Almost every mission plays out the same way, and with so little time to actually fight individual Kansen �/span> both enemy and ally �/sp???an> feel almost identical to play as or fight.

Azur Lane: Crosswave is unremarkable as a battle experience, but it is a well-realized piece of fan service for fans of Azur Lane, which, on b??alance, might be the more important thing.

The narrative isn't particularly complex: Azur Lane's world has four competing nations: The Eagle Union, Iron Blood, Royal Navy, and Sakura Empire, all patterned after a belligerent of World War II. The nations maintain a peaceful but friendly tension between them, as they face a threat from a mysterious ?fifth faction: The Sirens. Key to their defenses are the Kansen, female androids wielding special weaponry and channeling the spirits of historical warships. When a battle ?with the Sirens leaves a number of physics-defying glowing cubes scattered about Sakura Empire territory, the nations call together a "joint operation" to collect and research the mysterious new resources.

It's a fairly thin excuse to get a ton of characters together and interact, and it does the work: Azur Lane: Crosswave features 29 playable Kansen from all four factions, with 35 more selectable as "support" units in battle, with more still planned via downloadable add-on. Of course, given that Azur Lane's roster of Kansen is more than four hundred strong at this point, a good many girls aren't included. Further, the narrative focus on Sakura Empire characters, led by Suruga and Shimakaze, results in a somewhat unbalanced roster in their favor, with the German-based Kansen of the Iron Blood getting a paltry three playable characters at launch (Prinz Eugen, Z23, and Bismarck). That said, many of the fan favorites, like Eagle U??nion's Enterprise, the Royal Navy's Hood, and more do appear in ?the game.

Better still, all the Kansen included have full voice acting, and the outfits they practically spill out of are rendered in high resolution. It's a pleasant game to look at, provided you can overlook the fact that Azur Lane's? character design sensibilities have always trended towards "unsettlingly horny."

The writing also comes through, adding plenty of opportunities for every character's personality to shine through via a boatload of conversation scenes and events. The topics range from discussions of the main plot and cryptic hints at the darker aspects of Azur Lane's world-building to just shooting the breeze about sweets. Players that like to ex??plore fanfiction-like "shipping dynamics" wil??l find plenty of fodder as several pairs of characters with long histories in the main game find the time to have heart-to-hearts and work out their beefs.

I mentioned earlier that Azur Lane: Crosswave was like other licensed anime games, but perhaps the game it's most like along that diverse spectrum is an entry from the Neptunia franchise. The focus on characters just interacting, and weighting the content far in favor of that, even at the expense of regular gameplay and narrative cohesion, will strike a familiar chord if you're an experienced Nep-Nepper. In fact, that Neptune herself is playable in-game via a free add-on, and the Neptunia girls were recently ??added to the core mobile game last year.

In the end, that's the real draw of Azur Lane: Crosswave, rather than its gameplay, which is more of a formality. As such, your reaction to it will likely depend on how receptive you are to Azur Lane itself. Existing fans and open-minded lovers of cu?te anime girls gabbing will find much to dive deep into, but everyone else is probably better off taking some shore leave.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Sing along with me... Neeeep! N-Nep!

Compile Heart has announced the next game in the cult anime adventure series Hyperdimension Neptunia. The bizarrely titled VVVtunia will be coming to the PS4 platform in 2020, according to a report in the latest issues of Dengeki PlayStation and Famitsu.

As reported by Gematsu, VVVtunia is a spin-off title that will see Neptune (accompanied by some of the Gameindustri gals including Blanc, Vert, and Noire) come to the aid of a group of virtual idols whose homestead of Planet EMO is under attack from the villain "Anti." VVVTunia will be an action-adventure title, as opposed to the standard JRPG format of the mainline Hyperdimension Neptunia games.

A selection of in-game features has been hinted at, including a video mode described as "a step up from Photo Mode," a dancing mini-game, and the expected slew of costumes and customisation options. VVVtunia's release will coincide with not only t??he franchise's 10th anniversa?ry, but also the 25th anniversary of parent company Idea Factory. More details are expected later this week.

VVVtunia is in development for PS4 in J??apa??n, and is expected to launch in 2020.

Neptunia game VVVtunia announced for PS4 [Famitsu / Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

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The road to Nepville just got a little longer

It's been a while since we last heard anything regarding Idea Factory's adventure title Super Neptunia RPG. Well, this week brings some news and it looks like Nep-Nep fans will have to hold on a smidge longer before they can hit the trail wi??t?h Nep, Blanc, Noire and company.

The PS4 and Nintendo Switch editions of the action RPG have been pushed back from their spring release window to sometime during the summer, when they will r??elease in Europe and North America alongside their PC brethren.

It has also been noted, not unsurprisingly, that two CG scenes in the PS4 edition have been "slightly modified" from the original Japanese release. Although details were not available, it's a snug bet that we all know what they're talking about. I find this example odd, as while titles such as Senran Kagura and Gun*Gal feature blatantly sexualised content, I've always considered Hyperdimension Neptunia to be way mo??re restrained, save for som??e very mild innuendo.

Super Neptunia RPG sees the gang hit with amnesia before going on a journey through Gameindustri, with gameplay similar to Valkyrie Profile. It is notable as the first game in the series developed outside of Japan, being crafted by Canadian team Artisan Studios. Super Neptunia RPG launches in t??he west on PS4, Xbox One and PC? this summer.

Super Neptunia RPG for PS4, Switch delayed to su??mmer [Gematsu]

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Nep and Co. have something to say

Idea Factory, the Japanese developer behind Dark Rose Valkyrie, Fairy Fencer F and, of course, the popular Hyperdimension Neptunia se??ries, has announced an international press event to be held on November 8.

The conference, which is to be held in ?San Francisco, is the fifth as such to be hosted by the developer. Although there were no specific details, it is expected, given previous conferences, that IF will use the opportunity to date localisations of their upcoming releases, as well as potentially announce new titles.

As pure speculation, titles such as Mary Skelter 2 and Super Neptunia RPG are yet to be released in the West. IF subsidiary Compile Heart is also at work on new IPs Varnir of the Dragon Star and Arc of Alchemist.

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Delay sees adventure postponed until 2019

Idea Factory has announced that their upcoming action-adventure, Super Neptunia RPG, won't meet its originally scheduled wester?n release window, and has been put back to Spring of 2019.

As evidenced by a recent tweet, western fans of Nep-Nep, Noire, Vert and the rest of the gang will have to hold on a little before they can get their mitts on the new game, which sees the girls questing through Gameindustri after suffering a convenient bout of amnesia. The delay is somewhat ironic considering that Super Neptunia RPG is th??e first game in the series to be developed in the west, by Canadia??n outfit Artisan Studios.

Super Neptunia RPG is still on track to meet its Japanese release, arriving on PS4 September 27, though there is no word forthcoming on ??the i?ntended Nintendo Switch port.

Never mind, fellow Neps. Here's the ?game's dramatic opening movie to lift your spirits.

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It ain't half hot, mum

This week Compile Heart, the publisher behind the popular Hyperdimension Neptunia series, revealed their new RPG Arc of Alchemist, arriving later this year on PS4.

The short teaser features a selection of the new adventure's environment, accompanied by unsettling music and footage of warfare. I personally got a very Fist of the North Star vibe from the trailer. As reported in Famitsu, Arc of Alchemist will feature? the story of Quinn, a young military commander, who is chosen to lead a group into the "Desert of Beginnings" where it is said a power, s??trong enough to rescue humanity from the blink of oblivion, lies dormant. Heavy stuff.

You can check out the trailer and a few new screenshots below. We will learn more about Quinn, her friends and enemies, and the game's mechanics in the near future. Arc of Alchemist launches on PS4 in ??Japan November 29. There is yet to be an announcement of a We??stern release.

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It is, unsurprisingly, an RPG

Off of the back of yesterday's wacky video, publisher Compile Heart have revealed a brand new title, Arc of Alchemist, cu?rrently in development for PS4 and launching in Japan this N?ovember.

Arc of Alchemist is an RPG set in a futuristic, but dilapidated, desert world. As reported in Famitsu, it features artwork by Yoshitaka Amano - of Final Fantasy fame - and is written by Yukinori Kitajima, who penned visual novel adventure 428: Shibuya Scramble.

Not much more has been released about this new adventure title's plot or gameplay details, nor any word of a localisation. Nevertheless, Arc of Alchemist will launch on PS4 in Japan on November 29.

Compile Heart reveal Arc of Alchemist for PS4 [Famitsu]

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Mr. P and Mr. S

Japanese publisher Compile He??art, seemingly on a mission to pump out games by the bucket?load, have released a weird new video teasing an upcoming game announcement.

The three-minute video features two masked men, Mr P. and Mr. S having a bit of chinwag. I say "video", but its actually a photo montage set to dialogue. It is revealed that the an?nouncement of whatever Compile Heart has up their sleeve (apparently an RPG of some sort) will be coming this week, so we'll likely hear about it in Famitsu.

Compile Heart already have one Neptunia game on the horizon, in Super Neptunia RPG, but it wouldn't be unheard of for them to be busting out another. That said, it could be anything, including news pertaining to Varnir of the Dragon Star, or any of Compile Heart's catalogue of weird and wonderful titles. And what's with P & S, could that be a platform tease? I guess we'll find out soon ??enough.

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Neeeeep, Ne-Nep Ne-Nep Ne-Nep, Nep Nep

Early today, developer Compile Heart held a live stream, where they showed off some footage from their upcoming action-adventure Super Neptunia RPG. This footage has been uploaded by YouTube user Kira A.

The new title, headed to Switch and PS4 this Winter, is the latest in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, and the first to be developed outside of Asia, being crafted by Canadian studio Artisan Games. Super Neptunia RPG will see Nep and pals jo??urney through a 2D platforming environment, busting out turn-based battle's with Gameindustri's many monsters.

In the clip we get to see both the platform traversal sections and the fights themselves, with a battle system that clearly takes a fair share of inspiration from Valkyrie Profile. To be honest, I think the game is looking a little "empty" in its current form, and clearly low-budget. But Super Neptunia RPG is, of course, still in developm??ent a??nd hopefully it will also be carried by its sense of humour and magnetic characters.

Super Neptunia RPG is scheduled for launch in the West on PS4 and?? Nintendo Switch this ??Fall.

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The calming of the Nep

Publisher Compile Heart has released a short video featured a cutscene from their upcoming action-adventure title Super Neptunia RPG, which is not only the first 2D platforming title in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, but also the first? entry developed outside of Japan.

I was expecting the clip to be loud, brash and J-Poppy, in keeping with most Neptunia music videos?, but its actually surprisingly muted. We get reacquainted with the gang we all know and love, with Nep Nep and company returning to b?attle monsters (and their own problematic amnesia,) during this latest jaunt through Gameindustri.

The video is ??backed by one of the game's title tracks; the calming Dia vo Lhizer by Eri Sasaki. It all looks quite relaxing, to be perfectly honest, but no doubt the series' trademark brand of screwball comedy and exciting action will get underway once players hit the Start button.

Super Neptunia RPG launches on PS4 and Nintendo Switch this Fall.

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Getting the old band back together

The new issue of Dengeki PlayStation has revealed a few new bits of info on the upcoming action-adventure Super Neptunia RPG, which laun?ches later in the year on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

According to the new info, Nep Nep's best pals will be by her side as she battles enemies and amnesia in her latest jaunt through Gameindustri. The kind and considerate healer Compa will return, alongside the scrappy, brawl-ready IF. Both of these characters are well-known to those who dallied with the early days of the Hyperdimension Neptunia games.

In addition to this, a new screenshot reveals Nep and co. transformed into their HDD forms for battle. In Super Neptunia RPG, these forms wil?l allow access to various stats boosts, as well as ??new abilities and attacks to strike down those foolhardy enough to stand in your way.

Super Neptunia RPG is scheduled f??o?r launch in the West, on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, this Fall.

Compa and IF returning in Super Neptunia RPG [Dengeki]

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Nep-based, real-Nep battles

Compile Heart have freshly-updated the Japanese website to their Canadian-developed action RPG, Super Neptunia RPG, which will see the Hyperdimension Neptunia characters battle amnesia and an ar?my of enemies during their latest jaunt through Gameindustri.

Super Neptunia RPG will star the irrepressible Nep-Nep, as sh?e and her party of pals make their way through 2D platform-based dungeons. Attacking enemies will switch the game to a turn-based battle system. Players will be able to use a variety of individual character skills, as well as rearrange attack formations in order to gain victory over their opposition.

Melee, Magic, Stat and Support options will all come into play, as well as the Goddess Gauge which, when maxed out, allows party member sto transform into their Goddess form, ala previous Neptunia titles. The dungeons will be maze-li?ke in nature, although previously inaccessible areas will open u??p as Nep learns new skills to allow her to traverse the environment.

Honestly, it just sounds like your typical Hyperdimension Neptunia title, but ju??st in a different aesthetic format. Perhaps what the series would have been if it had launched in the 16-bit era. Still, there's alway??s room for Nep and friends, and this will also make a great Switch title on the go.

You can check out some new screens in the gallery below. Super Neptunia RPG launches on PS4 and Nintendo Switch this Fall.

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Witches x Dragons is an RPG that's happening

[Update: As predicted, early info has come out of this week's Famitsu. Compile Heart's new RPG is titled Valneer of the Dragon Star and is coming to Japan o?n PS4 October 11. More details will follow ??in Famitsu soon.]

Though I'm sure at the end of today the internet debate will rage as to who had the best press conference at E3 this year, Japanese publisher Compile Heart (of Hyperdimension Neptunia fame) showed the big boys how it's done with their "Emergency Pr?ess Conference."

Announced with a countdown site a mere nine hours before it was due to begin, the world waited with baited breath as we were shown an A4 piece of paper featuring the words Witches x Dragons. Asked by the masses of journalists in attendance whether this new project was ?a RPG, a single nod was given in reply. Then we all left to get on with our day.

No bizarre musical performances, no Inception stars, and no pace-killing videos of Grecian warriors or sea batt??les. Frankly, the LA Convention Center wil??l probably be pretty empty today. E3 is over. Someone let Nintendo know they needn't bother.

Witches x Dragons is currently in development, somewhere, for something. This week's issue of Famitsu, scheduled for June 14, will reveal more on the title. Famitsu often leaks ea??rly, so we will likely see some news very soon.

Compile Heart Witches x Dragons [Official Site]

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