Super Neptunia RPG is a solid RPG that takes the hero Neptune from the Neptunia series and throws her into a game. It is quite different than other Neptunia games but also rather similar. The characters shine in this odd new world, and gaming puns and references are everywhere.
Super Neptunia RPG opens up with Neptune finding herself in a place she knows she has never been. It’s different than any place she has ever gone, but she soon finds herself in trouble. In a flash, she learns that things aren’t as they seem and that she is trapped in a game. This game is a normal RPG that seems to gladly accept Neptune as its hero. It might be loaded with characters already but it readily accepts Neptune and her friends into its canon.
The game plays mostly as a sidescrolling platformer. Unless Neptune is in town she will likely have to traverse platforming sections. She can jump pretty high but she also might move to fast and fall off a platform. The platforming is by no means difficult but players should be wary of going too fast as they jump between platforms. Neptune isn’t the brightest but she can be resourceful at times. She will fight her way through sidescrolling areas, bouncing and getting into skirmishes. She can dodge enemies she doesn’t want to fight with as well. Simply jumping over them won’t work for all enemies but it’s good to not waste time on weaker enemies. The battles themselves are turn-based but there is also a real-time element to them. As the player fights a bar will rise in the corner, denoting how many times she can attack. This will also occur for the enemies, so players should beware. Sometimes it is best to simply let the bar fill and then unleash an onslaught of attacks on the unsuspecting foe. The enemies are often going to use their attacks as soon as possible. So players can wait for a little and unleash a deadly wave of attacks.
Neptune will soon find her friends who will join her in battle. Players will need to set up the right formation for the battle at hand. The formation is important as it can provide bonuses. These bonuses might start out weak but soon will get better and better. As the game progresses Neptune and her friends will become better equipped to take down foes and will surely increase the power of their formation. When Neptune is alone, players might want to use items. While items can always be used sometimes these items can truly come in handy. There are a plethora of healing items for players to use. But the stones are the best. These items can often attack all of the enemies on-screen and might help save the day when push comes to shove. It’s good to use these when necessary and as kind of a last resort. They aren’t often needed but its good to have them on hand.
Neptune will take on a variety of quests as the game progresses. She will gain some pretty excellent rewards if she completes them and might learn about the world as well. Some of these quests take a lot longer than one would think but the reward is always worth it. There are quite a lot of quests for the player to complete that sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. Though players can select a quest and have it appear on the screen for easier access. This game is not so surprisingly voiced, but Neptune can get repetitive. As she wins matches she will say the same catchphrases, which at first are cute but soon do become just a little tedious. Though I appreciate the dub for the story bits so it’s honestly a plus. Though some of the better quotes don’t seem to pop up as often which is a shame.
Super Neptunia RPG is by no means the best game, but it plays with an interesting idea. Trapping a game character in a game is a different paradigm. Neptune knows she needs to get out, but has a lot of fun and meets her old friends as the story progresses. This game is quite fun and I am glad to see it try new things. I will repeat that this game is rather slippery. Neptune will run into an area and continue to move. There isn’t always a way to stop her movement. She will sometimes continue to slide right past an objective or character she is meant to talk to. It is a little aggravating but it isn’t the biggest deal. It’s just something to be aware of.
If players like sidescrolling RPGs they might enjoy this game. Neptune and her friends just want to get home, and only the player can help them. It’s a cute game and the references are honestly great. Will the player help Neptune escape this weird game, or will she and her friends be trapped there forevermore?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided