PGC NEWS

The Hyperdimension Neptunia series, originating in 2010, has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with its witty storylines, charming anime-style visuals, and unique take on the gaming industry. While the original title faced criticism for its repetitive combat system, Idea Factory sought to rectify this with a complete remake: Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1. This revitalized version offers a fresh experience for both long-time fans and newcomers, and its arrival on Steam marks a significant milestone for the series.

alt text: Screenshot of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 showcasing the game's anime-style graphics and combat system.

A Satirical Story with Industry Allusions

One of the series’ hallmarks is its satirical portrayal of the gaming industry. Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 continues this tradition, filled with humorous events and clever allusions that resonate with real-world gaming scenarios. The ongoing “Console War” within the game mirrors the competition between major gaming platforms, with four nations representing iconic consoles: Planeptune (Sega Neptune), Lastation (Sony Playstation), Lowee (Nintendo Wii), and Leanbox (Microsoft Xbox). The game also introduces new supporting characters who play pivotal roles, each representing familiar figures and companies within the industry. Players might recognize parallels to companies like NISA and Gust, adding another layer of witty commentary.

alt text: Screenshot from Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 showing a dialogue sequence with anime-style characters.

Engaging Turn-Based Combat System

The most significant improvement in Re;Birth1 is its revamped combat system. While retaining the core turn-based mechanics, it introduces free movement within a defined range. This allows for greater strategic positioning and tactical flexibility. With weapons possessing different ranges, characters can now target multiple enemies per turn. Combat revolves around managing HP (Hit Points) and SP (Skill Points). HP, a standard RPG element, determines a character’s health, and the game ends if the front-line characters’ HP reaches zero. SP is consumed when using skills, which vary from offensive attacks to healing and buffs.

alt text: Screenshot of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 displaying the in-game battle interface with characters engaging in combat.

A key addition is the EX Finishers mechanic. By performing regular attacks, players gradually fill the EXE Drive gauge, enabling powerful special attacks. This proves especially useful during boss battles, allowing for significant burst damage. Despite the new mechanics, the combat system is accessible, with comprehensive tutorials integrated into the early stages.

alt text: A screenshot from Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 showcasing the use of a special attack or "EX Finisher" during combat.

Customizable Gameplay with the Remake System

The Remake System offers unprecedented control over the game’s content. Players collect Plans (blueprints) through various activities like interacting with NPCs, defeating bosses, and completing quests. These Plans unlock new dungeons, items, and even allow modifications to the combat system, including difficulty adjustments and options for bypassing weaker enemies. Remarkably, Plans can also unlock new characters. However, these special Plans often have specific requirements, such as achieving certain “share” levels within a kingdom. This adds a strategic layer to quest completion and encourages thoughtful gameplay.

alt text: Screenshot from Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 demonstrating the Remake System menu, which allows players to customize game elements.

Repetitive Dungeon Design

While characters can freely move within each area, the game world isn’t fully open. Instead, it’s divided into smaller, self-contained dungeons, mostly explored linearly as the story progresses. A significant drawback is the repetitive design of these dungeons. Players will quickly notice recurring layouts and assets, with many dungeons feeling like reskinned versions of previous ones. Despite the innovative combat and customization options, this repetitive environment design can detract from the overall experience.

Conclusion

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 delivers a significantly improved experience compared to the original. The revamped combat system is engaging and strategic, while the Remake System adds depth and replayability. The witty narrative and charming visuals remain a highlight. However, the repetitive dungeon designs hold the game back from reaching its full potential. Despite this flaw, Re;Birth1 is a worthwhile entry for series fans and newcomers alike, especially with its availability on PC.