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Becoming a music idol is no easy feat, but managing and producing them is an even greater challenge. Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection, the fourth installment in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, puts players in the role of a producer, tasking them with guiding aspiring idols to stardom. This review explores whether Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection truly lives up to its name.

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection screenshot showing gameplay.

A Humorous Story with Multiple Endings

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection takes place in Gamindustry, a land protected by four goddesses: Neptune, Noire, Blanc, and Vert. Gamindustry is suddenly swept up in an “idol” craze, led by the popular group MOB48. To restore balance, the goddesses decide to compete with MOB48 by becoming idols themselves. As the producer, the player guides these goddesses on their path to fame.

The game is filled with humorous events and clever metaphors, a hallmark of the Neptunia series. Gamers familiar with the industry will appreciate the satirical portrayal of console wars. Planeptune represents Sega, Lastation stands for Sony, Lowee embodies Nintendo, and Leanbox symbolizes Microsoft. Blanc, the goddess of Lowee, excelling at the card game Hanafuda, subtly references Nintendo’s origins as a Hanafuda card manufacturer.

Adding to the game’s visual novel elements, Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection boasts a branching storyline with multiple endings. Each goddess has her own unique story arc, with multiple outcomes depending on the player’s choices throughout the game. This encourages replayability and allows players to fully explore the narrative.

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection screenshot showcasing the characters.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics

Unlike previous JRPGs in the series, Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection focuses on idol management simulation. Players manage schedules, balancing vocal and dance training with leisure activities. Overtraining can stress the goddesses, while excessive playtime can lead to a decline in fan base. Creating a balanced schedule is crucial for maximizing their performance.

The performance segments are a unique aspect of the game. Preparing for concerts is like a mini-game, where players choose costumes, songs, and stage setups. During performances, players control camera angles and stage effects to engage the audience and boost fan loyalty.

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection screenshot depicting a performance.

Appealing Visuals and Audio

The character designs in Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection are detailed and expressive, highlighting each goddess’s personality. The varied character expressions, combined with excellent voice acting, bring the dialogue to life. The game’s pop soundtrack is upbeat and youthful, matching the characters’ personalities. Crowd cheers and stage effects enhance the concert experience, adding a layer of realism.

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection screenshot showing another performance scene.

Lack of Depth and Replay Value

Despite allowing stage preparation, the process is simplistic and doesn’t significantly impact fan engagement. Players quickly discover how to maximize audience excitement by repeatedly using the same camera angles and stage effects. Most stats in the game don’t have a noticeable impact. Completing the game with average singing and dancing stats, or even a small fan base, is entirely possible.

Unlocking the hidden ending relies on choosing 100% correct dialogue options, with no hints or guidance. This requires extensive trial and error. A single playthrough is relatively short, taking only 3-4 hours. While multiple endings and unlockable items incentivize replayability, the limited gameplay options and repetitive actions can become tedious. The small selection of songs further contributes to this issue.

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection screenshot displaying in-game dialogue.

Conclusion

Hyperdimension Neptunia PP: Producing Perfection offers a unique take on the Neptunia series with its idol simulation gameplay and engaging story. However, the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics and limited replay value detract from the overall experience. While the game provides enjoyable moments, it falls short of achieving true “perfection.”