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The Hyperdimension Neptunia series is known for its vibrant visuals and engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, JRPG gameplay. From its turn-based origins with the first Hyperdimension Neptunia to action titles like Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed and even strategy games like Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart, the franchise has explored numerous genres. But what about the notoriously demanding bullet hell genre?

Originally an April Fool’s Day joke, Idea Factory surprised fans by actually releasing Neptunia Shooter on Steam. For fans of both Neptunia and bullet hell, is this the perfect combination? Let’s dive in and find out.

A Well-Executed Joke

Players might expect an April Fool’s Day game brought to life to be a half-hearted effort. However, Neptunia Shooter defies this expectation. While lacking a substantial story, the core gameplay is surprisingly polished and complete.

The game starts with Neptune, immediately thrusting players into the first level. Initially, enemies consist of simple blue Dogoos. However, the difficulty quickly ramps up as multicolored Dogoos appear in various formations, filling the screen with projectiles. Learning enemy attack patterns and navigating through the bullet hell becomes crucial for survival.

At the end of each level, players face off against bosses, recognizable characters from the Hyperdimension Neptunia universe. These bosses have unpredictable movements and unique attacks, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Defeating them unlocks them as playable characters, each with their own unique shot type. Neptune fires straight shots, Noire drops bombs, and Vert fires backward—making character switching an important tactic.

Neptune firing at enemies in Neptunia Shooter

Gameplay of Neptunia Shooter showing bullet patterns

However, Neptunia Shooter‘s gameplay isn’t without its minor flaws. Newcomers to the bullet hell genre may feel overwhelmed. What starts as cute Dogoos quickly becomes a chaotic onslaught as they form complex formations, ambushing players from all sides.

Each level starts with a brief period to familiarize yourself with the character and enemy formations. But soon, chaos reigns, and survival becomes paramount. Boss battles are a highlight, with unique attacks and movement patterns demanding intense focus. The satisfaction of finally defeating a boss is palpable. The upbeat 8-bit soundtrack further enhances the experience, making Neptunia Shooter a surprisingly enjoyable and relaxing way to unwind.

Rough Around the Edges

Despite its polished gameplay, Neptunia Shooter feels somewhat barebones. With only six levels, each lasting 2-4 minutes, the entire game can be completed in under 20 minutes. Enemy variety, while present in formations and attacks, boils down to color-coded Dogoos. The static purple background with stars remains unchanged throughout the game.

Boss battle in Neptunia Shooter

Hyperdimension Neptunia fans seeking a rich story and trademark humor will be disappointed. Neptunia Shooter has virtually no story. The only text encountered are “Parsec” indicators for each level and a small “Congratulations” upon completion. Limited screen options force players to choose between a tiny window or a blurry, enlarged image.

Character switching is tied to a single button, requiring cycling through all characters to reach the desired one. This can be frustrating during intense moments. The lack of a “Continue?” screen after death, forcing a restart from the beginning, further adds to the difficulty and can be particularly discouraging for bullet hell novices.

Neptunia Shooter gameplay screenshot

Conclusion

Neptunia Shooter, while a simple and short experience, delivers a surprisingly fun and polished bullet hell experience. While lacking in story and visual variety, the core gameplay loop is engaging, and the 8-bit soundtrack is charming. However, its short length, repetitive visuals, and unforgiving difficulty may not appeal to everyone, especially those unfamiliar with the genre. It’s a fun diversion for Neptunia fans and bullet hell enthusiasts looking for a quick, challenging experience.