TheSixthAxis
10th July 2015
Author: Jim Hargreaves
Publisher: Idea Factory
Machine: PlayStation Vita
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: Generation V
There's something I've always admired about Hyperdimension Neptunia and the vibrant universe in which the series takes place. Looking past the games' scantily clad all-female cast is a parody unlike any other: the world of Gamindustri. It is here that four competing (yet friendly) nations clamour for shares in a world dominated by technology.
It doesn't take long to realise that these factions are actually proxies of real-life video game manufacturers, especially with names like Lastation, Leanbox, Lewoee, and Planeptune. Each one is represented by a CPU, the four of them teaming up from time to time to protect Gamindustri while also having a bit of fun and messing around.
It is these parts of the game - often signposted by a heavy use of dialogue - where the series' parodic humour shines through. Although it can be subtle, some jokes (such as a full-on Oculus Rift parody) are easy to pick out, even if you have a very basic understanding on the video game industry.
You might not think it at first, thanks to Compile's weird number and naming conventions, but Generation V is actually a PlayStation Vita port of Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory which originally debuted in 2013 on PlayStation 3. Aside from being portable, this version ushers in a few tweaks here and there along with some bonus story content that add to the original package.For the most part, however, it's still offers the same core game experience. When not tapping your way through walls of text and spoken dialogue, you'll be surfing menus for available quests and new gear with which to outfit your CPUs. Although there are certain complexities and systems to get your head around, it's all fairly straightforward and presented well.
Where players will want to spend most of their time is in the field. As in the original, Generation V will continue to serve up a chain of explorable hubs that are home to the interactive nodes that are often used to progress the story. Each one is also populated by roving mobs of enemies that, when attacked or walked into, trigger a battle sequence.
Again, for anyone who is vaguely familiar with JRPGs, it doesn't take long to suss out the mechanics. In a nutshell, combat is turn-based with a twist. Instead of remaining static on opposite sides of an invisible line, characters and NPCs can move freely within a small 3D space. This adds a nice dynamic when it comes to targeting enemies and also allows Generation V to demonstrate its impressive visuals. Another welcome touch is the ability to tap the left shoulder button to skip the battle animations, streamlining the flow of combat considerably.Like any game in the Hyperdimension series, Generation V benefits from consistent 2D artwork that also translates well to the 3D character models. On top of that, many of the exchanges between characters are fully voiced, which is welcome when you consider just how much dialogue there is to hand.
Good Points
- Streamlined combat.
- Fun setting and characters.
- English audio.
- Great artwork that translates well into 3D.
Bad Points
- Too much dialogue in parts.
- Repetitive quest system.
Verdict
Overall, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: Generation V makes for a sound handheld role playing game. Although some will find it hard to connect with the characters and universe, it's hard to fault Generation V's fluid combat and presentation features.
