Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2

Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2
North American cover art
Developer(s)	Idea Factory Compile Heart Felistella (PS Vita)
Artist(s)	Tsunako
Series	Hyperdimension Neptunia
Engine	PhyreEngine
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows
Release	PlayStation 3 PlayStation Vita Microsoft Windows
Genre(s)	Role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single-player, online multiplayer

Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 (超次元ゲイム ネプテューヌmk2, Chōjigen Geimu Neputyūnu mk2, lit. Super Dimensional Game Neptune mk2) is a 2011 role-playing game developed by Compile Heart and Idea Factory, with assistance from Nippon Ichi Software, Gust Corporation, 5pb., and the recently founded company Comcept by Keiji Inafune. It is the sequel to the previous game named Hyperdimension Neptunia, announced on April 12, 2011 for the PlayStation 3, as the second installment in the Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise, and is followed by Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. It was released on August 18, 2011 in Japan, and was released in February 2012 in the United States and Europe. The ESRB allocated the game a Mature rating. The sequel contains both new and returning characters, and the gameplay has been updated so as to remove the random encounter feature. New maps and a brand new world feature as well, and the cutscenes have been upgraded from the old 2D visual novel style cutscenes. Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 was made available as a downloadable title on the PlayStation Network in August 2012.

A remake titled Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation for the PlayStation Vita was announced by Idea Factory and Compile Heart during a streamed interview at Tokyo Game Show 2013. It was released on 20 March 2014 in Japan, and in January 2015 in North America and Europe.

Gameplay

Dungeon Gameplay

While in a dungeon, various actions can be performed, mainly the Treasure Search and the Symbol Attack. When the O button is pressed, the player scans the area to find hidden treasure. Enemies now wander the map, and when the player character comes within their sight range, a red exclamation point will appear (a play on Metal Gear Solid), and they will chase the player. Hitting it with a Symbol Attack gives the player's party the upper hand, and may sometimes even defeat the enemy. If the latter occurs, no rewards are gained. Likewise, if the player character is approached from behind, the battle will start with a Back Attack and the enemy will gain the advantage. Other items within dungeons include Sharicite Symbols that trigger events, Save Points, Common Items, Gathering Points that release ingredients for item synthesis, and a dungeon exit.

Battle Gameplay

When the player comes in contact with an enemy on the field or during an event, battle starts. Each character's turn is gauged by their AP, or Action Points. Normal attacks and items consume AP until the points run out, after which the character's turn ends.

Each character is also assigned SP, or Skill Points, for performing skills or activating HDD (Hard Drive Divinity) in the case of the CPUs (Console Patron Units, the goddesses) or the CPU Candidates. Skills vary in range, effect, and attack power. One skill can be used per turn, after which the character's turn ends, regardless of current AP remaining. HDD requires 100 SP to activate. This is done by using the HDD ON command, and once activated, the character will regularly consume SP until it runs out, after which the character will revert. Up to 100 SP can also be carried in between battles.

Movement is gauged by a blue circle around the character. This marks the area within which the controlled character may move. Certain normal moves may shorten this circle, limiting further movement. The turn order of the battle is controlled with the Agility stat. The higher a character's Agility, the sooner their turn will come.

The command menu is used for performing various actions. The character may perform normal attacks, use skills, activate HDD (only CPUs and CPU Candidates), or end their turn. They may also switch between standby characters using AP and SP, escape from unscripted battles (dependent on Luck stat), or use items.

As in the first game, draining an enemy's GP, or Guard Points, forces that target into Guard Break mode. In this state, the defense stat and resistances of the target are significantly reduced until the enemy's GP completely recovers. GP depletes faster when a Break attack is used.

Normal combos can be edited by inserting extra commands. These commands appear after the first normal attack. Normal combos branch off into three types: Rush, Heavy Hits, and Break. Rush attacks usually involve high hit counts. Heavy Hits usually deplete enemy HP faster. Break attacks usually deplete enemy GP faster. By executing certain commands in specific patterns and consuming a set amount of AP, a combo finisher called an EX Finish is performed. The type of EX Finish is usually related to the command used to execute it.

Status conditions can affect combat. Whenever a target is affected by Poison, they continuously receive 1/16th of their max health in damage. Likewise, Heal continuously recovers 1/16th of their max health instead. When affected by Skillseal, Skills are disabled. When affected by Paralysis, the character is immobile and their turn is skipped. When a CPU or CPU Candidate is affected by Virus, the HDD ON command becomes locked, and if the target is in HDD, they forcibly revert.

Other Elements

The Chirper (a play on Twitter) serves as the main communication system in each landmass. This allows the player to view what the NPCs in that landmass are talking about. NPCs with chat bubbles highlighted in purple indicate events.

When the player visits the Guild located in each landmass, they may accept quests. The quest types range between defeating a certain number of enemies to collecting a certain number of items. Once a quest is completed and reported, the player receives rewards denoted by the posted quest, and the CPU Shares for that city are altered.

Item synthesis can take place in every landmass. Once the recipe for a certain item is obtained, the player may craft that item in the synthesis shop by consuming the required ingredients that a recipe calls for. In some cases, to synthesize an item, a specific character's Lily Rank must be high enough to begin synthesis.

Shops may be used to purchase items. The inventory of a shop will increase over time as the game progresses further into the story. Shops sell a variety of items from armor to equipment to synthesis items. Items may be purchased using Credits, which are gained by certain events and winning battles.

The Lily Rank allows the player to check each character's affection level for Nepgear. Increasing Lily Rank is important, as it enables certain items to be synthesized, and in many cases, determines the ending (or endings) you receive at the end of the game. The Lily Rank system also causes certain events to occur based on a character's Lily Rank. Lily Rank may also be increased simply by viewing certain events.

Nepgear's HDD outfit can be edited with the Costume Canvas. By uploading pictures from the PS3 hard drive to the game, her outfit can be modified based on the template uploaded.

Plot

Story

The year is 20XX, and in an alternate universe from the first game, where Arfoire is dead, a force known as ASIC (Arfoire Syndicate of International Crime), a group solely dedicated towards the deceased Arfoire, has risen, led by CFW Magic. Over the years, the influence of ASIC has become increasingly powerful, currently affecting many residents of Gamindustri. As such, in response to the threat, the CPUs and Nepgear travel to the Gamindustri Graveyard to combat ASIC. However, the five of them are overpowered and captured. Three years later, IF and Compa arrive to find Neptune. With the power of the Sharicite, a crystal made from the hopes of people, the two manage to free Nepgear and escape, though the Sharicite is broken in the process. Retreating to Planeptune, Nepgear must recover her strength and free Gamindustri from the influence of ASIC, though she must first locate the mascots of the landmasses, who can provide the power to potentially assist the captive CPUs.

As she travels Gamindustri to find the mascots, she crosses paths with Nisa, Gust, 5pb, Cave, and Falcom, as well as the other CPU Candidates, who she befriends. They eventually join Nepgear's party, and together with the power of the mascots, they manage to free their captive sisters. The members of ASIC fall by their hand as well, though they uncover a sinister plot to use their power to revive Arfoire. Making their way to the Gamindustri Graveyard for the last time, Nepgear's party defeats Arfoire, and the CPUs attempt to seal the entity forever.

Settings

Because of the time lapse, the four landmasses have undergone changes. Each area introduces new NPC's, and certain NPC's have moved landmasses from the first game.

Planeptune

The original hub world used in the first game, as well as Neptune's first location. The entire landmass contains more of a futuristic feel compared to the first game. Histoire, as its Oracle, has saved the landmass numerous times, and has become famous among the citizens because of it. Due to Nepgear's work, Planeptune has become the least affected of the four landmasses. Neptune (Purple Heart), Nepgear (Purple Sister), Compa, IF, and various NPC's reside here.

Lastation

A direct reference to the PlayStation series, due to the majority of the landmass's buildings being colored black. It is usually described as steampunk, and has become slightly more industrialized since the first game. Least affected by the influence of ASIC, due to preparations beforehand. Acts as a major trade center for the other landmasses. Noire (Black Heart), Uni (Black Sister), Nisa, and various NPC's reside here.

Lowee

A direct reference to the Wii, due to the majority of the landscape being colored white. Compared to the first Lowee, it seems more colorful. Highly threatened by the influence of ASIC. Houses various icons of the 2D era as well as previous CPU's of Lowee. Ram (White Sister), Rom (White Sister), Blanc (White Heart), and Gust reside here.

Leanbox

A direct reference to the Xbox, due to all the brown and bloom scenery. The buildings seem more simple, yet futuristic since the original Leanbox. They have employed a variety of countermeasures against ASIC, though it was only a temporary fix. Generally viewed as a military nation, and is a rival/trade partner of Lastation. Vert (Green Heart), 5pb., and various NPC's reside here.

Gamindustri Graveyard

This is an entirely new landmass created by Arfoire herself, due to her new powers. The landscape contains the ruins of notable artifacts in video game history, such as the Game Boy Advance. Not accessible through normal means. Three mysterious fairies, as well as ASIC (Arforie Syndicate of International Crime) reside here. This is also the location of the opening battle between the goddesses and Magic the Hard, though they are defeated, and the four goddesses and Nepgear are captured. However, three years later, Compa and IF help Nepgear escape.

Characters

See also: Hyperdimension Neptunia § Characters

This sequel marks the first appearance of the CPU's younger sisters, the CPU Candidates. The story focuses on the younger sisters of Neptune, Noire (Black Heart), and Blanc (White Heart), which are the CPU Candidates on a quest to save the goddesses (which are the CPU Candidates' older sisters) after they are defeated and captured by Arfoire. Most existing characters will return, as well as new main characters and supporting characters. The new main characters have the task of rescuing the goddesses or CPU from the first game.

Protagonists

CPU Candidates

The CPU Candidates are the younger sisters to the CPU.

Nepgear (Purple Sister)

Voiced by: Yui Horie (Japanese); Christine Marie Cabanos (English)

The main protagonist of game, and the younger sister of Neptune. As all the new main characters are portable handheld references, in contrast to the home console references made by the original four main characters, she represents the Sega Game Gear. She has a caring personality and will do anything to save the CPUs, but she occasionally doubts herself and her ability. Compa calls her Ge-Ge, IF calls her Gear, and Neptune calls her Nep Jr. As denoted by IF, she is quite adept at handling technology.

Uni (Black Sister)

Voiced by: Eri Kitamura (Japanese); Sarah Williams (English)

The younger sister of Noire (Black Heart). She represents the Sony PlayStation Portable, and her name refers to the Universal Media Disc optical disc storage system created for the system. Looks up to her sister, Noire, and suffers from an inferiority complex because of it, believing that as she is, she is nothing more than a burden. She establishes a rivalry with Nepgear, initially challenging her strength often. After losing a battle with CFW Brave, she loses all hope and confidence, though Nepgear eventually persuades her to join her for their common goal.

Ram (White Sister)

Voiced by: Kaori Ishihara (Japanese); Shelby Lindley (English)

Ram is one of Blanc's twin sisters (White Heart). Her name is derived from RAM (Random Access Memory). The more talkative one of the pair. Seems quite possessive of her sister. She also seems to take an initial dislike to Nepgear, often calling her "evil goddess" and repeatedly discrediting her abilities. After she and Rom are attacked by CFW Trick, she decides to join her to get revenge on Trick.

Rom (White Sister)

Voiced by: Yui Ogura (Japanese); Erika Lenhart (English)

Rom is one of Blanc's twin sisters (White Heart). Her name is derived from ROM (Read Only Memory). She tends to be more quiet than Ram, and is often heavily influenced by her. After she and Nepgear went looking for her pen, the two became friends, and she now looks up to Nepgear like a big sister. Because Ram and Rom are twin sisters, it can be assumed that as a pair, they represent the Nintendo DS.

Other party members

Compa

Voiced by: Kanako Sakai (Japanese); Cristina Vee (English)

She is a girl who attends nursing school, and is one of the first members to join the party in the game. Her name is derived from Compile Heart, the company who developed the game.

IF

Voiced by: Kana Ueda (Japanese); Kate Higgins (English)

Along with Compa, she is one of the first members to join the party in the game. She is a headstrong girl, and likes to accomplish the important things first. Her name is derived from the initials for Idea Factory, the parent company of Compile Heart.

5pb.

Voiced by: nao (Japanese); Mela Lee (English)

She appears as a big pop star in Leanbox, who performs concerts to keep people from converting to ASIC. Her stage name is directly derived from the music company 5pb. Her real name is Lyrica, and is very shy to people while offstage. She wears the 5pb. Records logo on her necklace.

Cave

Voiced by: Mayuko Takahashi (Japanese); Lauren Landa (English)

Brand new NPC in mk2. She belongs to the Leanbox SMD (Special Missions Department), and is close friends with other Leanbox residents, such as 5pb. Self-conscious about herself, and has an inability to recognize faces. Representative of Cave Co., another video game company. In a recent announcement, she will be receiving a Battle Ticket to make her playable.

Falcom

Voiced by: Akemi Kanda (Japanese); Xanthe Huynh (English)

New NPC representative of Nihon Falcom Corporation, a Japanese computer game company. An adventuress who travels Gamindustri and publishes books about her adventures under the alias A. Christin. She wields the sword Dragon Slayer, which is concealed in a violin case she carries on her back. Claims that she can't ignore evil. She also has a tendency to meddle with the affairs of others who cross her path. Along with Cave, a new upcoming Battle Ticket will make her playable.

Appears in Mk2

Nisa

Voiced by: Kaori Mizuhashi (Japanese); Michelle Ruff (English)

Nisa appears in the original Mk2. She joins the party to stop the nefarious deeds of ASIC. Representative of Nippon Ichi Software

Gust

Voiced by: Natsuko Kuwatani (Japanese); Cassandra Morris (English)

Gust appears in the original Mk2. She joins the party after restoring Lowee's mascot. Representative of former video game company Gust

Appears in Re;Birth 2 Sisters Generation

Red

Voiced by: Kanae Itō (Japanese); Carrie Keranen (English)

She is a young lesbian girl who constantly travels the world in search for wives, eventually running into Nepgear and declaring her as first wife. Her name is directly derived from Red Entertainment. She takes the place of Nisa in Re;Birth2.

Broccoli

Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese); Karen Strassman (English)

A little girl who has a sharp tounge and very intelligent. Her name is directly derived from Broccoli Co., Ltd.. She takes the place of Gust in Re;Birth2.

Cyberconnect2

Voiced by: Masumi Asano (Japanese); Dorothy Elias-Fahn (English)

A girl who hails from Fukoka who joins the party in Lastation. Her name is derived from Cyberconnect2

MarvelousAQL

Voiced by: Hitomi Harada (Japanese); Kira Buckland (English)

A busty kunoichi who joins the party in Lowee. Her name is derived from MarvelousAQL.

Tekken

Voiced by: Mikako Komatsu (Japanese); Sherry Lynn (English)

A fighter who is also a masochist who joins the party in Leanbox. Her name is derived from the Tekken franchise.

Oracles

Histoire (Histy)

Voiced by: Mika Kanai (Japanese); Stephanie Sheh (English)

The Oracle of Planeptune. She provides the party with a lot of useful information, including in-game instructions.

Jinguji Kei (J.K.)

Voiced by: Yuko Sanpei

Incredibly smart, and the Oracle of Lastation. She appears to be an expert at making business with others, and can be quite crafty. However, as the Oracle, she also cares deeply for the status of her CPU, Noire. She appears to display no feelings, and sees life as a series of business transactions. Compa is incapable of pronouncing her first name, so she nicknames her JK for short.

Mina Nishizawa

Voiced by: Sayaka Nakaya

The Oracle of Lowee. Helps to teach and take care of Ram and Rom when Blanc can't. Although she is mostly very polite, she can also instantly become very threatening towards Ram and Rom.

Chika Hakozaki

Voiced by: Yuka Komatsu (Japanese); Michelle Ann Dunphy (English)

The Oracle of Leanbox, as well as Vert's self-proclaimed sister. Very close to Vert, almost on the verge of obsession. Compa calls her Miss Hackysack.

CPUs

Neptune (Purple Heart)

Voiced by: Rie Tanaka (Japanese); Melissa Fahn (English)

The supposed main character, CPU of Planeptune and Nepgear's older sister. Though people often confuse the two since Nepgear looks older than Neptune. Captured and held prisoner in the Gamindustri Graveyard after being defeated by CFW Magic. She along with the other CPUs are rescued in the games fourth chapter.

Noire (Black Heart)

Voiced by: Asami Imai (Japanese); Erin Fitzgerald (English)

CPU of Lastation and Uni's older sister. Captured and held prisoner in the Gamindustri Graveyard after being defeated by CFW Magic. She along with the other CPUs are rescued in the games fourth chapter.

Blanc (White Heart)

Voiced by: Kana Asumi (Japanese); Wendee Lee (English)

CPU of Lowee and Rom and Ram's older sister. Captured and held prisoner in the Gamindustri Graveyard after being defeated by CFW Magic. She along with the other CPUs are rescued in the games fourth chapter.

Vert (Green Heart)

Voiced by: Rina Sato (Japanese); Tara Platt (English)

CPU of Leanbox and the only CPU who does not have a little sister. Hence Leanbox has no CPU Candidate. Captured and held prisoner in the Gamindustri Graveyard after being defeated by CFW Magic. She along with the other CPUs are rescued in the games fourth chapter.

Antagonists

Linda (Underling)

Voiced by: Junko Minagawa

Loyal soldier to ASIC, and serves under her boss, Magic the Hard. No one ever really uses her real name. The official website refers to her as Underling. She willingly performs any mission handed to her, no matter how low. She repeatedly shows up to try to accomplish her goals and destroy the CPUs, though she is constantly defeated every time. She has been shown to make various allusions to games and otherwise.

Pirachu/Warechu (ワレチュー, Warechū)

Voiced by: Neeko (Japanese); Laura Post (English)

A talking mouse, and member of ASIC.

CFW Trick & CFW Brave & CFW Judge & CFW Magic

Voiced by: Yōji Ueda (Japanese); Derek Stephen Prince (English) Trick

Voiced by: David Vincent Brave

Voiced by: Kyle Hebert Judge

Voiced by: Laura Post Magic

Members of the ASIC, collectively known as the "Four Felons". Their only reason for existing is to revive Arfoire (the Deity of Sin), the main antagonist since the first game of the series.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2

File:Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2.jpg

Japanese cover art

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation is the remake of the game for the PlayStation Vita developed by Felistella, which features a new selection of playable characters. Akin to the earlier remake game for the PS Vita, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1, this game also utilises the battle system from Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory in addition to a "remake system" which unlocks special modifications to the game. The remake features an improved framerate compared to the performance of the original mk2 PS3 game, in addition to reworked voice acting, music and visuals. In addition to most of the original mk2 cast, the game also features the characters representing game developer companies from Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory, in addition to Cave, 5pb, Red, and the four Oracles of each continent; both Gust and Nisa have been removed from the game, however. The opening theme song is "Kirihirake! Roleplay Star Girl" (きりひらけ！ロープレ☆スターガール) by Nao, and the ending song is "Never give up" by Ayane. Unlike the original, the ESRB rated the game with Teen.

Music

The opening theme is Kirihirake! Gracie☆Star (きりひらけ!グレイシー☆スター) performed by nao, the ending theme is GO→Love&Peace by Ayane, and an insert song is titled Crystal no Chikai (クリスタルの誓い) by YuiKaori.

Reception

The PlayStation Vita remake, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation, was given a review score of 32/40 by Famitsu. During the first week of release in Japan, Re;Birth 2 sold 26,845 physical retail copies.

External links

• Official website for the PS3 game
• Official website for the PS3 game Template:Jp icon
• Official website for the PS Vita remake
• Official website for the PS Vita remake Template:Jp icon