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Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2

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Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2
North American cover art
Developer(s)Idea Factory
Compile Heart
Felistella (PS Vita)
Artist(s)Tsunako
SeriesHyperdimension Neptunia
EnginePhyreEngine
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows
Release
August 18, 2011
  • HNMK2
    PlayStation 3
    • JP: August 18, 2011
    • EU: February 24, 2012
    • NA: February 28, 2012[1][2]
    Re;Birth2
    PlayStation Vita
    Microsoft Windows
Genre(s)Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

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 video game developed by Idea Factory and Compile Heart, 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. It is the first and only game to date to have a Mature rating from the ESRB.[5] 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;Birth2: Sisters Generation for the PlayStation Vita was announced by Idea Factory and Compile Heart during a streamed interview at Tokyo Game Show 2013.[6][7] It was released on 20 March 2014 in Japan,[8] and in January 2015 in North America and Europe. Re;Birth2 was released for PC on May 29, 2015.

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 game being in a new dimension to the first one, 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 (CFW Magic in English version), 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: List of 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.

  • Nepgear: Known as Purple Sister, is the younger sister of Neptune (Purple Heart). Her name is a reference to the Sega Game Gear.
  • Uni: Known as Black Sister, is the younger sister of Noire (Black Heart). She is a reference to the Sony PlayStation Portable.
  • Ram: Known as White Sister, is the younger one of Blanc's twin sisters (White Heart). Her name is a reference to Random Access Memory. She and her sister are references to the two screens of a Nintendo DS.
  • Rom: Also known as White Sister, is the older one of Blanc's twin sisters (White Heart). Her name is a reference to Read Only Memory. She and her sister are references to the two screens of a Nintendo DS.

In addition to the original sisters, other characters that make return appearances include Compa, IF, 5pb,

Some of the new characters include:

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.
Oracles
  • Histoire (Histy): Appears in the first game; now she becomes the Oracle of Planeptune.
  • Jinguji Kei (J.K.): The Oracle of Lastation.
  • Mina Nishizawa: The Oracle of Lowee.
  • Chika Hakozaki: The Oracle of Leanbox.

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;Birth2 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 tongue 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.

Antagonists

Arfoire (the Deity of Sin)
The final boss, who is also the main antagonist in the first game of the series.
Four Felons
CFW Magic, CFW Judge, CFW Trick and CFW Brave respectively. They are members of the ASIC, whose only reason for existing is to revive Arfoire.
Linda (Underling)
Voiced by: Junko Minagawa
Loyal soldier to ASIC, and serves under her boss, CFW Magic. 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.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: 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

Original version

The original version received mixed reviews. It received an aggregated score of 60.33% on GameRankings based on 21 reviews[9] and 53/100 on Metacritic based on 16 reviews.[10]

Remake version

The PlayStation Vita remake, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation, was given a review score of 32/40 by Famitsu.[16] During the first week of release in Japan, Re;Birth2 sold 26,845 physical retail copies.[17]

In the West, it received mixed reviews. Aggregating review websites GameRankings and Metacritic gave the PlayStation Vita version 67.61% based on 18 reviews and 67/100 based on 19 reviews[13][15] and the Microsoft Windows version 57.50% based on 4 reviews.[14]

In June 2015, the remake version was the second most purchased Steam-platform game amongst players from the Vatican City, as reported by real-time Steam trackers.[18]

References

  1. ^ Romano, Sal (September 15, 2011). "NIS America announce Disgaea 3: Return, Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 localizations". Gematsu. Retrieved 2011-09-15.
  2. ^ "Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk-2 Dated For Late February". RPGFan.com. January 19, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-20.
  3. ^ "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation Release Date". Operation Rainfall. November 21, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  4. ^ Daniel Velázquez (May 22, 2015). "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation Will Be Released Earlier". Oprainfall. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  5. ^ "Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2". ESRB Ratings. Entertainment Software Rating Board. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  6. ^ 2013-09-22, 『ネプテューヌ』の新作『Re；Birth2（仮）』が開発進行中！ 『超女神信仰ノワール 激神ブラックハート』の続報も【TGS2013】, Dengeki Online
  7. ^ 2013-09-22, (TGS) 『ネプテューヌ』の新作『Re；Birth2（仮）』が開発進行中！ 『超女神信仰ノワール 激神ブラックハート』の続報も【TGS2013】, Livedoor News
  8. ^ 2013-11-12, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2 Reaches Vita In March, Siliconera
  9. ^ a b "Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  11. ^ Bennett, Matthew (March 2, 2012). "EGM Review: Hyperdimension Neptunia MK2". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  12. ^ Kemps, Heidi (March 2, 2012). "Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 review". GamesRadar. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  13. ^ a b "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation for PlayStation Vita". GameRankings. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  14. ^ a b "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation for PC". GameRankings. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  15. ^ a b "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation for PlayStation Vita Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  16. ^ 2014-03-11, Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1319, Gematsu
  17. ^ 2014-03-26, Media Create Sales: 3/17/14 – 3/23/14, Gematsu
  18. ^ "Residents of Vatican City are Big Fans of Shooters, and Hyperdimension Neptunia". Niche Gamer. June 23, 2015.
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