Developed By: Tamsoft
Published By: Idea Factory International
Date of Release: March 21, 2016
Price: $39.99
Ever since the beginning of the Hyperdimension Neptunia series I have been utterly and completely enamored with the continuing "console war" allegory that each entry spins. The engaging story, cute-as-a-button characters, and raunchy humor all combine to make a massively entertaining experience. Even IF the gameplay can drag on a little bit in the end. Thankfully this new entry in the series, Tamsoft's Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed is an entirely new beast. Playing like a cuted up version of Dynasty Warriors, Action Unleashed captures the oh so marvelous adventures of the series main characters, but in a totally new (and non-canon) format.
Action unleashed marks the first time in the series that you can take direct control of your favorite characters and fight off hordes of enemies in real-time. It's such a refreshing departure from the somewhat tired turn-based gameplay from before. Being able to freely run around and hack your enemies to bits just feels so much more right somehow. It also helps that the game is absolutely GORGEOUS and runs at a silky smooth framerate. The extra detail also brings the game's more shameless moments to the forefront, as your character will lose her clothes as she takes damage, until you're left in your skivvies! The clothign loss DOES somehow cause a boost in power, perhaps a rage mode brought on by embarrassment? With the wardrobe shenanigans aside, the sounds and voices are as top-notch as it gets, and even treats you to a dual language option.
So with all that taken into consideration, there's really nothing that I can say detracts from the experience. Even the game's camera system is incredibly competent. Not many Dynasty Warrior games or clones have manged to pull off perfect camera systems. This is definitely a game that was made to cater to the fans of the series, with no gimmicky crap tacked on (unless you count the copious levels of fanservice!). As awesome as Re;Birth 1 and 2 were, I can recommend Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action unleashed as the definitive Neptunia title on the PC. This port is flawless! So get out there and get Neppy with it!
