Hyperdimension Neptunia for PS3: Console Gaming Personified

Dood! I just wanted to stop by to provide you with some tasty tidbits about Hyperdimension Neptunia for PS3. The epic tale of the meek Neptune, Compa, and IF on their search for Histoire is headed to the U.S. and I wanted to talk more in-depth about the game.

The battle system in Hyperdimension Neptunia provides customizable, varied approaches to gameplay. Each character is able to build combos against mobs and bosses, and depending on how you decide to link or structure your four-command combo, some really powerful abilities and really long chains can be created. For example, you can use an ability called “Skill Link” as the final hit in your combo chain that will allow combinations to string together and restore some AP (action points) and create higher hit and damage counts.

In other words, if you create a combo as X, X, O, O, with the final O using “Skill Link,” you will begin a new combo with O as the first command. Then, you can chain your second combo like, say O, X, X, X, with the final X using “Skill Link,” or another ability. One such ability is “Transform,” a mechanic allowing you to access a CPU’s HDD form (or Console Patron Unit’s Hard Drive Divinity form) at the end of a combo chain so the goddess characters can transform into their true forms for extra power and much… tighter… clothing. It comes in real handy against that boss who would otherwise own you, or those lonely nights on the couch. Hah!

Lastly there is a combo ability that will let you select a party member in your reserves to “Switch” with you mid-combo and have them continue a second string of moves against the mob or boss. As your characters level up, new abilities unlock and add to your repertoire. I appreciated not having to access a Fight/Magic/Item menu during the battle sequences and liked how the controller buttons corresponded to different attacks, let alone the sheer number of combos you can create using the buttons in any combination.

Along the way, Neptune will bump into three other buxom female characters named Noire, Vert, and Blanc in Gamindustri. These three characters are known as the three goddesses, or CPUs. Upon transformation, they become Black/White/Green Heart which are their true goddess forms. Each has their own particular personality traits and flaws. I appreciated the subtle references to the actual game consoles they personify – especially how some of their predominant console flaws are pointed out and are portrayed as people instead of machines, hehehehe. As for the villain in the game, she is known as Arfoire, who is hell-bent on wreaking havoc in Gamindustri. She is the embodiment of all things evil and wrong in the gaming world and will constantly appear to thwart you in your journey to find Histoire.

The world itself is divided into the four major areas of Planeptune, Leanbox, Lastation and Lowee. Within each are countless dungeons for exploration and questing. Between the dungeons and quests, you will frequent places called Basilicoms where you meet other quirky characters to help drive the storyline and keep things interesting as you progress through the game.

On a quick side note, we are going to be having a Thanksgiving sale starting Monday the 22nd, and it will be running for a whole week! Each day there will be discounted items, so make sure you stop by our NIS America Online Store and don’t miss out on some really good deals, dood!!! Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to add us on Facebook for constant updates and news as it happens!

Thanks for hanging out with me today to listen about the exciting new Hyperdimension Neptunia, dood. Don’t forget to check out our juicy Hyperdimension Neptunia website that goes live today! Hold tight for another few weeks or so and we’ll have a rocking trailer for all of you to see!