Megadimension Neptunia VII
- July 5, 2016
- Idea Factory
- 75h median play time
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
"Megadimension Neptunia VII" is a console-themed RPG where players navigate the worlds of Gamindustri, fighting enemies and completing quests as anthropomorphized personifications of game consoles. This entry introduces a new story arc, the "Megadimension," as well as new characters and gameplay mechanics. The series' signature humor and fan service elements remain, making for an engaging and entertaining experience.
Reviews
- The game features a large and likable cast of characters, with strong humor and engaging 4th wall-breaking dialogue.
- Improvements in graphics and gameplay mechanics make this the best installment in the Neptunia series, with a smoother combat system and less grinding required.
- The game is newcomer-friendly, allowing players to enjoy the story without needing prior knowledge of the series, while still providing plenty of content for returning fans.
- There is a significant amount of reused assets, including old enemies and dungeons, which can make the experience feel repetitive for long-time players.
- The heavy reliance on fan-service and less focus on the original satirical elements of the series may disappoint some fans who preferred the earlier titles.
- Some players have reported issues with the battle controls and camera mechanics, making it difficult to aim and navigate during combat.
- story20 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized by its comedic and lighthearted approach, making it accessible for newcomers without requiring prior knowledge of the series. While the narrative may not be groundbreaking, it features engaging characters and witty humor, often parodying the "console wars" within an anime-style framework. Despite some limitations in voice acting and graphics, the overall experience is enjoyable, with a focus on fun and entertaining storytelling.
“The story is still really strange, but I expected that coming into a Neptunia game.”
“It's a fun break from serious RPGs and games, the series always promising a relaxed and entertaining storyline, not taking itself too seriously but also remaining engaging.”
“Witty humor, anime and video game references, and an entertaining story.”
“For a PS3 game, it was alright, but for a PS4 game, being this rigid with all the animations, not to mention the story is still told through 2D art characters talking to each other, is a bit much.”
“It is still disappointing that they aren't able to voice all dialogue, but it doesn't detract from the story much.”
“The story is still really strange, but I expected that coming into a Neptunia game.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its innovative mechanics, combining turn-based and action RPG elements, making it accessible for newcomers while offering depth for series veterans. Players enjoy dynamic boss fights, strategic weapon interactions, and a fun, engaging experience that lasts around 60-80 hours. The humor, voice acting, and improved graphics further enhance the overall enjoyment, solidifying it as a must-play for RPG fans, particularly those who appreciate JRPGs.
“New dynamic boss fights and multiple styles of gameplay make this a must-have title for any RPG fan, especially JRPG fans.”
“The gameplay is solid JRPG, with great voice acting and adorable, campy story moments.”
“Some pretty neat gameplay improvements with weapons having more of an effect on your strategy, along with large-scale boss battles to spice things up.”
“Its turn-based with a bit of ARPG mechanics.”
“Some pretty neat little gameplay improvements with weapons have more of an effect on your strategy, and large-scale boss battles to spice things up.”
“Have over 75 hours of gameplay.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised for its strength, featuring witty dialogue, clever anime and video game references, and a hilarious storyline that enhances the overall experience. While some players feel that the focus on humor could be greater, the comedic elements, particularly through character interactions and meta-humor, contribute significantly to the enjoyment of the gameplay. Overall, the humor is described as both entertaining and engaging, making the game a fun experience despite its challenges.
“The humor is strong and the gameplay is great.”
“Witty humor, anime and video game references, and an entertaining story.”
“It's funny in a badass way that makes a lot of sense.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics have seen significant improvements over previous titles on the Vita and PS3, with many praising the beautiful 1080p visuals on the PS4 that enhance the overall experience. While some feel the graphics don't fully meet PS4 standards, the upgraded visuals, combined with engaging gameplay and a compelling story, contribute to a refreshed feel for the series. Overall, the enhancements in graphics and sound are well-received, making the game visually appealing despite some nostalgic preferences for earlier titles.
“The graphics are nicely improved over previous titles on the Vita and PS3.”
“Beautiful 1080p visuals and audio brought to you by the PS4 (Noire would be so proud).”
“The PS4's capabilities are also utilized and really do the series justice in terms of graphics and sound.”
“The graphics themselves aren't really up to PS4 standards, but the story and gameplay make up for it. I like the overall experience a lot.”
“I think the original is better than VIIR, not for the graphics but for the retro feeling it gives to Neptunia fans.”
“Great story and new mechanics, but the graphics engine could use improvement to make this game feel truly refreshed.”
- music3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with new tracks praised for their quality, despite a significant amount of reused assets and music. The overall experience is enhanced by the game's smooth 60fps performance.
“Some of the things I really appreciate are the soundtracks.”
“There's still a lot of reused assets, music, and locations, but the game now moves at a smooth 60fps, and the new music it features is great.”
“There's still a lot of reused assets, music, and locations, but the game now moves at a smooth 60fps, and what new music it does feature is great.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The latest Neptunia game is noted for its improved pacing, requiring significantly less grinding compared to previous entries in the series, making it a more enjoyable experience for players.
“The Neptunia games are generally very grindy JRPGs, but this one demands a lot less grinding and is much better paced.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the strong replayability of the game, particularly due to the introduction of new characters that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“The game features new characters that add a lot of replay value.”
“Each playthrough offers unique experiences, making it highly replayable.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes ensures that no two runs are the same.”
“The game lacks significant replayability, as the story remains the same regardless of the choices made.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play through it again.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics makes replaying the game feel tedious and uninteresting.”
Critic Reviews
Megadimension Neptunia VII Review - Let's Nep Things Up!
The game isn’t perfect, it has some frustrating issues and little annoyances that may be a product of localization, but overall it is a very fun experience with more strategy than previous Neptunia games, with an intriguing story and gameplay that is a bit more newcomer friendly as well.
85%Singing that same ol' Neptune -- Megadimension Neptunia VII review
Megadimension Neptunia VII is a story about a girl in a very strange world, but that world happens to be a apocalyptic bizarro dimension inside of a video game console. The game manages to be fun with only a limited amount of improvement. Continuing with its signature game within a game concept, Megadimension Neptunia VII is going to please fans and not do much to change the minds of detractors. Very similar to the past titles in the series, this game is tried and true because Neptune never changes.
75%Megadimension Neptunia VII Review
Megadimension Neptunia VII stumbles into the same traps that many of its peers have fallen into before, serving up lazy quests and a questionable amount of fan service. Fortunately, it makes up for these shortcomings with boundless energy and endearing characters who provide an enjoyable and light-hearted trip through alternate dimensions. While the game may have benefitted from enhancing some of its mechanics, it's by no means a bad RPG experience – just one that we feel like we've had many times before.
60%