Review: Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation (Steam)

Gamindustri has been taken over by a new threat, and the CPUs are nowhere to be found! It’s now up to their younger sisters to step into the spotlight and save the day.

Pros:

• Graphics are the now staple Anime style most common with Neptunia games.
• Gameplay is a huge sprawling dungeon crawler/RPG.
• Video options have fullscreen and resolution settings.
• Full 360 pad support.
• Tutorial area with ongoing support including a library of gained knowledge.
• Comes with three DLC packages: Pippin set, Nepgears eye mask and Anime collaboration set. Contained within these packs are extra materials for crafting, bonus health potions and extra costumes.
• Combat is turn based but you can move around the circle of war.  This allows you to line up accurate attacks or attempt attacks on multiple targets.
• Small file size download weighing it at around 2GB.
• Steam cloud saves.
• Nods to unofficial cameo appearances from popular game franchises.  Easter eggs a plenty.
• World map screen. Here you can navigate to the many locations including town where you talk with locals for side missions and bonus loot.
• Guild: Optional side quests where you can unlock new ones as the story progresses. You can complete side quests as you play through the story.
• Byte size levels. Ideal for on the go gaming.
• Steam Achievements.
• Treasure radar,  Press button to do a quick area scan to look for hidden loot.
• Japanese/English dub options.
• Create moves and outfits.
• Can re map controls.
• You can buy/make game changing options like swapping loot found in dungeons,  Stronger enemies and many many more.
• Huge boss fights.
• Combat allows you to mix moves and perform combos of sorts.
• Incredible cut scenes as you perform HDD and power moves.
• HDD mode is where you transform your character and become more powerful with better moves.  It comes at a cost to your health.
• Whole mini game where you can send characters off dungeon exploring.  Works like the farm and fishing expeditions in Monster Hunter. Simply select their gear,  choose an area and time limit and off they go.  Any rewards found are deposited into your stash.  you can get new weapons and gear for them so they last longer and do harder areas for better rewards.
• Replay dungeons at any time to grind up your levels or get materials for upgrading.

Cons:

• Difficulty spikes,  Usually occurring around boss fights.
• No AA or V-Sync options.
• Slow starter.
• Forgettable characters who you feel no real connection too.
• Frame drops with occasional screen tearing.
• Story is one you have heard in the previous games,  Full of clichés and tough in cheek humour and digs.  it’s entertaining in places but you soon find yourself skipping them.
• Not quick or easy Platinum trophy.
• Questionable clothing for the girls especially when you consider the age they are portraying.
• A lot of reading and with it a slow pace taking its toll on the overall game pace.
• Boss fights stop being about tactics,  Instead relying more on bringing loads of health items and spamming high level attacks. Heal, attack, heal,  attack and repeat until you win.
• Grinding plays a huge part in the game.  you can do the little part of the stories no problem but boss fights prove how underpowered you are.

In Summary, This is a good port and for the most part runs really well. Minor issues with screen tearing and frame rate drops but you soon forget. Having a load of DLC to start really cuts down on the grind you would normally have to do. If you have played the Vita version then its only worth buying this if you want it on the big screen. It is the same game in every way otherwise.  It all starts off really well as the crazy story takes a hold on you, Varied missions and massive boss fights keep you entertained, But soon the grind kicks in and the enemies and bosses suddenly jump the difficulty up and it all gets a bit much. If you dont mind that prospect then its all good and it is a solid game with some really good mechanics. The humour is relevant as it takes the mickey out of the game culture. In short, Iits a long road with a few bumps but overall its a good experience.