Hyperdimension Neptunia

This article is about the Hyperdimension Neptunia game series. For the first video game in the series, see Hyperdimension Neptunia (video game).
Hyperdimension Neptunia

Series logo
Genres Role-playing game
Developers Idea Factory
Compile Heart
Felistella (PS Vita)
Publishers
Platforms PlayStation 3
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Microsoft Windows
Platform of origin PlayStation 3
First release Hyperdimension Neptunia
August 19, 2010
Latest release Superdimension Neptune vs Sega Hard Girls
November 26, 2015

Hyperdimension Neptunia (超次元ゲイム ネプテューヌ Chōjigen Geimu Neputyūnu, lit. "Super Dimensional Game Neptune") is a video game series of role-playing games created and developed by Idea Factory. The series debuted in Japan on August 19, 2010 with the video game of the same name exclusively for the PlayStation 3, later re-released as an enhanced remake under the name Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 for the PlayStation Vita. Two sequels, Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 and Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory, in addition to the remake titles for both of them and three spin-offs on the PlayStation Vita, have also been released. Another sequel on the PlayStation 4, titled Megadimension Neptunia VII, was released in 2015. It has also branched off into a manga, light novel and anime media franchise series.

A television anime series adaptation, titled Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation, aired in Japan between July and September 2013.

Setting

Games within the series takes place in the world of Gamindustri (ゲイムギョウ界 Geimugyō-kai, a pun on ゲーム業界 Gēmu gyōkai, "game industry"), which is divided into four regions/nations which are each ruled by one CPU: Planeptune, Lastation, Lowee, and Leanbox. Each region is completely different from the others in appearance and atmosphere, with each representing a specific video game console. Lastation represents the PlayStation, Lowee represents the Wii, and Leanbox represents the Xbox, while Planeptune represents the cancelled Sega Neptune. In the beginning of the story, the four goddesses are fighting each another for "shares" in a war known as the Console War. Shares are the manifestation of the belief citizens put into their goddess, and without shares a goddess dies. Because some of the games feature time and/or dimension travel there are slight differences in the settings for each title.

Development

Prior to Q3 2009, Compile Heart was conceptualising a new RPG project centred upon character designs by Tsunako, with the intention of collaborating with a partner company. This game was originally planned to feature three princess sisters and a protagonist. However, the partnership deal fell out, and as a result the project plans were redesigned and eventually became "Neptunia" close to the end of 2009 following the completion of Trinity Universe's development. During the early stages of the project, the characters Noire and Blanc were originally coloured red and blue respectively, however their colour schemes were changed to black and white so that they could better fit in with the new game setting and plot.[2][3]

The release of the first sequel to the original game, Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2, saw the introduction of a reworked game engine and the replacement of various components such as the battle system and dungeons, which were completely rebuilt from scratch. Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory later built on this, with the parts from mk2 which were considered "weak" by the developers removed and improved, eventually setting Victory as the foundation for the design of future titles within the series. Following Compile Heart's collaboration with David Production to produce the Neptunia television animation series, the developers were able to change their approach to direction and script-writing based on their experience with the anime development staff, which resulted in the changes to the narrative found in the Re;Birth games on PlayStation Vita.[2]

Release history

Hyperdimension Neptunia is the first game within the series, with the name originally derived from the scrapped Sega Neptune[4] which combined the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Sega 32X into one unit, originally scheduled for release in 1994 or 1995 before the project was dropped after the release of the Sega Saturn.

There are two sequels which have been released under the names Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 and Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. Another game, titled Hyperdimension Neptunia PP (神次元アイドル ネプテューヌPP Kamijigen Aidoru Neputyūnu PP),[5] was released on June 20, 2013 for the PlayStation Vita in Japan and it was released in the west in June 2014 as Hyperdimension Neptunia: Producing Perfection, developed by Compile Heart, Idea Factory and Tamsoft.

During a streamed interview at Tokyo Game Show 2013, Idea Factory and Compile Heart announced that Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation was under development,.[6][7] Re;Birth 2 was released on March 20, 2014.[8] Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (超女神信仰ノワール　激神ブラックハート Chō Megami Shinkō Nowāru Geki-Shin Burakkuhāto) with Noire as the main character, was released on May 29, 2014.[9]

On March 16, 2014, two new next-generation games were announced, titled Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed (超次元アクション ネプテューヌU) and Megadimension Neptunia VII (新次元ゲイム ネプテューヌVII).[10] Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed is an action game spin-off exclusively for the PlayStation Vita released on August 28, 2014 in Japan, developed by Tamsoft,[11] whilst Megadimension Neptunia VII is a PlayStation 4 title.[12]

At Tokyo Game Show 2014, an enhanced remake of Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory for the PlayStation Vita, titled Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Century, was announced.[13][14]

Games

Main series

Title Details
Hyperdimension Neptunia

Original release date(s):
  • JP: August 19, 2010
  • NA: February 15, 2011
  • EU: March 4, 2011
  • AUS: March 31, 2011
 Release years by system:
2010 – PlayStation 3
Notes:
Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2

Original release date(s):
  • JP: August 18, 2011
  • EU: February 24, 2012
  • NA: February 28, 2012
 Release years by system:
2011 – PlayStation 3
Notes:
Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory

Original release date(s):
  • JP: August 30, 2012
  • NA: March 21, 2013
  • AUS: March 21, 2013
  • EU: March 22, 2013
 Release years by system:
2012 – PlayStation 3
Notes:
Megadimension Neptunia VII

Original release date(s):
  • JP: April 23, 2015
  • NA: February 2, 2016
  • EU: February 12, 2016
 Release years by system:
2015 – PlayStation 4
2016 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:

Spin-offs

Title Details
Hyperdimension Neptunia: Producing Perfection

Original release date(s):
  • JP: June 20, 2013
  • NA: June 3, 2014
  • AUS: June 5, 2014
  • EU: June 6, 2014
 Release years by system:
2013 – PlayStation Vita
Notes:

Idol-raising simulator game with rhythm and dating sim elements.

Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart

Original release date(s):
  • JP: May 29, 2014
  • NA: February 24, 2015
  • PAL: February 27, 2015
 Release years by system:
2014 – PlayStation Vita
2016 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:

Turn-based tactical role-playing game which utilises a battle grid.

Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed

Original release date(s):
  • JP: August 28, 2014
  • NA: May 19, 2015
  • EU: May 22, 2015
 Release years by system:
2014 – PlayStation Vita
2016 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:

Musou-type real-time action game.

MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies

Original release date(s):
  • JP: October 15, 2015
  • NA: May 10, 2016
  • EU: May 13, 2016
 Release years by system:
2015 – PlayStation Vita
2016 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:

Multiplayer action game.[15]

Superdimension Neptune vs Sega Hard Girls

Original release date(s):
  • JP: November 26, 2015
  • NA: October 18, 2016
  • EU: October 21, 2016
 Release years by system:
2015 – PlayStation Vita
Notes:

Crossover title with Sega Hard Girls.[16]

Nep-Nep Connect: Chaos Chanpuru

Original release date(s):
  • JP: TBA 2016
 Release years by system:
2016 – PlayStation Vita
Notes:

Free-to-play card battle game.[17]

Remakes

Title Details
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1

Original release date(s):
  • JP: October 31, 2013
  • NA: August 26, 2014
  • PAL: August 27, 2014
 Release years by system:
2013 – PlayStation Vita
2015 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation

Original release date(s):
  • JP: March 20, 2014
  • NA: January 27, 2015
  • EU: January 28, 2015
 Release years by system:
2014 – PlayStation Vita
2015 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation

Original release date(s):
  • JP: December 18, 2014
  • NA: June 30, 2015
  • EU: July 3, 2015
 Release years by system:
2014 – PlayStation Vita
2015 – Microsoft Windows
Notes:

Other media

Hyperdimension Neptunia
Manga
Choujigen Game Neptune: Megami Tsuushin
Magazine Famitsu Comic Clear
Original run November 2010 – present
Novel
Hyperdimension Neptunia TGS Hono no Futsukakan
Published by MF Bunko J
Published May 25, 2013
Manga
Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation – Hello New World
Written by Mikage Baku
Magazine Dengeki Maoh
Original run June 2013 – present
Anime television series
Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation
Directed by Masahiro Mukai
Written by Shogo Yasukawa
Music by Hiroaki Tsutsumi
Kenji Kaneko
Masaru Yokoyama
Studio David Production
Licensed by
Network Tokyo MX
English network
Original run July 12, 2013 – September 27, 2013
Episodes 12 + OVA

Manga

A manga series based on the game titled Choujigen Game Neptune: Megami Tsuushin (超次元ゲイム ネプテューヌ ~めがみつうしん~) began serialisation in November 2010 within the Famitsu Comic Clear.

A manga series illustrated by Mikage Baku which complements the television animation, titled Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation – Hello New World (超次元ゲイム ネプテューヌ THE ANIMATION はろーにゅーわーるど), began serialisation within the June 2013 issue of Dengeki Maoh. A spin-off novel of the anime, titled Hyperdimension Neptunia TGS Hono no Futsukakan, was published by MF Bunko J and released May 25, 2013.[18][19]

Anime

An anime adaptation Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation was produced by David Production of Japan and directed by Masahiro Mukai.[20] Series composition and script writing are done by Shogo Yasukawa and a musical score composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, Kenji Kaneko and Masaru Yokoyama. Character designs are done by Hitomi Takechi, based on the original designs by Tsunako along with art direction by Masanobu Nomura and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa. The twelve episode series premiered on Tokyo MX on July 12, 2013 and were later aired on BS11, KBS, Sun TV and tvk. The series was acquired by Funimation for online streaming in North America with English subtitles.[21] The opening theme is "Dimension tripper!!!!" by Nao and the ending theme is "Neptune☆Sagashite" (ネプテューヌ☆サガして) by Afilia Saga.[22] "Go→Love&Peace" by Ayane is used as the ending theme of episodes 3 and 4, in addition to "Ito" (糸) by Afilia Saga on episode 10. It was broadcast within the United States on Funimation Channel.

The television anime series adaptation received a mixed response, with praise for its original story and humour revolving around videogame industry in-jokes, and criticism for its use of melodrama.[23]

Mobile applications and casual games

An online mobile card game for Android and iOS titled Neptune Collection (ネプテューヌコレクション) was developed by Idea Factory and hosted by GREE starting from February 15, 2013. It is a collectable card game which involves social networking elements.[24] The game's servers shut down on July 31, 2014.

Alarm clock applications featuring Neptunia characters have also been released for Android and iOS.

References

  1. ↑ Ishaan (November 16, 2010). "Hyperdimension Neptunia Orbits Over Europe In March". Siliconera. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  2. 1 2 "【電撃PS】8月19日で『ネプテューヌ』は5周年！ 開発チームがネプ誕生とこの5年のエピソードを振り返る". Dengeki Online. August 19, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Dengeki Interview: Celebrating 5 Years of Neptunia, a Talk With Series' Creators". Niche Gamer. August 21, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Hyperdimension Neptunia's Creator Dreams of a Fighting Game". kotaku.com. September 28, 2012. Retrieved October 9, 2012.
  5. ↑ Spencer . April 9, 2013 . 12:02pm (April 9, 2013). "Neptunia Idol Game's Story Is About The CPUs Vs. Idol Group MOB48". Siliconera. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  6. ↑ "『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】" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. September 22, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  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;Birth 2 Reaches Vita In March, Siliconera
  9. ↑ "Two more Neptunia games announced for PS Vita". Gematsu. March 17, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  10. ↑ "【速報】『ネプテューヌ』の新作が2作も!? 『超次元アクション ネプテューヌU』＆『新次元ゲイム ネプテューヌVII』が発表" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. March 16, 2014. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  11. ↑ 2014-04-08, Hyperdimension Neptunia U is a PS Vita game developed by the studio behind Senran Kagura, Gematsu
  12. ↑ 2014-06-16, Hyperdimension Neptunia VII confirmed for PlayStation 4, Gematsu
  13. ↑ 2014-09-20, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Century announced for PS Vita, Gematsu
  14. ↑ 2014-09-20, PS Vita『神次次元ゲイム ネプテューヌRe；Birth3 V CENTURY』が発売決定！ 『ネプテューヌVII』最新情報も公開に【TGS2014】, Dengeki Online
  15. ↑ "【速報】PS Vita『ネプテューヌ』新作が発表！ 激次元でゾンビ相手にタッグバトル？". Dengeki Online (in Japanese). March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  16. ↑ "【速報】PS Vita『超次元大戦 ネプテューヌVSセガハードガールズ 夢の合体スペシャル（仮）』発表！". Dengeki Online (in Japanese). March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  17. ↑ "NepuNepu Connect: Chaos Champions is a free-to-play card battle game for PS Vita". Gematsu. July 26, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  18. ↑ 2013-04-26, TV Anime “Hyperdimension Neptunia” Official Site Launches and PV Releases!, Tokyo Otaku Mode
  19. ↑ 2013-04-01, 「超次元ゲイム ネプテューヌ」本格始動　公式サイトオープンにスタッフ情報やPV公開, animeanime.jp
  20. ↑ "David Production Makes Hyperdimension Neptunia the Animation". Anime News Network. December 27, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Funimation Adds Hal, 009 Re:Cyborg Films". Anime News Network. July 4, 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Hyperdimension Neptunia Anime Ads Feature Ending Song". Anime News Network. July 10, 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
  23. ↑ 2013-11-12, Gamers are Bound to Get a Laugh or Two Out of Neptunia: The Animation, Kotaku
  24. ↑ "ネプテューヌコレクション". compileheart.com. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
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