Megadimension Neptunia VIIR

It's pound for pound the best the series has been, illuminating all of its strong points in a more robust and better-looking package. While a few of these changes won't be everyone's cup of tea, fans will appreciate the added interactivity and quality of life improvements. I just have a hard time recommending this if you already beat the original Megadimension VII.

Quality of life improvements over the already good Megadimension Neptunia VII make this the best Neptunia game to date.

In conclusion, I can sum up this game as “the title I bought a $300 headset for that doesn’t even work with it anymore”, and that’s a big shame, as the core RPG here is pretty decent at best, but even that feels weirder compared to prior Neptunia RPGs, with some changes to the usual formula that don’t really feel that great.

I did enjoy this game and I would recommend trying it to anyone whom this type of comedic game appeals to. I will say that not everyone enjoys this style of game, but it is definitely one of the better examples of the type. The cast of characters brings a lot of fun to the series and the absurdity of it will make most players laugh. The only other caveat I would include is that if you have already played Neptunia VII, I would wait for one of Idea Factory’s frequent sales as there isn’t too much different about it.

Unless an avid fan of all things tied to the Neptunia series, there's little reason to try the borefest known as Megadimension Neptunia VIIR. Repetitive, with not much humour, and with a profound unwillingness to add something new, or at least fix past flaws, one can easily find a better JRPG fix.

With a story that has not changed and a layer of optional VR added to the original game, Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is not perhaps a compelling buy for everyone. It is a good excuse to put on a virtual reality headset, and there are some notable quality of life improvements that when coupled with improved visuals make this a worthwhile play - especially if you missed Megadimension Neptunia VII the first time around. Megadimension Neptunia VIIR likely will not bring new people to the series, but returning fans of the Neptunia titles will likely enjoy the presentation, characters and numerous systems of progression.

As the hours ticked by I kept waiting for the game to stop screwing around and get down to business but with all the starts and stops, it only ever seems to flirt with the prospect. This one’s best left for the diehard fans and maybe those with a high tolerance for Japanese quirk who don’t mind enduring its more off-putting elements to get to the hearty JRPG goodness at its center.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an entertaining title for Neptunia fans with its unique characters and storytelling. However, with only minor campaign adjustments and a slapped-on VR experience that is more novelty than necessity, those who have played the original title will have a difficult time justifying a return visit. For everyone else, go with the blessing of a CPU.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is a very fun game, but if you have played and beaten the regular version then, other than the short PS VR segments you might at first think there's not much in here for you, which is a yes and a no situation. The new version is running on a different engine than the one for Megadimension Neptunia VII, and that means you get improved graphics and a revamped battle system along with the new PS VR (optional) segments.

The tacky VR integration in this instalment sure isn't a big leap forward for the series and the changes to the battle system make for a game that's lacking in challenge. The new characters are entertaining and some of the jokes land, but it never comes together into anything satisfying.