Super Neptunia RPG

Super Neptunia RPG is an unusual but intriguing entry in the long-running Neptunia franchise, and it marks one of the few times the series has been handed over to a Western developer, Artisan Studios. Unlike its more traditional mainline predecessors, this installment takes the form of a side-scrolling role-playing game with hand-drawn visuals, platforming elements, and a combat system that mixes turn-based mechanics with real-time decision-making. The shift in style alone makes it stand out, and while the game certainly carries the quirky personality and meta-humor the series is known for, its execution is uneven, leaving an impression of both fresh experimentation and missed opportunities.
The narrative follows Neptune, who, true to series tradition, begins the game suffering from amnesia in a mysterious world. As she journeys forward, she discovers a society enthralled by the dominance of two-dimensional games and guided by an oppressive regime seeking to eliminate the growth of three-dimensional titles. This tongue-in-cheek premise fits perfectly with the franchise’s meta-commentary on the gaming industry, while also providing a new backdrop for Neptune and her companions—familiar faces like Noire, Blanc, and Vert—to band together once again. The story balances humor with moments of sincerity, delivering plenty of witty banter, fourth-wall jokes, and playful self-awareness that fans of the series expect. At the same time, the amnesia trope is a safe choice that doesn’t push narrative innovation, but it provides a workable framework to reintroduce characters and slowly raise the stakes.
Where the game draws the most attention is in its presentation. The art direction is colorful and distinctive, with backgrounds and character portraits brought to life in a richly stylized 2D format. Artisan Studios worked closely with series illustrator Tsunako, ensuring that the designs retain their iconic look while benefiting from the hand-drawn approach. The environments feel painterly, often beautiful in their detail, and lend the game an identity separate from the 3D visuals of other entries. The animations, while charming, sometimes lack fluidity, but the aesthetic as a whole is one of the game’s clear highlights and a testament to the artistry behind it.
The gameplay, however, reveals a mixed bag. Combat uses a system where players can switch the party leader to change formation, with each character specializing in a particular role such as physical attacks, magic, support, or healing. Action Points are spent to use abilities, and exploiting enemy weaknesses is key to building momentum in battle. On paper, the system encourages flexibility and tactical thought, but in practice it can feel simplistic, particularly early on when skill options are limited. Fights often devolve into repetitive sequences until more abilities open up, and while the mechanics eventually grow more engaging, they never fully achieve the depth or complexity that tactical RPG veterans might hope for. Outside of combat, the game incorporates light platforming, environmental puzzles, and side-quests, though these can be hindered by imprecise controls and tasks that fall into repetitive fetch-quest territory.
Performance issues further dampen the experience. While the visuals are attractive, technical polish is inconsistent across platforms. Players have noted sluggish inputs, frame rate drops, and occasional bugs that disrupt combat or traversal. Jumping and platforming in particular can feel stiff, making exploration less enjoyable than it could be. These problems don’t render the game unplayable, but they contribute to a rough-around-the-edges quality that contrasts sharply with the care shown in the art direction and character design. For a game so focused on presentation, the lack of smooth execution can be disappointing.
Despite its flaws, Super Neptunia RPG has a charm that is difficult to dismiss. The humor and personalities of the cast carry much of the experience, and the creative decision to experiment with a different format for the series gives it a distinctive feel. Longtime fans will likely appreciate the opportunity to see beloved characters in a new light, with the hand-drawn style breathing fresh life into the franchise. However, newcomers or those looking for a polished, mechanically rich RPG may find the game too shallow and technically unrefined to fully satisfy.
In the end, Super Neptunia RPG is best approached with tempered expectations. It is neither the most polished nor the most ambitious role-playing game, but it offers a colorful and entertaining detour within the Neptunia universe. For those invested in the series’ humor, charm, and characters, it provides a fresh, if imperfect, way to spend time in its quirky world. For others, it may feel like a curiosity rather than a must-play, enjoyable in bursts but unlikely to leave a lasting mark outside its dedicated fanbase.
Rating: 7/10

Surprisingly I enjoy it despite the mixed general reviews. Probably the best story ever told in Nep games imo.

This is a very mixed title, it's heavily flawed, and somewhat disappointing compared to other mainline and spinoffs of the Neptunia series, but overall I still had fun with it.

First off, you can tell it wasn't written by the main Neptunia team. Characterization fit, but it lacked a lot of the witty and insightful commentary that the mainline series and even titles like Sisters vs Sisters had. It's also ironic shitting on 2D games while being a 2D game, and the halfassed "maybe they can coexist" later on wasn't great.

Combat-wise it's also pretty mixed. It looks like a Valkyrie Profile type of combat system, but there are a lot of uncomfortable waits where you can't do anything. Debuffs are heavily punishing to you as well, and only poison is really useful when used on enemies. You slowly build up AP to power up your attacks, all allies use the same pool. If you use an enemies weakness you'll get AP back to help chain things together. When you can exploit a weakness it's fun. Otherwise, it's a real slog, and fairly boring combat until late game when you can get half AP abilities and ways to exploit other weaknesses. Using items is also somewhat awkward, especially single target items. Early game is very rough as you have so few characters, so few slots to attack with

The equipment system uses the common-in-Japanese-RPG learn abilities from your equipment, so you'll be switching between things often to learn new abilities. You'll definitely need to grind a bit in order to buy all the unique weapons and accessories to learn those abilities.

Exploration is fine, though a few areas are not marked on the map. You start with a jump and a dash, but will unlock a platform that can give you a high jump, and later on a double jump. These are tied to story progression. There's a reasonable variety of zones to explore. Some zones will be locked off after story events pass, making it a pain if a bounty is in there and blocking access to later bounties.

Overall, decent fun but not a great entry in the series.

love this game. for spin off this incredible. doesn't beat 4 goddesses online though. One of the most fun i have ever had. it goes back to the sarcastic fun dialougue. it has some downsides like the dash and jump but that's minor. definitely recommend, you wont be dissapointed. if 2d and neptunia doesnt sound like you than its not for you.

Visuals, music, SFX, VA all pretty solid. The backgrounds are beautiful. Controls and button mapping are terrible. Definitely not designed or intended to be played with mouse or keyboard.
The battle system isn't very good. It awkward to play and lacks a lot of basic and traditional jrpg features.
The adventure field/dungeon platforming, jumping, and jump dashing is a bit awkward.
Very mixed overall. 50/50. Can barely give it a thumbs up.

Expect a big downgrade from the series and at least you will fun with the story.

A Charming, Whimsical Adventure
Super Neptunia RPG brings the beloved Hyperdimension Neptunia cast into a vibrant 2D world, blending classic JRPG charm with the series’ signature humor and style. Developed in collaboration with Artisan Studios, this spin-off offers a fresh take on the franchise while staying true to its roots—filled with meta-commentary, quirky characters, and a lighthearted story that pokes fun at gaming culture.
A Playful Parody with Heart
The game’s premise is pure Neptunia: Neptune wakes up with amnesia (again) in a world where 2D games reign supreme, and a tyrannical guild, Bombyx Mori, enforces a ban on 3D gaming. It’s a clever setup that lets the series riff on gaming nostalgia, industry tropes, and even its own legacy. The writing is as witty as ever, packed with fourth-wall-breaking jokes, playful jabs at console wars, and absurd quests (like helping a student research "how games rot your brain"). Longtime fans will appreciate the return of favorite characters—Neptune’s obsession with pudding, Blanc’s deadpan sarcasm, and Noire’s tsundere antics are all here—while newcomers can still enjoy the lighthearted tone.
Beautiful 2D Artistry
Visually, Super Neptunia RPG is a treat. The hand-drawn backgrounds are lush and detailed, giving each location—from bustling towns to eerie dungeons—a storybook charm. Character sprites are expressive, with small animations (like hair swaying or idle fidgeting) adding personality. While the platforming can feel a bit stiff at times, the art direction more than makes up for it, creating a world that feels alive and distinctly Neptunia.
A Unique Combat System
The battle system takes inspiration from Valkyrie Profile, with a formation-based approach where each character’s position dictates their role (attacker, healer, buffer, etc.). It’s an interesting twist on turn-based combat, encouraging experimentation with party setups. However, the execution isn’t perfect—early-game fights can feel sluggish due to slow AP regeneration, and some enemies are pushovers. That said, the system opens up nicely as you unlock more skills and formations, and the ability to fast-forward battles is a godsend for grinding.
Pacing and Polish Quibbles
The game isn’t without its rough edges. Platforming sections can be finicky, and the quest design leans heavily on fetch tasks. The story, while fun, takes a while to build momentum, and the lack of challenge in regular battles might disappoint players seeking deeper strategy. Still, the charm of the characters and the sheer creativity of the world keep things engaging.
Final Thoughts
Super Neptunia RPG is a love letter to classic JRPGs and the Neptunia series itself. It stumbles in places—combat could be tighter, and the pacing isn’t always perfect—but its humor, gorgeous art, and endearing characters make it a joy for fans. If you’re looking for a lighthearted adventure with plenty of meta-humor and charm, this 2D spin-off delivers.
Score: 7.5/10
Pros: Gorgeous art style, hilarious writing, fun character interactions.
Cons: Some clunky platforming, uneven difficulty, repetitive side quests.