Felt like it has been far too long since our last foray into Compile Heart’s long running Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise? Get ready for another adventure within Gamindustri, with Idea Factory International confirming their plans to publish Neptunia Virtual Stars (ブイブイブイテューヌ) exclusively on the PlayStation 4 in 2021. While not the next major instalment, this is a music-based hack ‘n’ slash spin-off game which takes players to new areas, introduces new faces and more.
The gimmick this time around is the presence of ‘VTubers’ (Virtual Youtubers), indicating this game might be more aligned with game streaming personalities than the game industry as a whole. The spin-off games in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series tend to be a mixed bag, so time will tell whether this newest game shines or is immediately forgettable.
Neptunia Virtual Stars will feature dual-audio gameplay (English and Japanese), in addition to English subtitles. There are plans for a physical release, along with a digital version on the PlayStation Store. While more information is due to roll out over the coming months, below is the information we know on this new game:
Promoted features of Neptunia Virtual Stars
Switch On-The-Fly – Seamlessly switch perspectives between melee and ranged shooter characters in fast-paced hack ‘n’ slash battles – get the right combos for more bonuses and greater damage!
Feel the BeatTik Rhythm – Team up with real-life virtual YouTubers and get fans riled up in BeatTik rhythm game performances to save the planet!
BGM got me going! – Background music can help or hurt you in special boss battles, changing battle conditions and even unlocking coordinated finishing moves.
Cheer up with VTubers – VTubers can randomly join you during battle to help! With their support, they can cheer you on during play and even provide you with a special prize if you make their dreams come true!
The Story of Neptunia Virtual Stars
In a dimension called Virtualand, the virtual planets that exist within it contain an extraordinary ability to produce a commodity known as content. Of these celestial bodies is a tranquil planet known as EMO. This was the latest target of a nefarious group whose sole purpose is to destroy content created by virtual planets… Anti. Their decimation of EMO has left its citizens hopeless.
Just then, VTubers, popular live-streamers from Earth, were suddenly transported to Virtualand. Because VTubers possess an affinity for creating good content, they were obvious targets for Anti, who quickly captured them and turned them into data pockets known as V Cubes.
Fair, the Virtual Goddess and leader of Planet EMO, sent out a distress signal to multiple dimensions in the hopes of a miracle. Two groups received the signal – the rising VTuber stars, Mi and Yu, members of MEWTRAL, as well as the Goddesses of Gamindustri: Neptune, Noire, Blanc, and Vert. Both parties, now entering unfamiliar terrain, decide to team up to duke it out against Anti! Can they band together and save planet EMO from complete destruction?
Japanese Preview Screenshots
