E3 2015: ‘Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation’ Delivers A Faster, Stronger CPU!

It may have taken three games, but when Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory released in 2012, it’s safe to say that the series finally hit its stride. So much so, that the game play improvements introduced would carry into remakes of the original titles, both of which were great additions to the PS Vita library when we reviewed them over the last few months. While there was plenty to improve on, I went into Re;Birth 3 a little conflicted. At this point, I’m completely absorbed in anything the series can offer, but does the game that the remakes are based off of need its own remake? What can be changed for V Generation to feel different?

Based on the time I spent with the E3 build, this version looks to be aiming for the definitive way to experience Neptune’s most recent adventure. Taking place in an alternate Gamindustri that’s based on the console wars of the early 90’s, past characters will look and act different while new ones, namely this alternate Planeptune’s CPU, Plutia. From a game play standpoint, small tweaks have been added to change up the way the game is approached. The returning Remake System will allow the party to add an extra attack slot into their list of commands after finding the appropriate plan for each, while finding treasure through scanning  the environment is replaced by an invisible question mark that Nep hits with her head. Added cutscenes, new scenarios, items to help progress in the Stella Dungeon scouting mini game from Re;Birth 2, the return of Victory‘s stat boosts for performing certain actions and other surprises round out all the new features, while the turn based combat system remains intact.

But more than anything, what’s immediately noticeable is the improved frame rate, which never skipped a beat during battle. While the previous remakes would be  bogged down with some harsh dips when the flashiest attacks would take place, the comparible moves that I  tried in the demo had no such issue. In addition to an upgraded interface with colorful effects during attacks, reworked menus and a rewritten script, it’s clear that the presentation went through as much polishing as the game play, which I can’t wait to experience with the full game!

So if anything, Re;Birth 3 feels less like a remake and more like a remastered version, adding in what worked about its prequels while improving on what didn’t. With the trilogy nearly complete on both the Vita and PC through Steam, there’s no excuse for when the next main sequel is finally released. Luckily for us, the Vita release is right around the corner, coming on June 30th! Keep an eye out for our full review, and tell us what your favorite moments of the series have been in the comments below!