‘Hyperdimension Neptunia: Re;Birth 2’ Proves CPU Candidates Can Steal The Show!

With the release of Hyperdimension Neptunia: Re;Birth 2 only a week away, the day that weeaboos, waifu enthusiasts, and Vita owners, (many of which are all three at this point,) has almost arrived. In the days leading to this momentous occasion, we’ve spent countless hours, (okay, maybe 15 or so,) diving into the latest adventure featuring Neptune and her friends. Except… Neptune is absent for most of the game, with her and the rest of the goddesses of Gamindustri being captured by the evil Aifoire. With the CPU’s out of the way, it’s up to their little sisters, the CPU candidates, to rescue their elders and save the world. Yet, as I mentioned in my review of the original, Neptune’s charm and laugh out loud personality is what really held the narrative together. Can Nepgear do the same?

While much more subdued, Nep Jr. brings her own charm to the Hyperdimension universe. In place of the constant fourth wall breaking, game referencing lazy demeanor that her sister is known for, Nepgear feels much more like a natural leader, despite constantly doubting herself and the huge shadow the CPU’s cast over her. Despite this, she presses on in a desperate attempt to face her fears and defeat the enemies that the cast of the first game couldn’t. While IF and Compa, the primary companions from the first game, make their return to guide the young protagonist, there is rarely a time that they have to force her to fight the good fight. As their relationships progress, the nurturing the humans provide helps Nepgear become a strong, reliable leader for a cast that eventually surpasses double digits.

Which is more the reason why the addition of a fourth party member to carry into battles is such a welcomed one. Leading to larger waves of enemies, tougher bosses, and more strategic possibilities, each member brings something to the team that can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Even unused party members can contribute, thanks to the returning Lily System, which provides special attacks and stat boosts when pairing the idle teammates with partners that they get along with.

But Nepgear and company really shine once all of the CPU Candidates are brought together. Along with the stubborn, hard headed Uni, and the twin sisters, Rom and Ram, these four girls come off as some of the biggest badasses in a game this year. And yes, I realize it’s only January! But it’s hard to argue when you see what they can do, combining powerful magic, a giant rail gun that’s bigger than its weilder, and some incredible swordfighting skills, and you get some impressive action to pepper up your turn based RPG gaming. And when they combine their power, it’s a sight to be seen, giving me similar feelings of excitement to when I first summoned Bahamut ZERO in Final Fantasy VII so many years ago.

So sure, Nepgear might not be as funny or goofy as Neptune, but my lord, is she cool! Check back on Friday for our full review of Re;Birth 2, and let us know who your top waifu candidate is. With so many to choose from, you might be thinking about it for awhile.