Idea Factory International – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

October 24, 2018

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Adds Support for HTC Vive & Oculus Rift

Idea Factory International launched Megadimension Neptunia VIIR back in May for PlayStation VR. This week its the turn of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, with the title arriving on Steam with a week long discount as well as several bundle offers.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR new VR-Scenes-6

For the Steam release this week Idea Factory International has knocked 25 percent off the regular price, dropping Megadimension Neptunia VIIR down to £23.24 GBP – from £30.99. Additionally, there are three bundles available netting gamers new content and items.

There’s the Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Deluxe Bundle which includes the videogame plus a Special Art Collection,
Rough Sketches Collection, PC Wallpapers and Mobile Wallpapers. Or then there’s the DLC Pack which includes all ten DLC items. Finally, for those that want it all, the Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Complete Deluxe Pack features both previously mentioned bundles, all for the low price of £36.92.

This VR compatible videogame is an enhanced version of 2016’s JRPG Megadimension Neptunia VII featuring smoother graphics courtesy of a new engine and a revamped battle system.

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The actual gameplay itself is two fold, with one part revolving around players being able to hang out one-on-one with each of the Gamindustri Goddesses, listen to their conversations, and watch as the Goddesses react to them all in VR. While the second part are the actual battles, with the new battle system allows players to set each attack combo mid-battle whilst introducing new elements of strategy and resource-management. And they can transform into even more powerful beings with their NEXT forms, and take control of a different set of characters who want to run Gamindustri.

VRFocus reviewed Megadimension Neptunia VIIR for its PlayStation VR launch, giving it three-stars, saying: “Playing the main Megadimension Neptunia story in VR is mostly worth it, but the poorly-rendered VR-only sections do little or nothing to really add to proceedings other than hurt your eyes and make you feel awkward. Its fun, but unless you don’t already have a copy of the original title, its one for fans only.”

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Megadimension Neptunia VIIR and Idea Factory International, reporting back with any further updates.

May 7, 2018

New Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Screenshots Revealed Ahead Of Release

With the release of virtual reality (VR) title Megadimension Neptunia VIIR almost here Idea Factory International have released the final round of screenshots that showcase the titles Event Scene Dialogue.

Megadimension Neptunia VII

The screenshots, which can be viewed below, give an idea of the sort of conversations that players will encounter during the ‘enhanced’ version of the 2016 role-playing game (RPG), Megadimension Neptunia VII. The new version sees a number of VR features packed into it and allows for the core storyline to be experiences from start to end with VR support. One of the new features also allows players to get up close and person with the characters from the title thanks to the PlayStation VR.

The Event Scene Dialogue sections will present the player with more traditional cutscenes found in these sorts of titles. With impressive 2D artwork of the characters talking in front of the player rather than in full 3D motion. As you can see in the screenshots some of the characters are rather interesting and the dialog is just as creative.

VRFocus’ Staff Writer Rebecca Hills-Duty reviewed Megadimension Neptunia VIIR saying: “The main game mode is a VR-compatible remake of Megadimension Neptunia, which players very similarly to the original release, though the menus and battle system have been revamped to work better from within VR. The story in Megadimension Neptunia is one of the better ones of the series, divided up into three sections that explore different events within the world of Gameindustri.” and later adding: “Playing the main Megadimension Neptunia story in VR is mostly worth it, but the poorly-rendered VR-only sections do little or nothing to really add to proceedings other than hurt your eyes and make you feel awkward. Its fun, but unless you don’t already have a copy of the original title, its one for fans only.”

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is set to release tomorrow, 8th May in North American with the UK release later this week on the 11th May. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on the title in the future so stay tuned for more.

May 7, 2018

New Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Screenshots Revealed Ahead Of Release

Megadimension Neptunia VII

April 23, 2018

Review: Megadimension Neptunia VIIR

Compile Heart and Idea Factory have found a fair amount of success with their ‘Neptunia’ series. Though the first title in the series, Hyperdimension Neptunia on the PlayStation 3, was quite ropey around the edges, it nonetheless won fans and launched the series, which has now worked its way to virtual reality (VR).

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is a VR adaptation of the previously released Megadimension Neptunia title. After the music video intro, the title starts with you, the player, being addressed by our main exposition source, the fairy-like Histoire.

Here some issues become apparent. You are in a room where most of the VR-specific events and interactions take place, but there is a bizarre low-rez feeling, every object has blurry, jagged edges like the anti-aliasing isn’t working properly. Histoire herself looks very blurry as well, though Neptune when she arrives looks fine. Its very off-putting, especially when other VR titles don’t have this issue.

You can interact with the characters from the Neptunia series throughout gameplay, with new interactions becoming unlocked as you progress, along with objects to decorate the room, but the off-putting graphics don’t entice you to spend much time there. You can respond with nods and headshakes to the characters, but otherwise they are mostly monologuing to you. This often feels awkward, especially with how the characters appear to assume you are young and male.

For those unfamiliar with the main series, The Neptunia series takes place in a world called Gameindustri, which is ruled over by ‘CPUs’ who have power akin to goddesses and who are anthropomorphic personifications of the companies involved in the console wars; Blanc for Nintendo, Vert for Microsoft, Noire for Sony and protagonist Neptune for SEGA.

The Neptunia series has always aimed to strike a balance between RPG gameplay, broad slapstick comedy and fanservice. The fanservice comes in several flavours, from the copious amount of references to videogame trivia to the extremely scanty outfits favoured by the main characters, particularly in their transformed state. The VR-exclusive sections feel like they lean a bit too much towards the latter without enough of the former, which is something of a shame.

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The main game mode is a VR-compatible remake of Megadimension Neptunia, which players very similarly to the original release, though the menus and battle system have been revamped to work better from within VR. The story in Megadimension Neptunia is one of the better ones of the series, divided up into three sections that explore different events within the world of Gameindustri.

The first section explores the plight of the Zero dimension and its CPU, Uzume who personifies SEGA’s Dreamcast console. Visually, this is one of the most compelling, with the ruined citiscapes looking pretty impressive in VR. Oddly, the main game mode didn’t seem to suffer from the anti-aliasing issues of the VR-specific parts.The environments suffer from the some of the typical ‘copy&paste’ repetition fans of the series will be familiar with, but looking at it in VR at least feels different.

The music is sometimes a little bland and repetitive, though there are some stand-out tracks, especially for the later climactic battles and the tragic bad ending. The English voice acting is decent for the most part, with the voice of Uzume being of particular note.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR screenshot

Playing the main Megadimension Neptunia story in VR is mostly worth it, but the poorly-rendered VR-only sections do little or nothing to really add to proceedings other than hurt your eyes and make you feel awkward. Its fun, but unless you don’t already have a copy of the original title, its one for fans only.

60%

Awesome

Verdict

April 7, 2018

New Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Screenshots Showcase New Forms

The upcoming release of Megadimension Neptunia VIIR for PlayStation VR is nearing closer and now Idea Factory International have released a new batch of screenshots that show off the next form of the Gamindustri Goddesses.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Neptune Next - 1

In the latest title from the ever popular series, Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an ‘enhanced’ version of the 2016 role-playing game (RPG), Megadimension Neptunia VII, packed with new features and virtual reality (VR) functionality. This release means players will be able to experience smoother graphics thanks to a new engine, a revamped battle system and even get up close and personal like never before thanks to PlayStation VR.

The new screenshots show the characters latest transformation forms which add another layer of tactics and even more powerful attacks. In Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, characters will get two levels of transformation. This will make the combat side of the gameplay in the title much more impressive and visually pleasing. The other half of the gameplay revolves around the player hanging out in a room with the Gamindustri Goddesses, listening to their conversations and watching them react to the players response, all in VR. This will be the first time players are able to hang out with the virtual Goddesses and it is sure to be a fan favorite feature of this release.

Elsewhere in Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, players will be able to experience an epic RPG adventure as they set out on a grand adventure to save the world from the mysterious evil known as the Dark CPU. Working together, the characters will need to use new strategies and new powers in order to be the victor in this war. With a turn-based battle system the combat is set to be more fun then ever before. Unleash powerful attacks, use combos and even dazzling specials. Position and timing is key so make sure to pay close attention to the battles and do everything you can to win.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is set to release on 11th May in the UK with a North American release date of 8th May. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on this VR adventure so stay tuned for further updates.

March 16, 2018

European Launch Date Confirmed for PlayStation VR’s Megadimension Neptunia VIIR

Last week VRFocus reported on Idea Factory International confirming a North American release date of 8th May, 2018 for Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, without mentioning when European gamers may see the title. That date has now been confirmed as 11th May, 2018, the same week as its North American release.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR new VR-Scenes-11

Alongside the European release date announcement, Idea Factory International and Compile Heart have released a series of new screenshots, showcasing the English language version translation and the Gamindustri Goddesses players will encounter in the experience.

A PlayStation 4 videogame with added PlayStation VR compatibility, Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an ‘enhanced’ version of 2016 role-playing game (RPG), Megadimension Neptunia VII. New features in the updated version include smoother graphics courtesy of a new engine, a revamped battle system, and the addition of VR to make the experience even more immersive.

The Hyperdimension Neptunia series began life in 2010 with an exclusive title for the PlayStation 3, with the series deriving its name from the abandoned SEGA Neptune console. With gameplay a combination of the dungeon crawling JRPG style popularised by titles such as Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series, combined with elements of Japanese visual novels, the Neptunia series has since spun off into other media such as music, manga and even an anime series (Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation).

In preparation for its western launch, Idea Factory International has opened pre-orders up for Megadimension Neptunia VIIR on select websites. North American customers can either go to Amazon or Gamestop, whilst those in the UK can head to Amazon – for some reason the UK site lists the release date as 13th April. For any further updates to Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, keep reading VRFocus.

March 7, 2018

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Western Launch Delayed Until May

In December 2016 VRFocus reported that Idea Factory International’s Megadimension Neptunia VIIR for PlayStation 4 would see a Western launch on 13th April 2018 with an additional PlayStation VR mode. That’s no longer the case with players now having to wait a few more weeks for its release.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR screenshot

Via a recent Twitter post, Idea Factory International has now confirmed a new release date of 8th May, 2018 for North America. A European version is still on the cards with a date to be announced in the near future. There’s been no mention of why the launch has been put back.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an ‘enhanced’ version of 2016 role-playing game (RPG), Megadimension Neptunia VII, developed by Idea Factory International and Compile Heart. Features include smoother graphics courtesy of a new engine, a revamped battle system, and the addition of VR to make the experience even more immersive.

Players will be able to hang out one-on-one with each of the Gamindustri Goddesses, listen to their conversations, and watch as the Goddesses react to them all in VR. Plus they’ll be able to customize their VR room’s furniture with Neptunia designs.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR screenshot

The new battle system allows players to set each attack combo mid-battle whilst introducing new elements of strategy and resource-management. And they can transform into even more powerful beings with their NEXT forms, and take control of a different set of characters who want to run Gamindustri.

For the Megadimension Neptunia VIIR uninitiated, the story goes: “Gamindustri–a world sitting at the convergence of multiple dimensions. Of these existed the Zero Dimension, a world on the brink of collapse. Zero Dimension’s last guardian, Uzume Tennouboshi, waged a war against a mysterious evil known as the Dark CPU. Her desperate cries for help crossed dimensions and reached Neptune, the CPU of Planeptune, who would leave her world to join the fight. Their fateful meeting would open the path to a new adventure. And once their world is saved, they’ll join you in yours.”

As further details on Megadimension Neptunia VIIR are released – including the European launch date – VRFocus will let you know.

December 18, 2017

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Western Release Date Revealed

There are many Japanese PlayStation VR titles that will never see the light of day in western territories. Dead or Alive Xtreme 3: Fortune was an early big name title to fall and despite continued interest, and Summer Lesson remains unavailable in North America or Europe. Megadimension Neptunia VIIR however, was recently confirmed for release in western territories and has now been assigned a specific launch date.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is the continuation of a long-running series in which the characters, world and gameplay mechanics subtly reflect the videogames industry. The videogame is set in the world of Gamindustri and tells the tale of the discovery of a parallel world. The people of Gamindustri likened the phenomenon to differing endings of a videogame based on the person behind the controller, presenting the ethereal being with the name ‘The Player’. Celebrating The Player, even in times of catastrophe, Croire and Neptune used their ability to travel between dimensions to meet The Player face-to-face.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an ‘enhanced’ version of 2016 role-playing game (RPG), Megadimension Neptunia VII, developed by Idea Factory International and Compile Heart. Megadimension Neptunia VIIR features upgraded visuals thanks to the adoption of a new engine, as well as a revamped battle system. Progress through the videogame’s campaign will unlock specific VR events.

According to Idea Factory International, players of Megadimension Neptunia VIIR will be able to meet the Gamindustri Goddesses in VR, listen to their conversations and even interact directly.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR screenshot Already available in Japan and China, under the name Shin Jigen Game Neptune VIIR: Victory II Realize, Megadimension Neptunia VIIR will launch in western territories on 13th April 2018. Pre-orders for Megadimension Neptunia VIIR are already available at Amazon and Play Asia; the latter offering both North American and European editions. The western version of the videogame will include the original Japanese voiceover, as well as English language dubbing and subtitle options.

A selection of screenshots taken from the Japanese version of Megadimension Neptunia VIIR were revealed back in October 2017, and VRFocus will keep you updated with any English language imagery or trailers released in the run-up to the videogame’s western launch.

October 28, 2017

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Is Ready To Fight (And Relax) In Latest Screenshots

Earlier in the week we brought you news of Megadimension Neptunia VIIR; which following an initial reveal during the Dengeki Game Festival 2017 back in March this year, was finally given the green light for a Western release earlier this week.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an ‘enhanced’ version of 2016 Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Megadimension Neptunia VII (which did receive a worldwide release) and developed by Idea Factory International and Compile Heart will be brought to the PlayStation VR in both Europe and the North America during Spring next year. It follows a Japanese release two months ago on August 24th.

megadimension-neptunia-vr Indications are the VR gameplay will be story-based with character focused ‘slice of life’ feel. Progress through the main campaign of the videogame will, at points reveal what is being referred to as ‘Scenario VR Events’ with additional ‘Daily VR Events’ also taking place.

“In the past, as Gamindustri possessed the technology capable of dimensional interactions, the existence of a parallel world had been confirmed via a shift in a massive amount of data acquired through dimensional observation.” Explains the official Megadimension Neptunia VIIR website. “Having observed these worlds which possessed different realities than the current one, leading researchers hypothesised a higher dimension had intervened. As a result, one scholar’s thesis spread globally. It stated that the characteristics of the singularity created by the shift implied some sort of sentience behind the interference.”

You can see an array of new screenshots for the title below.

The Hyperdimension Neptunia series began life in 2010 with an exclusive title then for the PlayStation 3, with the series deriving its name from the abandoned SEGA Neptune console. It’s references to the videogame industry, particular its characterisations made of other company consoles all of which are engaging in a “Console War” made it a curiosity to the gaming fraternity when it first came out. With gameplay a combination of the dungeon crawling JRPG style popularised by some of the more recent titles in Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series, combined with elements of Japanese visual novels. The Neptunia series has since spun off into other media such as music, manga and even an anime series (Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation)

VRFocus will bring you more news on this and other PlayStation VR titles very soon.

October 23, 2017

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR Confirmed for Western Release

Idea Factory International has today announced that the PlayStation VR entry in the hugely popular Megadimension Neptunia series, Megadimension Neptunia VIIR (pronounced “V-two-R”), will see an official release in North America and Europe. Accompanying the announcement is the first official English language trailer for the videogame.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is an ‘enhanced’ version of 2016’s Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Megadimension Neptunia VII. This new rendition features smoother graphics thanks to the use of a new engine, a revamped battle system, and a whole new virtual reality (VR) experience. According to Idea Factory International, players can ‘hang out one-on-one with each of the Gamindustri Goddesses, listen to their conversations, and watch as the Goddesses react to you!’.

The publisher’s description of the story in Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, as depicted on the official western website for the videogame, reads as follows:

In the past, as Gamindustri possessed the technology capable of dimensional interactions, the existence of a parallel world had been confirmed via a shift in a massive amount of data acquired through dimensional observation. Having observed these worlds which possessed different realities than the current one, leading researchers hypothesised a higher dimension had intervened. As a result, one scholar’s thesis spread globally. It stated that the characteristics of the singularity created by the shift implied some sort of sentience behind the interference.

Afterwards, the people of Gamindustri likened the phenomenon to differing endings of a video game based on the person behind the controller. They deified this supposed person, granting names such as “The Player” or “The Guiding Hand.” There were even some people who thanked “The Player” when catastrophic events were resolved seemingly by chance.

Meanwhile, Croire and Neptune, using their ability to travel between dimensions, get caught up in a large incident.

It is because of this that they stumbled into the VR Dimension, where for the first time in history, they are able to contact this person, “The Player,” directly…

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR image Developed by Compile Heart, Megadimension Neptunia VIIR launched in Japan earlier this year complete with a ‘limited edition’ option, including a specially illustrated box, scrapbook, stickers, pouch and Tsuntsun Shichau CD. The western version of the videogame will include the original Japanese voiceover, as well as English language dubbing and subtitle options.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR will launch throughout North America and Europe in Spring 2018, exclusively for PlayStation 4. The official English language trailer follow below, and VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on Megadimension Neptunia VIIR.