Compile Heart have released a new trailer for Hyperdimension Neptunia action RPG, Neptunia Virtual Stars.
Known as VVVtunia in Japan, the official Japanese website (Translation: Google Translate) describes it as an action RPG, where V-Tubers appear. The Hyperdimension Neptunia series is based in the world of Gamindustri and its four goddesses- or CPUs (Console Patron Unit).
In Neptunia Virtual Stars however; Neptune, Noire, Vert, and Blanc are all hurled into the digital world of Virtualand. There they meet newbie virtual idols of the Mewtral group; Mii and Yu, along with the cyber goddess Fair.
Their planet of EMO is being attacked by invaders from planet Owandal, the Anti. They seek the “content” energy of the planet, produced by the virtual YouTubers of Earth (here dubbed Vtubers), and have captured them.
Destruction in the virtual world causes network disruption in Gamindustri. The CPUs and virtual idols team-up to save this new world. Each have their own skills.
While players can switch between melee and ranger, the gameplay seems to focus on restoring your MP for skills, making your foes vulnerable, and musical elements. Dodging just before an attack hits can give you infinite MP for a short time, and CPUs can use a “Heart Tune” to grant regenerating HP and MP.
Pummeling foes will raise their “TKMK Tokimeki Flash” gauge. When full, they “purified” and knocked down (interrupting poweful attacks) and take extra damage. Should a skill defeat an emeny, it will cause them to be in an “overflow” state. They can then be defeated with a “Todome Execute” to restore some HP and all MP.
It appears the player will also be able to enter into rhythm mini-game (BeatTik), where the CPUs can enter their Next Form (a super form from prior games) to unleash a “Duet Skill.” Boss battles also have special background music. Certain points of the music will grant benefits to the enemy, player, or boost their stats.
Filling the “Sound Meter” causes “Resonance Mode,” which turns the battle in your favor. By meeting conditions during this time, a powerful “Finish Drive” can be unleashed.
As aforementioned, the game features cameos from many virtual YouTubers. These includes characters from Hololive, ReVdol!, Electronic Fairy Project, Game Department Project, Aogiri High School, Horror Academia, WACTOR, Inside, Asano Sisters Project, those not assigned to an “agency,” contest winners, and more.
The VTubers have been captured by “V-Hunters”, and must be saved. Once they are, players can use “Guest Connect” to use their special abilities. Players can also collect cards of the VTubers to raise stats, and upgrade the “Neotube Square” with more facilities to use.
You can find the latest trailer below, along with a slightly older trailer where Neptunia gives a rundown on the game as a virtual YouTuber. Both trailers feature gameplay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAi5ugKTm1Y
You can find the full rundown (via Idea Factory International) below.
Story
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?
Key Features
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!
Neptunia Virtual Stars launches August 6th in Japan, and in 2021 for North America and Europe, for PlayStation 4.
Image: Twitter
