Super Neptunia RPG is an unusual but intriguing entry in the long-running Neptunia franchise, and it marks one of the few times the series has been handed over to a Western developer, Artisan Studios. Unlike its more traditional mainline predecessors, this installment takes the form of a side-scrolling role-playing game with hand-drawn visuals, platforming elements, and a combat system that mixes turn-based mechanics with real-time decision-making. The shift in style alone makes it stand out, and while the game certainly carries the quirky personality and meta-humor the series is known for, its execution is uneven, leaving an impression of both fresh experimentation and missed opportunities.

The narrative follows Neptune, who, true to series tradition, begins the game suffering from amnesia in a mysterious world. As she journeys forward, she discovers a society enthralled by the dominance of two-dimensional games and guided by an oppressive regime seeking to eliminate the growth of three-dimensional titles. This tongue-in-cheek premise fits perfectly with the franchise’s meta-commentary on the gaming industry, while also providing a new backdrop for Neptune and her companions—familiar faces like Noire, Blanc, and Vert—to band together once again. The story balances humor with moments of sincerity, delivering plenty of witty banter, fourth-wall jokes, and playful self-awareness that fans of the series expect. At the same time, the amnesia trope is a safe choice that doesn’t push narrative innovation, but it provides a workable framework to reintroduce characters and slowly raise the stakes.

Where the game draws the most attention is in its presentation. The art direction is colorful and distinctive, with backgrounds and character portraits brought to life in a richly stylized 2D format. Artisan Studios worked closely with series illustrator Tsunako, ensuring that the designs retain their iconic look while benefiting from the hand-drawn approach. The environments feel painterly, often beautiful in their detail, and lend the game an identity separate from the 3D visuals of other entries. The animations, while charming, sometimes lack fluidity, but the aesthetic as a whole is one of the game’s clear highlights and a testament to the artistry behind it.

The gameplay, however, reveals a mixed bag. Combat uses a system where players can switch the party leader to change formation, with each character specializing in a particular role such as physical attacks, magic, support, or healing. Action Points are spent to use abilities, and exploiting enemy weaknesses is key to building momentum in battle. On paper, the system encourages flexibility and tactical thought, but in practice it can feel simplistic, particularly early on when skill options are limited. Fights often devolve into repetitive sequences until more abilities open up, and while the mechanics eventually grow more engaging, they never fully achieve the depth or complexity that tactical RPG veterans might hope for. Outside of combat, the game incorporates light platforming, environmental puzzles, and side-quests, though these can be hindered by imprecise controls and tasks that fall into repetitive fetch-quest territory.

Performance issues further dampen the experience. While the visuals are attractive, technical polish is inconsistent across platforms. Players have noted sluggish inputs, frame rate drops, and occasional bugs that disrupt combat or traversal. Jumping and platforming in particular can feel stiff, making exploration less enjoyable than it could be. These problems don’t render the game unplayable, but they contribute to a rough-around-the-edges quality that contrasts sharply with the care shown in the art direction and character design. For a game so focused on presentation, the lack of smooth execution can be disappointing.

Despite its flaws, Super Neptunia RPG has a charm that is difficult to dismiss. The humor and personalities of the cast carry much of the experience, and the creative decision to experiment with a different format for the series gives it a distinctive feel. Longtime fans will likely appreciate the opportunity to see beloved characters in a new light, with the hand-drawn style breathing fresh life into the franchise. However, newcomers or those looking for a polished, mechanically rich RPG may find the game too shallow and technically unrefined to fully satisfy.

In the end, Super Neptunia RPG is best approached with tempered expectations. It is neither the most polished nor the most ambitious role-playing game, but it offers a colorful and entertaining detour within the Neptunia universe. For those invested in the series’ humor, charm, and characters, it provides a fresh, if imperfect, way to spend time in its quirky world. For others, it may feel like a curiosity rather than a must-play, enjoyable in bursts but unlikely to leave a lasting mark outside its dedicated fanbase.

Rating: 7/10