The Neptunia series has always been known for its quirky characters, humor, and penchant for blending unusual concepts with familiar gameplay mechanics. With Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos, Idea Factory International steers the franchise into brand new territory by combining motorcycle racing, combat, and Dogoo-collecting madness. While the premise is undeniably unique, the execution leaves room for improvement.
The story surprisingly takes a backseat this time, serving more as a backdrop to the gameplay. Uzume Tennouboshi, one of the franchise’s fan-favorite goddesses, finds herself trapped in a bizarre dimension overrun by countless variations of Dogoos. Her mission? To ride across this strange world, collect Dogoos, and snap her friends out of their odd obsession with these gooey creatures. The narrative is lighthearted and self-aware, filled with the usual humor that fans of the series will recognize, but it lacks the depth or charm seen in earlier entries.
Gameplay is where Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos attempts to differentiate itself. Players traverse 15 stages on customizable bikes, battling Dogoos and rival riders while collecting as many of these creatures as possible. The combat system blends melee and ranged attacks, with each character showcasing distinct strengths. This variety can be engaging, but the mechanics feel undercooked at times. Close-quarters combat, in particular, can be clunky, and the difficulty spikes in certain stages feel frustrating rather than rewarding.
The inclusion of bike customization adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to tweak their ride for better speed, acceleration, and handling. However, these upgrades sometimes feel superficial, with only marginal impact on gameplay. The stunt system, while fun in concept, doesn’t contribute much to the overall experience beyond aesthetics. Still, the sheer novelty of decking out a motorcycle in a Neptunia game is entertaining in its own right.
Visually, the game’s colorful and vibrant aesthetic aligns well with the series’ trademark style, but the environments feel repetitive after a few stages. While the Dogoos themselves are adorably designed, the limited variety in enemy behaviors and attacks can make encounters feel monotonous. On the audio front, the soundtrack is energetic and fits the game’s playful tone, but it’s not particularly memorable. The voice acting, however, is solid, with Uzume’s personality shining through as a highlight.
Controls are another mixed bag. While basic navigation and combat are easy to grasp, the bike physics can feel inconsistent, particularly when executing sharp turns or navigating tight spaces. This inconsistency detracts from the overall enjoyment, as it’s hard to maintain a sense of flow during high-speed sections.
Despite its flaws, Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos offers a unique twist on the Neptunia formula. Fans of the series may find joy in the humor, characters, and sheer absurdity of the premise. However, for newcomers or those looking for a polished racing or combat experience, the game’s shortcomings in mechanics and design may be hard to overlook. It’s a bold experiment for the franchise, but one that ultimately feels more like a curious detour than a destination worth revisiting.
Score: 6.3/10
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