Aiha's Gallery of Leaves

[AihaLoveleaf]

?Hello, friends. Welcome to my first checklist thread!?

 

 

My goal with this thread is to talk about as many video games as I possibly can. I've been trophy hunting since March of 2021, and my favorite part so far has been how opening a new trophy list holds me accountable to really experience and complete the games that I've started. I love to play video games, but I love to write about them as well. I'd like to get back into giving games the longer reviews they really deserve, and I think that a forum thread is the best way to organize my writings. 

 

This checklist will primarily consist of reviews following the completion of a game. I always do DLC, so any review you read here will be from the perspective of a full completion. I may also occasionally post articles and blog entries that relate to gaming, or at least the theme of the checklist.

 

I think it's great how there is a little something for every gamer in the checklist section. I believe there's a niche that I'll be able to fill here as well. I'll do my best. 

 

?Leaf #1 - Reviews?

Platinum:

Spoiler

#01 - Final Fantasy VIII
#02 - Spyro the Dragon
#03 - Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
#04 - Split/Second
#05 - Tera
#06 - Need for Speed: Most Wanted
#07 - Resident Evil 5
#08 - BlazBlue: Continuum Shift - Review (Status Update)
#09 - Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare - Review (Status Update)
#10 - Catherine - Review (Status Update)
#11 - Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon - Review (Status Update)
#12 - Final Fantasy VII - Review (Status Update)
#13 - PlayStation Move Heroes - Review (Status Update)
#14 - Demon's Souls
#15 - The House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut
#16 - inFamous 
#17 - The Shoot
#18 - Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
#19 - Sports Champions - Review (Status Update)
#20 - Rocksmith - Review (Status Update)
#21 - Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus - Review (Status Update)
#22 - AVICII Invector - Review (Status Update)
#23 - Nexomon - Review (Status Update)
#24 - Horizon Chase Turbo - Review (Status Update)
#25 - 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Review (Status Update)
#26 - Dead or Alive Xtreme 3: Fortune - Review (Status Update)
#27 - Senran Kagura Bon Appetit! (Hanzo x Crimson Squad) - Review (Status Update)
#28 - Mighty Switch Force! Collection - Review (Status Update)
#29 - Jump Force - Review (Status Update)
#30 - Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F - Review (Status Update)
#31 - IA/VT Colorful - Review (Status Update)
#32 - Hyperdimension Neptunia - Review (Status Update)
#33 - BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger - Review (Status Update)

#34 - Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 - Review

#35 - DragonFangZ - Review

#36 - Dead or School - Review

#37 - Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory - Review

#38 - Senran Kagura Estival Versus - Review

#39 - Titanfall 2 - Review

#40 - Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd - Review

#41 - Love Live! School Idol Paradise Vol.1 Printemps - Review

#42 - Love Live! School Idol Paradise Vol.2 BiBi - Review

#43 - Love Live! School Idol Paradise Vol.3 lily white - Review

#44 - Onrush - Review

#45 - Babylon's Fall - Review

#46 - Hyperdimension Neptunia PP - Review

#47 - Hotshot Racing - Review

#48 - Touhou Genso Rondo - Review

#49 - Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash - Review

#50 - Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 - Review

#51 - Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age - Review

#52 - Caladrius Blaze - Review

#53 - Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2 - Review

#54 - Bakumatsu Rock: Ultra Soul - Review

 

100%:

Spoiler

#01 - Sonic The Hedgehog 2
#02 - Daytona USA
#03 - Pac-Man Championship Edition DX
#04 - Streets Of Rage 2
#05 - Sonic Adventure
#06 - Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone
#07 - Super Hang-On - Review (Status Update)
#08 - Fighting Vipers - Review (Status Update)
#09 - Gunstar Heroes - Review (Status Update)
#10 - Sonic The Hedgehog - Review (Status Update)
#11 - The Revenge of Shinobi - Review (Status Update)
#12 - Sonic Adventure 2 - Review (Status Update)

#13 - Altered Beast - Review

#14 - Golden Axe - Review

#15 - Comix Zone - Review

#16 - Alex Kidd in Miracle World - Review

 

Edited April 3, 2023 by AihaLoveleaf
Added Bakumatsu Rock: Ultra Soul

[AihaLoveleaf]

?Leaf #2 - Blogs/Articles?

 

Project Diva F/F2nd Journey to Perfect Every Chart! — Update 1, Update 2

DJ Hero: Turntable Perfection

Edited April 3, 2023 by AihaLoveleaf

[FreshFromThaDeli]

Insta follow from me. Congrats on making your own trophy checklist!

[Yuber6969]

I've always enjoyed reading your reviews on the status updates, so I'm looking forward to this! I'm ready for the novels.

[Destructor-8]

This is gonna be an awesome checklist to follow as you have a nice mixture of games to write about. I made sure to follow you also as I realised that I didn't before so it will be great to see every write up that you do from now on. It's really cool that you have a checklist now.

[Copanele]

Ohhh boy you're officially in the checklist business too ?

It was about time, can't wait to read all the good content that will be posted here! 

[DrBloodmoney]

 

Have a follow ?

[AihaLoveleaf]

9 hours ago, FreshFromThaDeli said:

Insta follow from me. Congrats on making your own trophy checklist!

Thanks Deli! It's been a long time coming, but I'm feeling good about it. ?

 

8 hours ago, Yuber6969 said:

I've always enjoyed reading your reviews on the status updates, so I'm looking forward to this! I'm ready for the novels.

Thanks a bunch, man! I'm ready for the novels, too! Haha. It's nice to have a space where you can go all out.

 

7 hours ago, Destructor-8 said:

This is gonna be an awesome checklist to follow as you have a nice mixture of games to write about. I made sure to follow you also as I realised that I didn't before so it will be great to see every write up that you do from now on. It's really cool that you have a checklist now.

Appreciate it, Destructor! I'd eventually like to have at least played one of every kind of game out there, so I'll make sure to keep up the variety. ?

 

6 hours ago, Copanele said:

Ohhh boy you're officially in the checklist business too

It was about time, can't wait to read all the good content that will be posted here! 

Thank you for the warm welcome, Copinator. ? There will be some posts in the future that you might get a kick out of. The time is approaching.

 

4 hours ago, DrBloodmoney said:

 

Have a follow 

Thank you! Happy to have a welcome from the Good Doctor himself. I'll try not to burn the clubhouse down, even though it's already looking pretty hot back there. ?

[LancashireLad87]

Will definitely be watching this space, I should go back to my own checklist but cba  

[AihaLoveleaf]

37 minutes ago, LancashireLad87 said:

Will definitely be watching this space, I should go back to my own checklist but cba  

Thank you Lancashire! ? I don't think I've seen a checklist here that hasn't taken a break every now and then, so you're perfectly normal. Definitely get back in there when you're ready, though! I'll be there to join in the festivities. ?

[PlutoRico]

I've always enjoyed reading your monthly reviews on the status updates so a checklist seemed like the next logical step for you. I'm looking forward to the longer format of your upcoming write ups ?

 

Also, since you started trophy hunting pretty recently, have you ever thought about creating a new profile when you got in the hobby? Why choosing this account in which you have 26 unobtainable trophies instead of starting fresh on a new one? It's a question I've always wanted to ask you but never came around to do it ?

 

Anyway, good luck my friend ?

Edited June 17, 2022 by PlutoRico

[CelestialRequiem]

And here I thought Cormac McCarthy literature was the only thing I could get excited for.

[Sgznf]

Looking awesome! 

Another checklist i'm definitely following.

[AihaLoveleaf]

11 minutes ago, PlutoRico said:

I've always enjoyed reading your monthly reviews on the status updates so a checklist seemed like the next logical step for you. I'm looking forward to the longer format of your upcoming write ups 

Thanks Pluto! I kept telling myself "Nah, I'll do that checklist next month", and pushing it off into the abyss of my mind. Glad I finally stopped procrastinating on the idea after months of squirming. ?

 

17 minutes ago, PlutoRico said:

Also, since you started trophy hunting pretty recently, have you ever thought about creating a new profile when you got in the hobby? Why choosing this account in which you have 26 unobtainable trophies instead of starting fresh on a new one? It's a question I've always wanted to ask you but never came around to do it 

Haha, better time than any to address the topic. I did ponder the idea of a fresh account early on, but I think actually doing it would have sucked out whatever gas I had in the tank for the hobby. I don't like those unobtainables, but I do like my account. If the means to earn those trophies or remove the games ever comes around, I'll definitely partake, but for now I am just living with it. I do love to see all those 100% profiles out there, though, and give my encouragement to anybody that's gone all the way for total completion.

 

12 minutes ago, CelestialRequiem said:

And here I thought Cormac McCarthy literature was the only thing I could get excited for.

"Any trophies that don't take years of your life and drive you to suicide hardly seem worth earning." -Cormac McCarthy or something

 

7 minutes ago, Kruznf said:

Looking awesome! 

Another checklist i'm definitely following.

Thank you Kruznf! Glad to have you here. ?

[AihaLoveleaf]

Platinum #34 - Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 (19.42%) 
Completion Time: 1 week, 4 days

 

 

May of this year brought me my first true experience with the Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise. Of course, I've known about the series for a little over a decade now - going as far as to purchase the collector's editions of the first two games, with the idea that a younger, but still degenerate, Aiha would blissfully indulge in the games and become one of its biggest fans. Unfortunately, both games got backlogged, and Neptune never got her chance to conquer my heart with her neppy pep, and moé charms. 

 

It's fortunate, then, that when I finally broke down the walls of procrastination last month with the first game in the series: Hyperdimension Neptunia (which I may also refer to as HDN), I found an experience that meshed perfectly with me, despite its glaring flaws. Story and character interactions carried the game nearly singlehandedly - the crowning achievement being in its leading trio: Neptune, Compa and IF. These girls have dynamite chemistry with each other, and make up for each other's flaws perfectly with their nearly opposite personalities. Other touches, like the well-written cast of optional characters (I'm looking at you, RED!) and 5pb's radio broadcasts of thankful messages to the player as they clear each dungeon, served as cherries on top to a unique feel-good experience that I couldn't wait for more of as I entered into the next chapter of the series, mk2.

 

Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 (pronounced: mark two), released in 2012 in North America and Europe, is a JRPG, developed by Idea Factory and Compile Heart, and is the sequel to the first game in the series: Hyperdimension Neptunia. Like the title before it, battles are turn-based. Characters have free movement to position themselves to use combos and special attacks at the cost of AP and SP. Story is presented for the most part in visual novel format, with the occasional cutscene. 

 

mk2 has a few noteworthy differences from the first game - well, more like several differences, but to start with the most noticeable, the Console "War" of the last game has become more of a Console Rivalry, with nations less at odds with each other than before. Additionally, the nations representing the Four Goddesses have been brought together on a unified world map, unlike the floating islands of before. The most important change, though, is the addition of new heroines. The Goddesses now have little sisters, referred to as the CPU Candidates.

 

The new leading cast of mk2 - the CPU candidates - from left to right: Ram, Nepgear, Uni, and Rom 

 

For the budding Neptunia fan still willing to enter the series through the original PS3 entries, rather than the updated Vita remakes, mk2 is often the recommended starting point. On top of numerous improvements, which I'll get to shortly, the storyline starts fresh, meaning that there is no meaningful continuity between the first game and the second. 

 

As somebody who greatly enjoyed the first game in the series, though, it was exactly the break in continuity that had me initially struggling to come to terms with the new experience. By the end of the first Hyperdimension Neptunia, I was invested in the characters and universe that I had grown to fall in love with over the course of my playthrough. It's a jarring transition to go from the previously-mentioned "Compiffytune" trio of the first game, to the Nepgear/Compa/IF trio of mk2, especially considering Nepgear is the complete opposite of her older sister, Neptune. The lack of callbacks to the previous adventure, as if it never happened, is saddening, as your party expands to bring in familiar characters from the first game. Luckily for me, I eventually learned to cope with the new continuity, especially once I realized how much a waifu Nepgear is, which we'll also get to shortly. 

 

Now, how about some of those gameplay improvements? If you're coming to mk2 after HDN, there are plenty of changes to note. For one, 3D graphics have been added into story and cutscenes. Though I do prefer the vibrant, expressive, and jiggly 2D models of HDN, the 3D models in mk2 allow for fuller range of both motion and emotion in ways that  more static 2D images cannot. Speaking of 3D graphics; dungeons are vastly improved, with far more color and detail than before. Though assets are still largely reused between dungeons, mk2 at least manages to not look like a PS2 game, which I can appreciate. Additionally, the "Share" system governing character stats and ending routes, has been made easier to manipulate than before, making your grind a little less tedious in that regard. Shares have also been given more relevance in the plot this time around, making it feel more like an important mechanic, and less of a useless obstacle between you and your goals. Lastly, HDN players will be happy to know that you can now use items at will, meaning you can heal when you want, rather than when the game decides that you're ready!

 

 

So, let's talk about the new characters, too. After all, the moé girls on the cover art will be one of the more compelling aspects to hook players into mk2, and the series in general. 

 

Nepgear, CPU Candidate and younger sister of Planeptune's goddess, Neptune, is the most important of the new cast. She's the main character of mk2, filling a major role previously occupied by her older sister, so it's critical that they get her right. You'll be pleased to know that Nepgear is a total waifu. Voiced by Yui Horie (the actor that gave life to one of my earliest 2D crushes), Nepgear is sweet, responsible, reserved, and far more thoughtful of social boundaries than the peppy and aloof Neptune. It took some time to warm up to her, as her chemistry with Compa and IF is completely different, but once she clicked, she really clicked, and now I have a fever for more Nepgear.

 

Before I forget, I should also mention that the new CPU Candidates are modeled after gaming handhelds, rather than the consoles that their older sisters represent. Nepgear is representative of Sega's handhelds, and it's likely her name comes from the Game Gear. Beam Sabers are her weapon of choice, which I have a feeling is inspired by Phantasy Star Online, a series developed by Sega.

 

Nepgear in action  

 

How about the other three Candidates? They're great too. Uni, Lastation's CPU Candidate and younger sister of the Goddess Noire, is modeled after Sony's handhelds. Guns make up Uni's weaponry - possibly a nod to Sony's first-party action titles of the time. Like her big sister, Noire, Uni is a twin-tailed tsundere. Tsunderes have potential to be exhausting character types when done to their worst, but I like how Uni's character was handled in mk2. Though Uni doesn't easily open up to Nepgear - often resorting to sassy quips over showing her true feelings - she never lets the character trope go too far, and will pull back if Nepgear's feelings are being hurt. This aspect makes for adorable interactions between the two, and certainly pleases me, as a great enjoyer of cute girls doing cute things™. 

 

Uni and Nepgear having a chat 

 

The remaining two Candidates, Rom and Ram, come as a package deal, and are the younger twin sisters of Lowee's goddess, Blanc. The noticeably loli twins are inspired by Nintendo's DS handhelds, hence the inclusion of two representative characters. The two make use of Wands and Pens, a nod to Wiimotes and the DS Stylus. The most interesting aspect of the twins is how they are basically the division of Blanc's two personalities. Rom is shy and reserved, often keeping her replies short and whispered. Ram, on the other hand, is the complete opposite, being far more energetic and prone to outbursts like her big sister Blanc. Between the two, I like Rom the most, as it's pretty cute how she takes a liking to Nepgear and treats her like an older sister, after her introduction to the cast.

 

Rom getting friendly with "big sis" Nepgear 

 

The inclusion of DLC characters is both a fortunate and unfortunate staple of the series. Obviously, paying extra for characters that probably should have been playable to start with is not fun at all. You do get your money's worth, though. On top of being well-written characters with hilarious story scenarios, the optional cast tends to have at least one OP character (in this case, Cave), a tradition that holds true in mk2. Falcom and Cave are introduced to the series in mk2, and are moé girl representations of the companies they're named after. While both are great personalities, Cave takes the crown of best DLC character this time around. Besides successfully activating the neurons, Cave's gaming prowess, shaped by her bullet-hell origins and experience, makes for some great story events. I would usually say that I hope I'm not seeing the last of Cave and Falcom, but experience is telling me that I may not be seeing them again for a while. My fingers are crossed for their quick return!

 

Cave sure fires up the lizard brain 

 

Neptunia mk2's story has our heroine, Nepgear, coming out of what we'll simply refer to as a three-year slumber, to save the world of Gamindustri. A criminal organization known as the ASIC (short for Arfoire Syndicate of International Crime) is working to revive the evil goddess known as the Deity of Sin. By the time Nepgear shows up, most of the world has already succumbed to vice - from emulators, to flash carts, and save wizards - offered by the ASIC in order to curry the faith needed by the common people to speed up the revival of the game's primary villain. Nepgear's job is to tour the world's nations, regaining the Shares (units representing the people's faith in a goddess) lost to the ASIC, as well as recruiting the aid of the remaining CPU Candidates to save the world from complete chaos. 

 

Like the game before it, mk2's storyline is enjoyable. It's not the finest plot in the genre, but it doesn't need to be. Neptunia's real magic is in its character interactions. The expanded cast of mk2 gives opportunity for several great pairings and chemistries between the girls. As with other great games of this type, mk2 does great work making you feel a range of emotions as you advance the plot. 

 

The Chirper - a play on Twitter - where you can witness mk2's most comedic moments, and obtain some affection points to show for it 

 

Game and trophy difficulty are not terribly high in mk2. As with most JRPGs, a little overleveling goes a long way. Additionally, there is plenty of DLC - both paid and free - to make the journey even cozier. mk2 can be about as easy or tough as you let it. Your primary goals are to see every ending at least once, and defeat an optional superboss. Said superboss only appears in NG+ by the way, so you'll have to run at least one NG+ cycle in order to obtain the Platinum. Don't let that scare you off, though. The game has a text-skip function that burns through entire scenes with a single-button, making it easy to run through the game again after you've already consumed the story to your liking. The endings can be save-scummed too, if you choose to do so.

 

A scene crammed with references. In case you missed it; it's Brain Age, Tetris, and Tokimeki Memorial, as enemies in a random encounter!

 

If you like moé girls, anime tropes, JRPG tropes, and turn-based combat, then this is possibly going to be your second (or third) best starting point for the franchise. Neptunia mk2 has a remake on the Vita (Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation) with improvements that may edge out the PS3 version, but I haven't played it yet. If you're going to play the PS3 Neptunia games at all, I do personally feel starting with the first game helps you appreciate mk2 that much more, despite the games sharing no continuity with each other. The first game burns more players than it charms however, so take that recommendation with a grain of salt. Regardless of your situation, if this kind of game is your thing, then Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 is worth playing. Open your heart, and give these waifus a chance.

 

[Copanele]

My god... So actually Hyper Dimension Neptunia is about moe console girls ?

I swear, I saw you talking about these games but never have I thought to make any connections besides the lizard brain bullet hell gif that you shared

 

That was one bountiful review! 

[CelestialRequiem]

Finally, Cave is getting the representation that it deserves. 

[Sora9427]

I noticed your nice posts on the Last Trophy ontained thread at times but never saw your reviews being in Status which i often miss and Wow, Those are some Awesome well written Reviews with a lot of images and gifs from your experience too, a relaly great work, I'm surely gonna follow your Checklist and Congrats for the Plat of HN Mk 2  

[AihaLoveleaf]

15 hours ago, Copanele said:

My god... So actually Hyper Dimension Neptunia is about moe console girls

I swear, I saw you talking about these games but never have I thought to make any connections besides the lizard brain bullet hell gif that you shared

 

That was one bountiful review! 

Yep! The heroes are consoles, the villains are CFW, and piracy/cheating is the threat. A game series for the CRT, if there ever was one. 

 

15 hours ago, CelestialRequiem said:

Finally, Cave is getting the representation that it deserves. 

It's about time. My near-zero shmup knowledge went up a little, thanks to Cave. One thing I learned is that a Black Label game is a type of shmup that has been tweaked or upgraded from its original.

Cave's alternate outfits are themed around... Cave games, and are also pretty amazing.

 

12 hours ago, Sora9427 said:

I noticed your nice posts on the Last Trophy ontained thread at times but never saw your reviews being in Status which i often miss and Wow, Those are some Awesome well written Reviews with a lot of images and gifs from your experience too, a relaly great work, I'm surely gonna follow your Checklist and Congrats for the Plat of HN Mk 2  

Thanks Sora! It's been a long time since I've posted in one of those threads, but I'm happy that you noticed the few posts I contributed at least. ? I see you're into some of the weebier stuff as well, and playing a lot of games I haven't gotten to yet. I'll make sure to check out what you're up to, and see if anything makes my shopping list! 

[Sora9427]

33 minutes ago, AihaLoveleaf said:

Thanks Sora! It's been a long time since I've posted in one of those threads, but I'm happy that you noticed the few posts I contributed at least.  I see you're into some of the weebier stuff as well, and playing a lot of games I haven't gotten to yet. I'll make sure to check out what you're up to, and see if anything makes my shopping list! 

 

I mean after all JRPG are my favourite genre  And i appreciate Chloe Too  

Well if you need any opinion on some games i played feel free to ask, always happy to Share! You too have played some games i either should get around to finish like SK or Actually Play (Like Hn Mk2 well the Vita Version for me)!

[Yuber6969]

Congrats on the plat! The game sounds a lot better than the first one, but I'm gonna stick with the Vita remakes anyway. Not a fan of the loli cast though, and I'm not pleased that Vert and her huge tiddies personality are not in the game.

[Honor_Hand]

Nice to see the highly-esteemed Mr. Aiha swing by here with a checklist of his own. I am not much into the checklist business myself (what with having abandoned mine a really long time ago...) but I really appreciate reading what my friends are doing in gaming. Especially when their write-ups are very thoughtful summaries about their experiences with games we share a common interest about. All of that said, I'm sure you'll see me reading and checking up on your progress over here as well. =)

 

One thing I wanted to say is... Damn, I really like the way how you've organized things so far on the main post. It's neat, easy to read, and all of your stuff is properly linked. Naisu! 

Also, an exceptionally well-written recount of your experience with Neptunia mk2. Congrats on the platinum! ^^ I also got mk2 a really, really long time ago thinking, much in the same way as you, that it would appeal to me weeby self. Unfortunately, years have passed since this acquisition and the game still continues to sit idle on my shelves due to my continuous procrastination. ^__^;; Your review here really gave me a good sight of what I should expect with the game. And man, am I glad to hear that there's no continuity whatsoever with the first HDN. I don't own the first game (yet) but I have played its remake, so I guess either continuing with mk2 or Rebirth 2 should be fine for me.

 

I am more interested in perhaps continuing with mk2 myself next more for two reasons. One, to clear this item from my backlog already; and two, I enjoy playing on a home console on a big TV more than playing on a small handheld. Need to watch them girls big on my screen, you know what I mean? xxD

 

Quote

as a great enjoyer of cute girls doing cute things. 

We're all great enjoyers of this. x3

 

Quote

Mm-hmm, and I am also a great enjoyer of this. Talk about well-spent DLC, yes sir. That's one cute pantsu~~

[AihaLoveleaf]

23 hours ago, Sora9427 said:

 

I mean after all JRPG are my favourite genre  And i appreciate Chloe Too  

Well if you need any opinion on some games i played feel free to ask, always happy to Share! You too have played some games i either should get around to finish like SK or Actually Play (Like Hn Mk2 well the Vita Version for me)!

Some fine tastes you have there! Out of all the cute, unwashed orcas on YouTube, Chloe is the best of the cute, unwashed orcas. ?

 

19 hours ago, Yuber6969 said:

Congrats on the plat! The game sounds a lot better than the first one, but I'm gonna stick with the Vita remakes anyway. Not a fan of the loli cast though, and I'm not pleased that Vert and her huge tiddies personality are not in the game.

Thanks Yuber! Don't get too disappointed yet, though. Still plenty of melons to find in the produce section. One of my favorite characters that didn't make it to mk2, is in Re;Birth 2, and has a pretty nice rack, so you'll find what you're looking for. ?

 

18 hours ago, Honor_Hand said:

Nice to see the highly-esteemed Mr. Aiha swing by here with a checklist of his own. I am not much into the checklist business myself (what with having abandoned mine a really long time ago...) but I really appreciate reading what my friends are doing in gaming. Especially when their write-ups are very thoughtful summaries about their experiences with games we share a common interest about. All of that said, I'm sure you'll see me reading and checking up on your progress over here as well. =)

Thanks Honor! I'm glad you ended up catching this thread going live. I know you're pretty busy nowadays, so I'll make sure to do enough checklisting for the both of us. ?

 

18 hours ago, Honor_Hand said:

One thing I wanted to say is... Damn, I really like the way how you've organized things so far on the main post. It's neat, easy to read, and all of your stuff is properly linked. Naisu!

Thanks for that! I was concerned it might have been a little too simple, considering the more elaborate setups I've seen in other threads here, but I'm happy to hear it worked out. ?

 

18 hours ago, Honor_Hand said:

Also, an exceptionally well-written recount of your experience with Neptunia mk2. Congrats on the platinum! ^^ I also got mk2 a really, really long time ago thinking, much in the same way as you, that it would appeal to me weeby self. Unfortunately, years have passed since this acquisition and the game still continues to sit idle on my shelves due to my continuous procrastination. ^__^;; Your review here really gave me a good sight of what I should expect with the game. And man, am I glad to hear that there's no continuity whatsoever with the first HDN. I don't own the first game (yet) but I have played its remake, so I guess either continuing with mk2 or Rebirth 2 should be fine for me.

The lack of continuity may come as a bit of a blessing if you're trying not to add a lot of new games to the library. ? HDN isn't ridiculously expensive nowadays, but it's not exactly trivial either, so it's understandable for those that want to catch a break. I heard there was a digital version that got delisted a while ago, which is a shame. Would have been the cheapest way to play the game by far.

 

19 hours ago, Honor_Hand said:

I am more interested in perhaps continuing with mk2 myself next more for two reasons. One, to clear this item from my backlog already; and two, I enjoy playing on a home console on a big TV more than playing on a small handheld. Need to watch them girls big on my screen, you know what I mean? xxD

I can relate to this, lol. Estival Versus is the next Senran Kagura on the list for me, and I'm aiming to be able to play it on the PS4 over the Vita. After two games in the series on the Vita, it's about time to see the ladies on the big screen with a higher framerate! Speaking of framerate, mk2 does unfortunately get a bit chunky at times in dungeons, though not nearly as much as HDN. You're more than used to a little bit of jank by now, though, so don't let that stop you. 

 

19 hours ago, Honor_Hand said:

We're all great enjoyers of this. x3

Mm-hmm, and I am also a great enjoyer of this. Talk about well-spent DLC, yes sir. That's one cute pantsu~~

Looks like I'm in good company here. ?

 

mk2 gives you a lot of cute accessories to dress up your best girls with. Glasses, maid outfits, cat ears - it's all there and more. Have fun multiplying that moé factor!

[Sora9427]

2 hours ago, AihaLoveleaf said:

Some fine tastes you have there! Out of all the cute, unwashed orcas on YouTube, Chloe is the best of the cute, unwashed orcas. 

 

I thinks she is the only Unwashed one  It's both funny and Sad this is her Particular trait i guess it's original  

[Cave Johnson]

I always enjoy reading your detailed monthly updates, and there are a few I meant to respond to before time slipped away from me. Now that you have a checklist it'll be easier for me to show up a few weeks late, lol. Anyway, going back to the original HDN is rough after playing just about any other main game in the series, so perhaps it's for the best that you played that first. I started with Re;Birth 1, so I'm not sure how I would've felt about it had I started with it. mk2 is quite an improvement over the original, and Victory refines the formula even further (as you'll find out later). 

 

On 6/17/2022 at 10:51 AM, AihaLoveleaf said:

Voiced by Yui Horie (the actor that gave life to one of my earliest 2D crushes), Nepgear is sweet, responsible, reserved, and far more thoughtful of social boundaries than the peppy and aloof Neptune.

 

Glad to hear that you liked Nepgear, as many didn't seem to like her as the main character (to the point where these complaints are the subject of some jokes in Victory). I also like that you mentioned Yui Horie; I couldn't imagine disliking any character that is blessed by her angelic voice. 

 

On 6/17/2022 at 10:51 AM, AihaLoveleaf said:

This aspect makes for adorable interactions between the two, and certainly pleases me, as a great enjoyer of cute girls doing cute things. 

 

Nice, I'm aiming to be a scholar in that subject myself. 

 

On 6/17/2022 at 10:51 AM, AihaLoveleaf said:

I would usually say that I hope I'm not seeing the last of Cave and Falcom, but experience is telling me that I may not be seeing them again for a while. My fingers are crossed for their quick return!

 

This series does have a problem somewhat with sometimes bringing back characters, sometimes not. I've played most of the games in this series, and I couldn't possibly remember what characters are included or left out of each game. I vaguely remember Cave and Falcom being in either Re;Birth 1, 2, 3 or perhaps all of them. To make matters more confusing, there is one game where there are two separate characters named Falcom (one for each of their most popular game series). It's surprising to me that there hasn't been a fighting game spin-off yet, as the potential character roster would be insane. 

 

On 6/17/2022 at 10:51 AM, AihaLoveleaf said:

Like the game before it, mk2's storyline is enjoyable. It's not the finest plot in the genre, but it doesn't need to be. Neptunia's real magic is in its character interactions. The expanded cast of mk2 gives opportunity for several great pairings and chemistries between the girls. As with other great games of this type, mk2 does great work making you feel a range of emotions as you advance the plot. 

 

That's very close to how I feel about these games. If one were to critically analyze everything in them, it's easy to find flaws such as the recycled dungeons and lack of towns that aren't just a menu screen. Some may not be able to overlook these flaws, but for me, the pros outweigh the cons by far. Anyway, I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts on Victory when you get to it. It introduces a certain sleepy sadistic maniac, who happens to be my favorite character in the series.  

 

Edited June 24, 2022 by Cave Johnson
I forgot the word "are", and apparently my mind automatically added it in when I proofread my post.