My first console video game review was for the HyperDimension Neptunia game on the PlayStation 3. That’s why I’ve always had a soft spot for the Idea Factory and Compile Heart franchises. Turn-based RPGs are rarely really great, but they have fun characters and some hilarious writing while rampaging the video game industry. Over the years, spinoff games have seen the series try out different genres, the latest being an arcade-like combat race title called Neptsnia Rider vs. Daugs.
As mentioned before, the highlights of these games tend to get writing and laughter about parodying popular video games. For example, the game focuses on collecting different types of Dogoo, a parody of Dragon Quest slime. It’s all very goofy, but the characters are the villains of the series’ staple food, so they fit into the world of Gamindustria (even if this spinoff took place in an alternative dimension). As always, seeing characters (humanoid versions of all different video game consoles) is a high point of experience, but the game is too short for something memorable or something so interesting.
Gameplay is where Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos unfortunately fall apart. Riding your bike at a less interesting stage, collecting Dawgs as you do, and sometimes firing attacks at enemies. Rinse, repeat with 16 stages, and the game ends. The problem is that you don’t find the race particularly great. Even if it’s fun to drift through the corners, there’s little depth to the overall experience. It’s just a bit of experience, as you can enjoy it in the tutorial as much as doing the rest of the game.
In fact, it only takes about two hours to finish the game. There are some additional challenges to add renewability – without AI partners, they will be stepped down in stages under designated times, but there is no real draw as to why you want to do them, unless you go to Platinum. At least unlocks some cosmetics, which is good to look at, but this is short and not a very satisfying experience.
Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos Review: Final Verdict
HyperDimension Neptunia spinoff game is very fun as it offers an idea factory and edits the opportunity to try something new with your beloved characters in your mind. Sadly, Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos is stuck in neutral and cannot move to high gear. Gameplay is not fascinating and you’ll feel it repeatedly even in short runtimes. A rare, complete mistake for the Goddess of Gamindustri. Because even their charms can’t make this a valuable experience.
Score: 5/10
As Comingsoon’s review policy explains, a score of 5 corresponds to “mediocre.” Positives and negatives are denied by each other and they are washing them.
Disclosure: The publisher provided digital PS5 copies to the Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos review. Reviewed with version 1.000.000.
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