As the main Hyperdimension Neptuina series continues to grow, there have been several spin offs and Re;Births of the original series that new and old fans can enjoy. One of those spin offs take one of the series favorite CPUs’ (and my personal favorite), Noire, and give her own game: Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart. Will Hyperdevotion Noire be any different from the Hyperdimension Neptunia series or will Noire fall victim to clone-itis?
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Extended story starring Noire– Hyperdevotion Noire is a spin off of the main Hyperdimension Nepnuinta series of games starring Lady Black Heart aka Noire. In Hyperdevotion the story takes place in a similar world to Gamindutri called Gamaket and the CPU goddesses are still battling each other. Neptunia, Vert and Blanc the decided to team up and take on Noire, as it seems that she is winning the battle. Noire laughs in defiance and faces them head on winning the battle. After the battle she is wondering how can she win the Console Wars without fighting, a mysterious person (its Arfoire) tells her of a way that can end the war without fighting. Noire follows her and starts to make her wish for all the fighting to stop and unit all of Gamarket. But something goes wrong and all of energy that is the source of all of the CPU powers has been cut off. So its up to Noire, her friends and her generals to find out what happened and save Gamarket.
Semi new world to explore- Hyperdevotion Noire is a spin off game that takes place in a similar world to Gamindustri called Gamarket. Though Gamarket looks like Gamindustri, there are several new areas that Noire and friends will be able to explore that were not in the main Hyperdimension series of games.
Even more character references- One of the things that I love about the Hyperdimension series is how they different gaming companies and turn them into cute chibi parody versions of said companies. Hyperdevotion Noire does the same thing but instead of parodying companies, the game parodies well known characters from various video games. Some of the games that has parodied characters are Metal Gear Solid, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter, Ms. Pac Man, Dragon Quest and many more.
New gameplay mechanics- The gameplay mechanics for Hyperdevotion Noire are much different from the Hyperdimension Neptunia series.Instead of using action turn base system, Hyperdevotion Noire uses a strategy/tactical turn based based map grid system. Think of it akin to the Disgaea games. Positioning in this game does make a difference in Hyperdevotion Noire unlike in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series of games where no matter what side of the enemy you are facing the attack damage is the same. So by having units attack enemies from the flanks or behind would deal much more damage than attacking head on. Some maps will also have elevated areas and traps that players can use to their advantage
Improved Lily system- Lily system in Hyperdevotion Noire works similar to the Lily system in the Hyperdimension series of games but with a few differences. Instead of equipping a party member, all you have to do is stand right next to them in order to gain a boost. Players can get tactical with the Lily system by positioning units in various areas of the map so that the attacking unit can get that extra boost. Each unit can have up to four units surrounding it for four times the power plus whatever additional stat boost each individual unit has.
Personal time with Noire- Battling for the fate of Gamarket can be very tiresome for a CPU and her assistant (that’s you). So why not take some time out and get to know Noire a bit better in the Noire sim system. It’s basically a small dating sim where you get to know more about Noire, decorate her room and take requests from her subjects. After each mission its a good idea to spend some time with Noire. This can lead to strengthen her relationship with the people of Lastation, her friends and even you.
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Basically same game as Hyperdimension Neptunia- While I do like the fact that this game stars a different CPU and shows the story in her perspective, Hyperdevotion Noire is bascally a re-working of Hyperdimension Neptunia. The story is the same as Hyperdimension Neptunia, only with a few adjustments and staring Noire. The only thing that makes it different from Hyperdimension Neptunia is its gameplay and that’s about. I do unders that the all of the spin off games and Re;Births will use the same assists from the original PS3 games, I would have like to have seen maybe an original story instead of a re-telling. It’s not a deal breaker for me personally, but its something I’d wanted to point out.
After playing Re;Birth 1 & 2 on the Vita and then playing Re;Birth 1 again on the PC, Hyperdevotion Noire was a really nice chance of pace. Not only did it star my favorite CPU, the game added new characters to add to my party, improved the Liliy system and even changed up the gameplay with a different battle system. The only minor thing I didn’t like that it felt a lot like the Hyperdimension Neptunia in terms of story and world.. Still, I really enjoyed my time with Noire, even though sometimes she may not shown it, she enjoyed it too. IF you are a fan of the Hyperdimension Neptunia series and a big fan of Noire, then be sure to pick up a copy.
