Breaking off from the standard RPG formula the Hyperdimension series has followed through out it’s releases, Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed brings a new blend of action and adventure elements, but still keeping the comedic value and fourth wall breaking the series is known for. But how does Hyperdimension Neptunia U stand up to the other games in the series?

Bringing in a fresh perspective for the Neptunia series, Action Unleashed brings about a new style, rather than the turn based RPG style game play, they thrust you straight into non-stop action against hordes of enemies. Reminiscent of the Dynasty Warriors and games of that nature, minus the base capture mechanic.

With Neptunia U, you play as the CPUs and CPU sisters helping two new playable characters write articles for Gamindustry’s newsletter. The two newcomers, Dengekiko and Famitsu, are Gamindustry Jounarlists trying to write about the CPUs and CPU sisters respectively, so they follow them around in their adventures throughout Gamindustry completing quests and slaying the baddies. But something more sinister lies in the shadows.

Around halfway through the game you come across the Next-Gen Mech. The CPUs are completely wiped out, and decide to retreat to come up with a new strategy. It’s here where a new feature is introduced into the game, the Lilly Special. A new super powerful type move that does massive damage to multiple targets in an area, and is the only way to defeat the final boss. The last new feature added to Neptunia U is Costume Break, take too much damage and your costume shatters. Not only being extremely fanservicey, (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), you also take more damage when your costume is broken. But, you can however gain unbreakable, easily breakable, or already shredded costumes throughout your time playing.

While playing through Hyperdimension Neptunia U, I realized about 2 hours in I was already around 60% done with the game, while short, Neptunia U is packed with content. After the main story is finished, you can choose to complete the rest of the story quests, which are immediately available. Or, you can choose to enter the Gamindustry Gauntlet to test your skills against the other CPUs.

Or, if you’re a completionist, you can enter the Neptral Tower, a seemingly unending tower where you do your best to get to the top with each character. I found using the Neptral Tower to grind out levels for every character was the best way to hit LVL 99 for each character, and trust me, if you want to complete the story quest, you’ll need it.

Neptunia U only includes 10 playable characters. A small roster, but feasible for those who want to max out every character to get the achievements. Speaking of achievements, most of them you’ll gain naturally throughout your time playing. Others you’ll need to work for.

Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed is a fun, but repetitive game. With nonstop action, hilarious dialogue, and even some fanservice, Neptunia U is a great spin-off worthy of the Hyperdimension Neptunia title.