Ready or not, prepare to Nep: A new Hyperdimension Neptunia game is coming in the form of Neptunia Virtual Stars, a rhythm-based, Vtuber-themed entry to the franchise due for release in March 2021. Specifically, it will show up on PS4s on March 2, 2021 in North America and March 5, 2021 in Europe and on PCs on March 29, 2021.
Developed by the prime Nep-wranglers at Idea Factory and Compile Heart, Neptunia Virtual Stars is known as VVVTunia in Japan. The game sees Gameindustri goddesses Neptune, Noire, Vert and Blanc transported to Virtualand, a digital world full of many dimensions. Therein lies the planet of Emote, an idyllic place under threat from the Antis, a destructive faction that seeks to eliminate all Content. Summoned by Faira, the Digital Goddess of Emote, the Gameindustri quartet joins forces with new characters Me and You, V-Idols from the group MEWTRAL.
Based on the teaser trailer released by Idea Factory International, Neptunia Virtual Stars plumbs the well of hack-and-slash action, allowing players to seamlessly switch between playable characters in their fight against the Antis. It also appears to have a rhythm game component used to unlock customization and combat items.
Given the Vtuber theme, it’s no surprise that Neptunia Virtual Stars involves actual Vtubers. Players will be able to unlock the ability to receive support from Vtubers like Kizuna Ai and Hololive’s Shirakami Fubuki, Tokino Sora, Houshou Marine, Shirogane Noel, Minato Aqua, Yuzuki Choco, and Inugami Korone. Other groups like Game Club Project and Aogiri High School Game Club also have a presence. Even MEWTRAL, who are original creations for Neptunia Virtual Stars, have their own Youtube channel and appear to be active.
Neptunia Virtual Stars is bound for the PS4 and PC. The PS4 edition will release on March 2, 2021 in North America and March 5, 2021 in Europe. The PC edition will see global release on March 29, 2021 via Steam. Notably, while the PS4 editions will only including English subtitles, the PC editions will have English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese subs as options.
