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Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart Review

By: RJ (@rga_02)

• Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart
  
• Developer - Compile Heart/Sting
  
• Publisher - Idea Factory
  
• PlayStation Vita
  
• Rating - T
  

Just like the console manufacturer she was based on, Neptune has to pave way for others to shine. In this case, it’s Noire’s time to take the spotlight. But will her adventures be as memorable as everyone’s favorite purple haired protagonist?  

As a spinoff from Hyperdimension Neptunia, this game takes place in a different world than the traditional Gamindustri. The new land is dubbed Gamarket and Noire is one more step closer to complete domination of the land. But a mysterious force brings the land to destruction and it is up to Noire, Neptune, Vert and Blanc to restore and unite the land of Gamarket. 

Just like its mainline counterpart, the story is absolute nonsense, but the game still charms with its dialogue. Personally, I found the humor and gaming references in this game are better than the mainline titles. With the previous games, the gaming references were everything and anything relating to the industry. From SEGA to niche Japanese 3rd party developers. While I was able to pick up on tidbits here and there, I wasn’t able to fully appreciate most of it. This game is focused on Noire (based on the PlayStation), and since I grew up with PlayStation I was able to understand and appreciate a majority of the parody. My favorite homages are the characters Ein Al and Lid, representing my two favorite gaming series, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear. It doesn’t stop there, with mascots for Street Fighter, Resident Evil, PES and Dynasty Warriors. Of course what had me smirking the most was the NPC character “Bitening”, since she is obviously a reference to a certain favorite female protagonist of mine.

Unlike its mainline counterpart, Hyperdevotion Noire is an sRPG. Compared to the likes of other sRPGs such as Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem, the battles in this game require little to no strategy. You do your standards buffs and debuffs, link up with your various partners on the field and attack away. This game isn’t a hard sRPG by any standards (Hard Mode presents more challenge). It’s a simple and lighthearted sRPG that is accessible to anyone. Fans of the traditional turn-based Neptunia games they will find themselves right at home with this game. The HDD upgrades, attacks, and items that you would find in the mainline series are present. 

The mission based structure in the game gets very repetitive. A majority of the main story missions require you to defeat a certain General. Sometimes, you get to save said General. Rinse and Repeat. Side missions are also the same flair. You go to a dungeon and defeat all the monsters. Apart from the main game, there is a simulation game that you can do with Noire called Sim Noire. In Sim Noire, you can help decorate Noire’s house with items that you can purchase on AMAZOO.nep. You earn credits by purchasing weapons, items, etc from the item shop. In addition to pimping her crib, you can also listen and answer to various requests given to you. It’s a nice little distaction from the main game.

Hyperdevotion Noire is nothing groundbreaking, but you shouldn’t be expecting anything major from this title. It’s a nice lighthearted sRPG for the Neptunia crowd but nothing special for the sRPG enthusiast. The same great dialogue and weak gameplay as its mainline counterparts. Perhaps next time, Noire can learn a thing or two from one of her many sRPGs that are living among her land.