Side missions are available outside the story chapters, which provide the same goals without the narrative or most of the boss fights. Generally, players move along paths, clearing out any yokai monsters of Steeme Legion goons in their way sometimes the main path will need to be unlocked, or items gathered within a time limit. Missions in Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars unfold on sprawling yet simple maps. If Senran Kagura Estival Versus is your cup of tea, this might not be exactly what you’re looking for. There’s still fanservice in the dialogue, as a hallmark from both franchises, but no more than most other offerings in this style. Its gameplay has been distilled to its simplest form, and its focus on innuendo and unclothing opponents to seize victory is entirely absent, aside from the overly-embellished anatomies of most characters.
“The narrative attempts to poke fun at the industry in the same way as other Neptunia games, but on the large scale, Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars doesn’t really make any compelling jabs or insights.”įans of Senran Kagura may not find too much of the original series in this mash-up. Certain design choices and the “jiggle physics” could make the designers of Dead or Alive blush. A few generally entertaining character moments broke through, but were countered by just as many uncomfortable or cringe-worthy scenes, like the token hot spring scene, or the entire dynamic of the Neptunia characters aging up when they shape-shift into their ninja forms. Instead, the result is a serviceable tale that provides just enough excuses to visit new stages, while relying on pretty stereotypical anime conventions. Allusions to other RPGs and ninja-based franchises were a nice touch, tucked away in an optional dialog menu, and some fourth-wall breaks provided quick chuckles.
The analogy to a war between Steam (“Steeme”) and Neptunia’s anthropomorphized consoles never manifested in a meaningful way. The narrative attempts to poke fun at the industry in the same way as other Neptunia games, but on the large scale, Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars doesn’t really make any compelling jabs or insights.