Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP Review

A quick tribute

Developed By
Idea Factory, Frontier Works, Tiny Cactus Studio,
Published By
Idea Factory International
Genre
Action, Arcade, Bullet Hell, On-Rails Shooter
Platforms
PC
Our Score
3.5

They say imitation is the best form of flattery and this is probably best seen in video games. I’ve seen many series in the past reference or even have spin-off other classic titles. The Hyperdimension Neptunia series has always been one to reference its roots in video game history, with the recently released Top Nep this is apparent. Currently available on Steam, Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP changes the formula of the series yet again to take the series and make it a classic arcade title. Like many arcade titles, Top Nep is short and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Let’s cross dimensions and get into it.

Top Nep takes all of its inspiration from the classic Sega arcade game, Space Harrier. if you’re familiar with and enjoy that title, then you will like Top Nep and don’t need to continue reading this review. However, if you are not familiar with it, let me go into detail. Top Nep is the third-person on-rails shooter that the player takes control of adult Neptune as they go through four stages. She’ll be blasting distant enemies or if they they get too close, she’ll hit them with a melee attack. Adult Neptune is not alone on their journey and if you collect enough coins you will be accompanied by a wingman: another one of the goddesses and or one of her sisters.

I found myself replaying Top Nep many times when I had a free minute or two due to its arcade gameplay. Top Nep is fast-paced and easy to keep gamers on their toes. However, even on the hardest difficulty, the game is very easy. This wouldn’t be an issue if the game wasn’t so quick to beat. It’s easy to go through the hardest difficulty without being hit even once. If you play through the game once you’ll notice that the the enemy attack patterns don’t necessarily change, so the game becomes a race to get the high score over anything else.

One of the highlights of Top Nep is with its presentation. The game is full of bright and beautiful pixel art no matter where you are in the game. Most of the characters and enemies in Top Nep are all from different points in the series all recreated in that wonderful pixel art I mentioned before. If I could get another Neptunia game in this style I believe that it would do well in the series. There is no voice acting as this is an arcade-like title but for the price point of $5, I’m okay without it. The music is standard Hyperdimension Neptunia fare so its not super memorable but not disappointing either. The music matches with what’s happening on screen. Outside of the normal and hard mode, there isn’t much else other than high score leaderboards, which again I think is fine because the game only retails for $5. You get what you pay for in this title.

Overall, Top NEP pays great homage to the Sega arcade game Space Harrier down to every fiber of this title’s being. There’s not much else to say about this title due to its short run time and lack of features. I like this game but I also really like Space Harrier so it was pretty much a given. Outside of its beautiful presentation and fast gameplay, Top Nep suffers from a lack of difficulty even on its hardest mode. This will leave some hardcore players wanting for more when it comes to a challenge with this arcade title.  I want to reiterate that this game is only $5 and I believe it’s a worthy addition to any gamer’s Steam library. It does call back to the classic Sega arcade game well while still retaining an identity of its own with its characters and artwork. Top Nep can currently be purchased on Steam!

Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP Review
Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP Review
Top NEP pays great homage to the Sega arcade game Space Harrier down to every fiber of this title's being. At $5 it's a worthy addition to any Steam library!
Pros
Fast arcade gameplay
It's Space Harrier
Beautiful sprite work
Only $5
Cons
Lack of difficulty
Short run time
It's Space Harrier
3.5
Score