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SGGAMINGINFO » SG Gaming Info’s 2014 Game of the Year SGGAMINGINFO » SG Gaming Info’s 2014 Game of the Year

SG Gaming Info’s 2014 Game of the Year

On December 8, 2014 by Ash Meehan

Before I go into talking about my Game of the Year I would just like to state that the potential winners were games I played and enjoyed, which is basically a roundabout way of saying you might not agree with me, but I’m ok with that.

With so many new video games released in 2014, choosing only one game of the year was initially tough, but in the end the choice was easy as there was only one game that truly made me laugh, smile and make me feel relaxed. So without further delay SG Gaming Info’s 2014 Game of the Year award goes to:

Idea Factory International’s Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 description

Gamindustri: One of many parallel universes protected by four goddesses known as CPUs. Long ago, these four CPUs engaged in a war for supremacy known as the War of the Guardians. However, this war weakened their protective hold on the world inhabited by their people, and in turn it was flooded by monsters under the influence of an individual known as Arfoire. During the War of the Guardians, one of the CPUs—Neptune—was defeated by the others and hurled down to the world’s surface from the heavens. The fall caused Neptune to lose her memories, as learned by Compa and IF, who happen upon the fallen girl. A mysterious book containing knowledge of all Gamindustri’s history suddenly speaks out to Neptune, Compa, and IF. With the assistance of this sentient book, the trio embark on an extraordinary journey across four different nations on a quest to save the entire world!

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 for PlayStation Vita is my game of the year because it was the only game to keep me interested enough to continue playing long after I had completed my review. How long after you ask? Well when I finished my review of it I had logged about 32 hours of playtime and unlocked two endings, right now I am at 54 hours of playtime, gained the game’s last ending, and unlocked 95% of the trophies. What kept me playing long after I posted my review was the game’s relaxed comedic approach to storytelling and character development, and honestly after a stress filled 2014 I found that Re;Birth1 managed to keep me relaxed, which to be kind of cliché is just what the doctor ordered.

The game’s brand of comedy is very video game and otaku inspired. Now the use of comedy may not suit everyone, but if you are like me and like parodies like Airplane, enjoy anime and video games than you will be left feeling somewhat happier when you start playing this game and realize that several hours have passed and that you have to put down the Vita because its battery is about to die. The game’s comedy is the central pillar of this as the story, people and places you visit are or contain a reference or joke. The game’s story can be summoned up as an elaborate message that says piracy is bad, because in the game the four CPUs (who represent the four consoles (Sega is included)) fighting an evil creature called Arfoire, who is named after the R4-card, a device that allows you to play ROMs on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Of course the CPUs aren’t alone as they are assisted by an array of characters that represent various that represent various video game developers, publishers and series.

While this whole story may sounds bland, the game’s strong point is its comedic dialogue. The dialogue loves to break the fourth wall and talk directly to the player with lines such as “Where’s that event-flag-inducing growl coming from?!”, the dialogue also likes to have fun by throwing in references to other video games, for example there is a rather fun pre-battle dialogue piece that is basically a Pokémon parody with characters shouting “Nep-Nep, I choose you” and “Pika!”. Of course the comedy isn’t limited to parody and talking to the player, as the main characters like to create their own fun with the likes of Neptune purposely mispronouncing Arfoire’s name.

The comedic elements and the character’s cute anime inspired look is what really makes the game feel relaxing and fun, because without these elements the game would be a rather bland RPG based around your normal good vs. evil plot.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 might not appeal to everyone, and at the time I wrote my review I was lukewarm on the game with me dismissing some elements such as the overall story and the over the top combat, but as the year went on and I played more games I realized that only Re;Birth1 managed to stay in the back of my mind. Honestly, I’m glad Re;Birth1 stayed in my head because this year I’ve found myself is various situations where I’m glad I had the games relaxing atmosphere in the back of my mind.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1, developed by Idea Factory, Compile Heart and Felistella, and published by Idea Factory International, was released on August 27th for PlayStation Vita.

If you are interested in learning more about Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1, visit the official website or check out my review.

Author: Ash Meehan

Hi, I’m the creator of SG Gaming Info. When I’m not working on my writing or creating content for this site’s YouTube channel, I like to relax and enjoy character driven story games.


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