We have covered a few Hyperdimension Neptunia side games in the past, and let’s just say that results have been mixed at the very best. You don’t necessarily grab one of these games for top-tier JRPG content, let alone its fanservice-infested spinoffs. With that being said, a broken clock is right twice a day, so it was inevitable that, at the very least, one of these titles would end captivating one of us at WTMG. Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP ended up being said game, mostly because it barely tries to act like a Hyperdimension Neptunia title to begin with.

Let’s just get this out of the way, since you clearly have eyes, and you can see the pictures in this review; yes, Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP is a blatant carbon copy of Sega’s classic arcade rail shooter, Space Harrier. It plays exactly like the timeless title, being a faux 3D rail shooter in which sprite scaling is masterfully used to convey a sensation of depth and scope, all while you’re busy dodging enemy projectiles and firing your own guns at them. There are two little elements that make Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP stand out from its source material a little bit, but by no means those should be treated as complete game changers to a tried and true formula.

Those two additions are a melee attack with your sword and the possibility of temporarily recruiting a wingmate to help you out with shooting more enemies at once. The former is pretty self-explanatory: you can use your sword to attack enemies closer to you, usually killing them in one hit. You are also able to deflect their projectiles if you press the sword button at the right moment. However, it’s easier said than done, all due to the perspective issues caused by the game’s faux 3D effects. The latter occurs when you collect enough coins scattered throughout the stage, filling up a meter. It will usually act as a secondary laser cannon for your attacks, being really useful against bosses.

This is the definition of a bite-sized experience. Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP is a mere 24MB (you read that right: megabytes) in size, looking exactly like a game from the late 16-bit era of gaming, and sounding just like it. I really liked its soundtrack, but I was disappointed by its underwhelming sound effects. The game is also ridiculously short. If you know what you’re doing, you can beat it in about twenty minutes. With that being said, this is a very replayable game, especially if you play it on the hardest difficulty. By no means is it as challenging as the original Space Harrier, but it can (and will) provide you with a challenge.

Considering its humble premise and ridiculously cheap price tag, I was beyond satisfied with Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP. It doesn’t try to hide the fact it’s basically a Space Harrier clone with kawaii enemies and a waifu for a protagonist. It is short but replayable. It is a sight for sore eyes. It’s not as challenging (or dare I say, unfair) as its sources of inspiration, since Idea Factory isn’t here to get your quarters, but it will test your skills on harder difficulties. What really matters is that it is a really fun little title, one I surely wasn’t expecting to like as much as I did. Retro enthusiasts will surely dig this love letter to one of the best arcade shooters of all time.

Graphics: 8.0 It perfectly recreates the look and feel of Space Harrier by using scaling techniques on sprites. It’s colorful, cute, and runs at a high framerate at all times.	Gameplay: 8.5 It is the same control scheme from Space Harrier, with the addition of using a sword for offensive and defensive purposes, as well as being able to summon a wingmate on occasion.
Sound: 7.0 Even if its old-school soundtrack is pretty good, I was somewhat disappointed with how weak the sound effects were.	Fun Factor: 8.0 Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP doesn’t beat around the bush. It’s a Space Harrier clone, but it succeeds at that. It’s short but replayable, it’s colorful, charming, moderately challenging, and above all, very fun.
Final Verdict: 8.0

Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP is available now on PC.

Reviewed on PC.

A copy of Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP was provided by the publisher.