Older Neptune and friends shoot and slash through enemies of Gamindustri in this rail shooter!
The game puts players in control of Neptune, the main protagonist from the Neptunia series, as she shoots and slashes through five distinct stages inspired by the nations of Gamindustri. The core gameplay involves freely moving the character around the screen to evade obstacles and enemy fire, utilizing both a long-range weapon to take out distant foes and a sword to quickly destroy nearby threats.
Players must master the balance between the game's dual attack mechanics. Firing the rapid-projectile weapon handles distant enemies, while the sword's close-range slashes destroy obstacles and incoming bullets. Constantly maneuvering and switching between ranged and melee options is essential to navigating the fast-paced stages and boss encounters.
Collecting coins scattered throughout each stage fills a meter that summons one of the other Neptunia characters to temporarily fight alongside the player. This adds an extra strategic element, as players must prioritize both enemy destruction and coin pickup to maximize their offensive capabilities.
While the game can be completed in about 15-20 minutes, a major draw is the score-chasing element. Players are encouraged to replay stages, learn enemy patterns, and optimize their performance to achieve the highest possible score. Online leaderboards provide an incentive to hone one's skills and compete against other players. Additionally, various achievements further extend the game's replay value.
The game offers two difficulty settings - Normal and Hard. Normal mode provides a more accessible experience, while Hard mode ramps up the challenge, testing the player's mastery of the shooting and slashing systems. Importantly, Normal mode also includes a "no continue" option, allowing players to attempt a full run without sacrificing points.