Is this a good starting point for a series newcomer?

[OvermasterP]

Always wanted to try Neptunia, either this or Re;Birth 3, but the shiny new toy feels coming off Sisters VS Sisters is tempting me a lot.

This isn't the "spinoff vs mainline" argument over and over again, I don't care about that. The question is: Whether it's mainline or a spinoff or not, is this a good starting point? Or is it entirely returning characters referencing plots I never saw happen?

[vkobe]

yes

[Future_Memories]

I would also like to know as I am in the middle of playing Re;Birth 1.
Thank you.

[Leevante]

I would personally start with Re:Birth 1 just so you know what a "Neptune" is. Gameplay wise, it's turn based.

They do explain a little who's who but there's probably like a billion of inside jokes that'll go over your head if you play this one first.

Then again most (J)RPGs have inside jokes from their first few games if you start on something recent.

Basically if you care about the world and characters, quirks, etc. play the first game.

[vkobe]

Originally posted by Leevante:

I would personally start with Re:Birth 1 just so you know what a "Neptune" is. Gameplay wise, it's turn based.

They do explain a little who's who but there's probably like a billion of inside jokes that'll go over your head if you play this one first.

Then again most (J)RPGs have inside jokes from their first few games if you start on something recent.

Basically if you care about the world and characters, quirks, etc. play the first game.

rebirth 2 is better, because nepgear, rom, ram and uni

also enemies cast is better

but rebirth 3 has best enemies list

[Qvnt]

I'd say absolutely not since there are many callbacks to prior events.

Would highly suggest starting with Re;Birth2 as it is the proper canonical start while also being a lot less bland. Sisters VS has been a slog to play through whereas 2 actually enforces some difficulty curves.

[Tiasmoon]

Originally posted by OvermasterP:

Or is it entirely returning characters referencing plots I never saw happen?

Neptunia games in general only give vague references to characters or events in previous games. So for story it doesnt really matter and game specific characters usually dont appear again. They are technically sequels, but you could play the games entire out of order and it wouldnt matter much.

That said I do usually recommend playing Rebirth 1 first because imo it does the best job at introducing the main cast of the franchise. As well as what these games are like: Jrpgs that parody on the console wars, gaming, voice acting, etc. With stories and events that dont really take themselves seriously much.
Its also one of the best overall Neptunia games & experiences. (together with VII, but that one imo requires being more accustomed to the cast)

It also has more Neptune time (and she is the best character of the franchise, bar none)

People recommend Rebirth 2 because the sisters are featered a lot more in that game, so you get a better idea what they are like. Its one of the least enjoyable Neptunia games imo, tho. Like this game it doesnt feature its titular character Neptune much, and unlike this game it doesnt have as much humor as any of the other games. So idk if its a good starting point. If you ask me, best start is a game you enjoy a lot so you become more interested in playing the other games. That's why I still recommend playing Rebirth 1. Normally I dont recommend 2, but in case of this game it makes some sense.

But that's only if you want that~ its not required. You just could start with this game. Better to start with this game then not play the franchise at all!

If you do, keep in mind the gameplay is pretty different compared to the others. Its action instead of turn based. Some rpg-ish stuff is less complex too.

[Village Idiot]

You can pick up whatever mainline Neptunia game. There are enough references to the previous games to give you an idea of what's going on.

If you want to play the one with the highest production value, play Neptunia V-II or V-II VR.

V-II VR have a better battle system, but the base V-II have the DLC characters that aren't in V-II VR.