Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP (2022)

Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP is a very short but fun title. If you have a thirst for a quick rail shooter, it’s worth the pickup.

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!

Overall, I have to say I really liked this Nep-Nep spin-off. While Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP might not be long, it’s definitely a really fun rail-shooter. It’s also pretty cheap, so it doesn’t feel like you’re losing out really either. The soundtrack is good, the gameplay is smooth, and while it is rather short, you can always aim to beat your high score on subsequent runs. Top Nep gets 8 puddings out of 10. Score: 8 / 10 puddings

If you do like Space Harrier and similar, and you're familiar enough with the Neptunia series to know the characters and enemies without needing to have them introduced to you, then Top Nep is a short burst of nostalgic-themed fun. It's also a decent game to introduce people to the genre, thanks to the modest difficulty option, while eventually scaling to something more challenging to give the genre faithful something to sink their teeth into. I have very few issues with Top Nep as an arcade action throwback. My issue is that, as a Neptunia fan, the less-than-lip service paid to the property left the overall experience feeling humourless and soulless. For all the faults and missteps of Neptunia over the years that is something I never thought I would be saying about a game in the series.

Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP is a vibrant rail shooter that manages to be a good entry point in the genre. Even with low difficulty and little incentive to play again besides the scoring system, the title is competent in what it proposes and a beautiful addition to the Gamindustri universe.