Idea Factory announced that Super Neptunia RPG is now planned for a Spring 2019 release, instead of launching this fall. Despite the sudden delay, Idea Factory and Canadian developer Artisan Studios are still set to bring Neptune to the 2D world for the first time. In addition to Super Neptunia RPG being the first 2D Neptunia game, it's also the first game developed by a Western studio. While Super Neptunia RPG is currently set to be released in Japan on September 27th, those of us in the West will have to wait until 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95a9LEft4k0&feature=youtu.be
Set in a world where 2D games reign supreme, Neptune finds herself transported to this world without any of her memories. Here, an organization called Bombyx Mori enslaves its citizens, forcing them to churn out game after game as a tribute. Any citizen who tries to use unauthorized technology or makes a game not up to Bombyx's standards risks imprisonment in the harsh Trial Grounds. Neptune quickly realizes that she has been gifted an immense power, and with the strange Histoire book in hand, she sets out to explore the new world for herself.
Blending the Neptunia series' self-referential humor with fanservice in a 2D side-scrolling RPG is a challenge, something developer Artisan Studios is well aware of. In an interview with Digitally Downloaded, studio head Mario Rizzo talks at length about the challenges of adapting a uniquely Japanese series to a Western studio. Still, as we reported in our initial announcement, the staff members at Artisan are no stranger to working with Japanese developers. If the early footage and screenshots are any indication, Artisan Studios is doing Neptune and her friend's justice with detailed backgrounds and gorgeous art. Japan gets to adventure through Neptune's 2D adventure next month, but we'll have to wait until next year to experience Super Neptunia RPG for ourselves.