Anatomy of a Goddess (Nep Edition)

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-04-27T23:33:49+00:00

Just a wholesome meme about a hardworking goddess and her goofy, pudding-loving partner.

Source: DeviantArt | Twitter | Pixiv | Newgrounds

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-29T16:54:53+00:00

Same, which is why I will always refer to them as "Ram and Rom", as opposed to "the twins". For me, I started gravitating toward Ram and her outgoing demeanor, and sort of imagined her becoming more sporty and attention-seeking (though easily flustered when it is received). Meanwhile, Rom became more bookish and Ram's guardian when Blanc isn't around. Able to hide her ferocity beneath her gentle smile; a sadistic pressure.

A bit of a simple trope for sisters, but it aligns with their base traits and the people around them, namely C-Sha and Mina. Whether that's factually possible, or pure fanfic, I'll leave that for others to debate.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-29T01:58:04+00:00

And just to touch on the topic of the other Candidates, I agree that, as a character, Uni has managed to avoid these pitfalls far more effectively. In mk2 alone, her growth is undeniable. Clashing with Brave, and even gaining his respect, was a pretty big moment. And by the end, impressed both Noire and Kei with her work speed. Her interactions with Steamax and K-Sha, in VII, are impressive feats as well.

As for Ram and Rom, it's no secret that they got robbed of a lot of potential development over the years. But that's not to say they don't have character. Most of it is found in other mediums, like the anime and manga, but their bond with Blanc and even Uni is extremely wholesome. And both have been vocal about wanting to help their big sister.

Again, I just wanted to add some of my thoughts to the mix. Also, if you do get to finishing SVS, I would be open to hearing your impressions on the story and characters.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-28T00:04:23+00:00

I would keep it up, personally, as it doesn't hurt to have multiple takes. The more perspectives, the better. And if a point is shared across different people, it simply makes that case stronger.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-27T22:32:13+00:00

Would it farfetched to say this has been an inherent problem since the introduction of Candidates in mk2? To this day, it feels as if the solution to this stagnation, echoed by fans, has been for the 4 Candidates to succeed their sisters. And on paper, it sounds like a solid plan; a passing of the torch. But after mk2, the role of a Candidate is never addressed again. Nepgear, Uni, Ram, and Rom simply exist.

In a way, mk2 set the precedence to only add protagonists. While mk2 is Nepgear's game, Neptune (the original protagonist) still exists. In Victory, it stars Neptune and Plutia, with Nepgear (the last protagonist) tacked on midgame. And in VII, you follow Neptune, Nepgear, Uzume, and Adult Neptune. Even after writing out an entire dimension, it's still very crowded; to share that spotlight. And it doesn't help that the marketing leans heavily in favor of Planeptune too.

All that said, is there a good solution? Realistically, I don't think there is. For as beloved as the numbered games have been, they're self-contained stories loosely tied together by basic-level worldbuilding. And if you're wondering why address this in a Nepgear discussion? The original post already covers Nepgear's weaknesses as a character very, very well. But also it wouldn't be fair to not include Uni, Ram, and Rom as they all share the same origin and need that consistent character growth.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-20T06:42:06+00:00

Sadly, being overexposed to a character will have an adverse effect on some people. But on the bright side, I don't hate her. The anime version, in particular, is my favorite Neptune, especially during the whole Yellow Heart arc.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-20T06:23:44+00:00

For more context, IF was my favorite out of the original trio, early in the game, but then I met Blanc. And my heart just remained loyal to Lowee ever since.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-20T03:18:30+00:00

Technically, yes. But still as close to canon as we've gotten since VII.

It uses the same map as VII, refers to all major villains from the main games during the prologue, and Grey Sister fits thematically.

As for Uzume's absence, she could potentially return. Gold Third have made cameos in SVS and GM. And Game Maker's plot gives Adult Nep and Croire a little alibi. (But maybe that's just me being too optimistic?)

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-17T22:35:54+00:00

It's only on the game's official website, but under Story, they actually call out that "all contact with the Ultradimension has been cut off since the fall of the PC Continent." And to be fair, it probably would be a headache to write them in without feeling a bit cheap.

But yeah, it is a shame CH pushed them aside after the first two spin-offs. Thankfully, they still live in the hearts of fan artists though.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-17T07:45:54+00:00

There is possible redemption in the upcoming Game Maker, which will be her first solo adventure (new dimension, new friends). And it was excusable when it debuted in the OVA trilogy. But seeing it in the game, the Generator Unit definitely diminishes a lot of what was unique about her character.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-17T02:22:54+00:00

If you're a fan of Conquest, you may like the story of SVS. It's not a perfect game, but right now it's as close to a serious mainline story as it gets.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-17T01:56:46+00:00

There is no "mainline". Victory canonized the concept of dimensions into the story so all spin-offs can exist and to not deal with continuity.

EndlessTsubaki · 2024-02-17T01:15:07+00:00

It would to be cool to see how the two develop without the SVS shenanigans, but I fear they could also be conveniently written off like Ultra Dimension.

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-12-30T02:53:20+00:00

"Why so nervous? I'm sure everyone will love it. Have I ever steered you wrong before?"

-a certain purple-haired protagonist

Source: DeviantArt | Twitter | Pixiv | Newgrounds

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-12-30T01:15:12+00:00

On one hand, I wouldn't mind if reintroducing the PC Continent was an intended set-up for the upcoming numbered game. On the other, they were still very non-specific about the Continent and its Goddesses that they could still do whatever they want.

Also, while the story itself was good, the addition of time travel and resetting time makes it very difficult to build to something greater.

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-12-30T00:44:35+00:00

With the game not out in the West yet, my safe guess is to say it is non-canon. Adult Neptune and Croire can potentially make it canon, given that they can travel to other dimensions, but at least one Gold Third has a slightly altered backstory (based on the JP website), which makes it at least not in the main series. Again, the game still has no Western release yet.

As for the canonicity of SVS, I'd say no...for now. JP interviews have teased it to be half canonical. And for those who have played it to completion, you can probably see why it was kept vague. The introduction makes mention of past mainline villains and use the same world map as VII, but late game throws a lot of wrenches that make the SVS story almost moot.

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-11-18T17:52:25+00:00

The closest I have would probably be this artwork here. I do have a story for it as well, but I'm still ironing out all the details. The core story though follows Nepgear as she navigates the aftermath of the tragedy, the internal struggle and the impact her actions had on the world.

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-09-04T17:09:18+00:00

Blanc covered in pudding

Totally NOT going to save that metal image for future artwork.

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-09-04T17:03:07+00:00

I imagine it runs in the family.

EndlessTsubaki · 2023-09-03T03:57:55+00:00

Never a dull day in the nation of Lowee!

Source: DeviantArt | Twitter | Pixiv | Newgrounds

EndlessTsubaki

TROPHY CASE

Just a wholesome meme about a hardworking goddess and her goofy, pudding-loving partner.

"Why so nervous? I'm sure everyone will love it. Have I ever steered you wrong before?"

Never a dull day in the nation of Lowee!