Noire. The CPU of Lastation. A beloved character within the Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise. Known for her diligent work ethic, undeniable beauty, and… shall we say, “tsundere” tendencies, she has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. But what about the Noire before the franchise truly exploded in popularity and redefined itself? What was she like before the modernization of the series began in two thousand thirteen?
Before her character further evolved and solidified into the fan-favorite we know today, Noire in the pre-two thousand thirteen Neptunia games was characterized by a potent blend of fierce independence, a deep-seated loneliness, and a relentless ambition that both defined her and, at times, hindered her. These traits, prominent in titles like Hyperdimension Neptunia and Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk two, laid a crucial groundwork for her future development, while also presenting a uniquely compelling perspective on her struggles as a leader and an individual. This article seeks to explore the essence of Noire during this formative period. We will analyze her actions, dissect her motivations, and ultimately understand the seeds of the character we’ve come to adore. We will focus on the core games that established her presence: Hyperdimension Neptunia and Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk two. We consider two thousand thirteen a key inflection point for the franchise, marked by the release of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth one, which began a process of reimagining and refining the characters and stories. This makes examining the period leading up to it all the more interesting.
Noire in Hyperdimension Neptunia (Original)
Introduction to Noire as Lastation’s CPU
In the original Hyperdimension Neptunia, we are first introduced to Noire as the dedicated and hard-working CPU of Lastation, one of the four major nations in Gamindustri. As the CPU, she is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting her nation and guiding its people, fostering a sense of order and progress. Lastation itself is portrayed as a technologically advanced nation, reflecting Noire’s focus on industry and innovation. She takes her duties incredibly seriously, often to the point of being overly rigid and inflexible. She invests immense amounts of time in managing Lastation’s affairs, which impacts her personal relationships and overall happiness.
Noire’s Personality and Ideals
One of the defining aspects of Noire in the original Hyperdimension Neptunia is her personality. She embodies the image of a strong, independent woman who prides herself on her abilities and achievements. She has an unwavering belief in her own competence and rarely seeks help from others, preferring to handle matters herself. This fierce independence, while admirable, often leads to her isolating herself from others, creating a sense of loneliness that permeates her interactions. While she may appear cold and aloof on the surface, Noire’s dedication to her nation stems from a genuine desire to protect her people and create a better future for them. She is driven by a strong sense of justice and believes in upholding order and discipline. However, her approach can sometimes be perceived as harsh and unforgiving, further contributing to her isolation. Her ambition is evident in her constant efforts to improve Lastation’s economy and technology. She believes in progress and strives to push her nation forward, sometimes neglecting the importance of human connection in the process. She holds herself to extremely high standards and projects those standards onto others, causing a lack of understanding.
Key Events and Interactions
Several pivotal moments in the original Hyperdimension Neptunia showcase Noire’s character in all its complexity. Her initial interactions with Neptune are particularly revealing. While Neptune is carefree, Noire is serious, creating a clash of personalities that often leads to comical yet insightful exchanges. During these interactions, Noire’s “tsundere” tendencies become apparent. She struggles to express her true feelings and often hides her affection behind a facade of sarcasm and irritation. One particular event that emphasizes Noire’s isolation is when she initially refuses to join forces with the other CPUs. She believes she can handle the threat to Gamindustri on her own and is hesitant to rely on others. However, as the story progresses, she slowly begins to understand the importance of teamwork and the value of friendship. This arc highlights her vulnerability and hints at a desire for connection that she struggles to acknowledge.
Noire’s Gameplay and Role
In terms of gameplay, Noire serves as a valuable member of the party. Her skills and abilities reflect her personality, as she excels in single-target attacks and quick movements, emphasizing her precision and efficiency. Her strengths contribute to the team’s success.
Noire in Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk two
Noire’s Role in the Story
In Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk two, Noire takes on a different role. With the original CPUs captured, she’s become one of the “deities” the CPU Candidates must rescue. This shifts her from a central protagonist to someone in need of rescue, which is an interesting dynamic shift. It showcases her vulnerability. Her motivations are now tied to being saved and once rescued, contributing to the fight against the new threat.
Character Development (or Lack Thereof)
The extent of Noire’s character development in Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk two is a point of discussion. While she retains her core personality traits of diligence, pride, and a hint of loneliness, there are subtle nuances that suggest a slight shift in her perspective. Her interactions with Uni, her younger sister and the CPU Candidate of Lastation, become more prominent, offering a glimpse into her protective and caring side. Although she remains somewhat reserved and struggles to express her emotions openly, there are moments where she shows genuine concern for Uni’s well-being. This hints at a deeper emotional connection that she often tries to suppress.
Key Interactions and Conflicts
One of the most significant aspects of Noire’s character in Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk two is her relationship with Uni. As Uni struggles to live up to her sister’s expectations and prove herself as a worthy CPU Candidate, Noire acts a mentor. At times, she’s a harsh critic. This creates conflict between them, as Uni feels overwhelmed by Noire’s high standards. However, beneath the surface of criticism lies a genuine desire to help Uni grow and develop. Noire wants her sister to succeed and become a capable leader. Their interactions reveal a complex dynamic of love, rivalry, and mutual respect. Uni also assists Noire in coming out of her shell.
Noire’s Gameplay and Role
Just as in the original, Noire is a great party member. Her role is generally the same, allowing players to be familiar with her style.
Themes and Analysis of Noire’s Pre- two thousand thirteen Character
The Theme of Isolation and Loneliness
A prevalent theme surrounding Noire’s character in the early Neptunia games is isolation and loneliness. Her dedication to her work, her unwillingness to rely on others, and her struggles to express her emotions all contribute to this sense of isolation. She often finds herself alone, even in the midst of her duties. Her ambition, while driving her forward, simultaneously pushes her away from forming meaningful connections. She views vulnerability as a weakness and therefore avoids opening up to others, further reinforcing her isolation.
The Theme of Ambition and Independence
Noire’s ambition and independent nature are equally defining traits. She strives to make Lastation the best it can be, driven by a desire to protect her people and create a prosperous nation. Her ambition fuels her relentless work ethic, but it can also lead to her neglecting her own well-being and the needs of those around her. She believes in self-reliance and independence, often refusing help even when it’s offered. This can be seen as a strength, but it also prevents her from forming strong bonds with others.
The “Tsundere” Element
The “tsundere” element of Noire’s personality is also present, though perhaps not as exaggerated as in later installments. Her tendency to be cold and aloof on the surface while harboring secret feelings of affection is evident in her interactions with the other CPUs and Uni. This behavior adds a layer of complexity to her character, hinting at a vulnerability that she struggles to acknowledge. While the “tsundere” trope can sometimes be overused, in Noire’s case, it adds to the depth of her personality and provides moments of comedic relief.
Comparison to other CPUs
Noire stands apart from the other CPUs with her disciplined nature. Compare her to Neptune’s carefree style. Or Vert’s obsession with gaming. Or Blanc’s explosive personality. They are all vastly different. However, Noire’s strong sense of responsibility makes her a valued ally.
Legacy and Impact
How Noire’s Pre- two thousand thirteen Character Shaped Her Future Development
The seeds of Noire’s future development are firmly planted in these early games. The traits that define her are the foundation on which future games will build. Her ambition, loneliness, and independence are all aspects of her character that are explored in greater depth in later installments. These early games allow fans to see a more raw and vulnerable side of Noire, which makes her later character arc all the more compelling.
Why Noire’s Pre- two thousand thirteen Character Remains Appealing to Fans
Despite her flaws, Noire’s pre-two thousand thirteen character remains appealing to fans for several reasons. Her dedication to her work is admirable, and her vulnerability makes her relatable. Her struggles with loneliness and her desire for connection resonate with many players. Her “tsundere” tendencies add a touch of humor and endearment to her personality. While she may not be perfect, she is a well-rounded and complex character that fans can connect with on an emotional level.
Examples of fan reactions to Noire before two thousand thirteen
Before two thousand thirteen, Noire was already a fan favorite! She was cosplayed, drawn, and discussed. Fans were drawn to her independence and relatable desire to improve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Noire before two thousand thirteen was a character brimming with potential. Her independence and ambition were tempered by a loneliness she struggled to overcome. This combination created a compelling and relatable character that laid the foundation for her future evolution. While her character may have undergone changes and refinements in later games, the essence of Noire, as established in the early Neptunia titles, remains a defining aspect of her enduring appeal. She continues to be a character fans cheer for, even when she is difficult. Noire’s evolution is one of the most interesting of the main cast.
