I think "Victory" was a step in that direction and that's one of the main reasons I consider it to be the best entry in the series so far. It had more substance than just masturbating to your preferred "waifu" for the entire game.
*Spoilers alert for those who never played Mk2 and Victory*
A Mario/Sonic game, is pretty much walking in a straight line. No surprises/twists along the way that might change partially or completely the tone of the plot they had initially designed. That is why, at least to my knowledge, Mario/Sonic games, no matter how different the story and gameplay might turn out every new iteration, their pace always follow a single and unchanged tone.The Neptunia series is like riding a roller coaster. You still ride a predefined path, which can be clearly noticed by the comical and lighthearted tone established throughout the series. Yet, the series DO have those ups and downs that change, sometimes drastically, the tone the game; even if just for a brief period of time.Mk2's alternate ending is a very good example of my point. That kind of tone, a dark atmosphere with direct remarks and actions about sacrificing siblings for the sake of attaining power and defeating an enemy is something you would never see in a Mario/Sonic game, at least not the classic ones.I concede that's a drastic example that was only used in the series once and I wouldn't be surprised if they've taken that out of the remake version. Nonetheless, there are more examples, albeit less intense, that shows that this series is seen and designed by its developers under a very different light from those who make Mario/Sonic games.
I wouldn't say a lot, since we don't know much about VII yet. Maybe you're right gameplay-wise, but the plot/character and how they're handled is what interests me more.
I agree about substance doesn't have to equate to being darker and more serious. But that's just my personal preference. If you think the combination of comical relief, shallow main characters/villains and poorly/vaguely constructed plots can be referred as "substance", I won't stop you, but I strongly disagree. However, if the series is going to dabble in creating scenes with a more serious tone - as they do in every game - I think they should at least do it right and develop the plot/atmosphere/characters as much as they can.
I could go on with other details but I'm already being too prolix in this matter. Note that, although they improved the shallowness/vagueness of the characters and central plot in V compared to their prior installments, I think they can go much deeper than that.
Image URL
Supported videos include: YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Metacafe, Facebook
Easily create a Forum Website with Website Toolbox.