This is a JRPG series that has interested me over the years, but I never got around to play one (I also keep seeing articles about them on this website). The main appeal stems from the console wars I hear and it's definitely one of the more niche JRPGs. I don't think I've played a JRPG this niche before. If I play like the Tales games, will I like these? JRPGs aren't known to light up the Meta charts, but this one has done pretty terrible from what I've seen. Are the critics right? 

I really enjoy Tales games, but I see the flaws in them. My question is, do you all think I'll like this series? And where is a good starting point. Lastly, are these games incredibly long like most JRPGs? I have a PS3, PS4, and Vita, so playing the series on a specific platform won't be an issue. Thoughts and discussion on the Neptunia series would be great. 

Mediocre is the word that comes to mind. The thing is, there's so many better JRPG choices out there, why would you waste your time with this franchise? Admittedly I've only played the first game but from what I've seen from the other entries, the same issues I have still persist. The one thing this franchise has is charm, but that's not enough to save it for me. I can't wholeheartedly recommend these games to anyone unless you really like poorly made niche games. I know there's quite the Neptunia fanbase here, so if you're looking for some positive discussion I'm sure it'll come.

I've read several reviews of the games and most of them sounded like the author never played the game at all. Do not trust the metascore. The Re;Birth games have a great turnbased battle system and have a brilliant sense of humor. The story is meh, but the dialog makes up for it. There's a ton of optional dungeons and battles you can do in the game if you feel like doing everything. I highly suggest trying it out and seeing it for yourself. I wouldn't call it a "mediocre" series by any means.

I just suggest that you ignore the original 2 games because they're terrible. Their remakes (Re;Birth 1 & 2) got rid of almost all the flaws they had, so try them instead.

The first one was terrible. I've read that every game they get alittle better though

Yeah I saw the gameplay online, and it reminds me of Eternal Sonata (turn based mixed with real time action). I actually think the plot sounds interesting, lol. So I should start with rebirth 1 on the Vita? There's so many of them now @_@. 

I tried it once, Like once. Never did like the game, I feel like the appeal to people is the "Cute" factor and not the actual gameplay since it felt sloppy. That was the first game though so there might have been improvements on the recent ones,

The games are surprisingly fun. The battle system is pretty cool (at least in the Vita versions since those are all I've played) and the dialogue is hilarious at times. If your going to jump into the series just start with Re;birth on Vita.

Don't play the originals. I can recommend the Re;Birth entries on PC and Vita.

If you have a decent PC and if you wait for a steam sale, you can probably pick it up for like $5

Yeah, I'd go with Re;Birth 1 for Vita or Steam.