This is shaping up to be a solid year for the Nintendo Switch, with upcoming releases including Bayonetta 3, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and Splatoon 3. While Switch owners are waiting for those titles, they should try out Neon White, a recently released title from developer Angel Matrix and publisher Annapurna Interactive. Neon White, which features a hybrid of puzzle-platformer and first-person shooter mechanics, released in June to strong praise and good reviews.
Neon White tells the story of its titular character, an amnesiac who finds himself transported from Hell to Heaven. As a Neon, whose soul has been judged unfavorably, Neon White must compete against others to kill the most demons and earn a right to enter Heaven. In between platforming-based levels, players can interact and form relationships with NPCs including fellow Neons Red, Green, Yellow, and Violet. Multiple elements of the game's design were praised following its release, and it is currently among the highest-rated games of 2022.
Slick, Speedy Gameplay
Designed by Ben Esposito and written by Ryan Shannon, Neon White was inspired by speedrunning and focuses on smooth, fast-paced gameplay. Levels encourage the player to keep running and not stop as the Neon mows down demon enemies; filled with secrets and tricks to boost speed, ranging from hidden shortcuts to White's high jumps and ability to run on water. Highest-tier medals and other rewards are primarily based on speed, encouraging players to master White's dynamic movements.
In addition to the platforming levels, Neon White distributes weapons and abilities to players in the form of cards that can be collected and upgraded. Some cards feature guns, swords, and other items that White can equip, while others combine attack and defense abilities with unique ways for White to move around the map, such as shooting against a wall to increase his jump height. Finding and upgrading the best cards and weapons in Neon White can make the game feel even smoother and faster.
Stylish Designs and Characters
But Neon White is not just about White's high-jumping, fast-running gameplay. The game's cast of characters have also received praise for their unique personalities and eye-catching designs. The characters Neon White can interact with include his best friend Neon Yellow, potential love interest Neon Red, wild child Neon Violet, and mysterious rival Neon Green. As the game is set primarily in Heaven, White can also meet and talk to a number of adorable feline angels including Mikey and Gabby.
The art style of the game is sharp and impressive, with the bright colors that give characters their names contrasting the stark white aesthetic of the title character and many of the Heaven-based platforming levels. Critics compared Neon White's anime-like aesthetics to those of Japanese action titles such as killer7. Its UI is also minimalist, which helps the game run well on the Nintendo Switch; a major point in Neon White's favor. Releases for other consoles are not currently planned or scheduled.
Neon White is Great For Replayability
In addition to platforming and first-person shooter elements, Neon White features visual novel-inspired segments in which White can bond with the other Neons and learn more about his mysterious life and death. White's choices can lead to multiple endings, including "bad" and "good" endings. Most players reach the "bad" ending first, as the best ending requires players to carry out specific actions such as finding gifts and unlocking memories before completing the game's story. Players of Neon White who failed to obtain the good ending are encouraged to keep playing so they can earn a happier fate for White and his fellow Neons.
Besides replaying the story, secrets can be found in Neon White's individual levels and between-level segments. Players can find collectibles, hidden cards, shortcuts, and more, and levels can also be redone to achieve greater speeds and unlock awards such as medals. There are even a special tier of red medals awarded to only the fastest players. Outside of platforming and battle, players can complete side quests, give gifts to characters, and decorate White's room with new furniture and accessories received from Heaven's angels.
Neon White may be a smaller release from an independent studio, but it should not be overlooked amid the number of Nintendo Switch releases this year. Some fans and critics are naming Neon White a contender for numerous accolades, including Game of the Year. Even if Switch owners are simply looking for something to keep them occupied until Bayonetta 3 or the new Pokemon games come out, they could do far worse than Neon White.
Neon White is available now on PC and Nintendo Switch.
