Neon White, by developer Angel Matrix and publisher Annapurna Interactive, is a speedrunning game about killing demons in order to find redemption for all the bad things you did in life. You play as White, a guy handpicked from hell to kill demons in heaven, for a chance to be forgiven by God. White has more than just that on his plate, as it seems like he has no memory from his life on earth. Along with the fast paced levels, you also meet people, friends from life that White does not remember, but they remember him. You will also encounter secrets and collectables all while trying to be the fastest demon hunter out there.
When you start the game, you are introduced to White, who is monologuing his death before suddenly being transported to Heaven, where some angels explain to everyone what is happening. They are all competing for a chance to redeem themselves for atrocities committed in their lives. Souls picked for the job are referred to as “Neons” and must wear a mask to keep them in line, this is not a vacation after all.
The game’s levels are very fast paced and action packed, with each level having secrets and a collectible to be found and unlocked. Weapons in Neon White take the form of ‘soul cards’ that have different abilities, the weapon you start with is a katana but each level has cards you can use in them, like guns. The cards have limited ammo and have special powers when you right click them, after which the card is used up. The look of the game is well designed despite its simplicity. It has a very bright atmosphere, it is supposed to represent heaven after all. The eye-catching colors are set in places that are supposed to draw attention. For example, each of the characters you interact with are named after the bright colors that are also in their design so they stand out amongst the crowds in cutscenes. Another example are the enemy attacks are bright and very noticeable against the white backgrounds of the levels. Overall, the game is really refined for being a demo.
Obviously, I am not going to be too hard on bugs in the game because it is only a demo and any bugs will likely be fixed by the full game. So far the issues I have come across are movement based, the movement while smooth is a bit wonky with the jumps. It is hard to be precise with movement because of this which can be annoying when it is a speedrunning game. Other than that, there is not much else that is a problem and all things that can be fixed by the full release.
Neon White is a fast paced action game about killing demons for redemption. There is a lot to uncover and play through even in the demo of the game, secrets and collectables to find. The story is compelling so far and the graphics are well designed. There are issues with movement style but nothing too major. Overall, a really solid start to the game and I look forward to the full release.
You can still play the demo right now via Steam. Neon White is slated to launch later this year on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.
I enjoy a wide variety of games from intricate survival/adventure games to simple platformers. I am also a sucker for a good story game.
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