Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

NEO: The World Ends with You cover image

Links

Amazon

MONSTER

NEO: The World Ends with You

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of NEO: The World Ends with You
Item: NEO: The World Ends with You
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Comedy, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableJul 27, 2021

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperSquare Enix, h.a.n.d. Inc.

Overview

Explore a stylized recreation of Shibuya, as you take on the role of Rindo to battle for survival and unravel the mysteries of the deadly “Reaper’s Game” in this new Action RPG and follow-up to the classic RPG hit "The World Ends with You."

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of NEO: The World Ends With You has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's captivating and immersive narrative, with several noting its charm, engaging premise, and strong character relationships. Critics like CGMagazine and Game Informer commended the story for its focus on the protagonist's growth as a leader and its compelling revelations and twists. The narrative was also praised for its integration of elements from the original game, as mentioned by Hey Poor Player. The story's distinctive subculture feel and its exploration of social interaction and the internet were highlighted by Noisy Pixel. Additionally, critics such as GameSpew and Gfinity described the story as fantastic and grand, respectively. While the overall sentiment towards the story of NEO: The World Ends With You is positive, there were a few criticisms raised by some critics. Shacknews mentioned that the story is filled with mysteries and plot twists, but it did not elaborate on whether these elements were executed well or not. WellPlayed pointed out that the plot structure is similar to the previous game, which may disappoint some players. They also mentioned that the characters lack growth and the dialogue can be eye-rolling. However, these negative aspects were not echoed by the majority of critics. In summary, the story of NEO: The World Ends With You has been highly praised by critics, with the majority expressing positive opinions. The game's narrative is described as captivating, immersive, and engaging, with strong character relationships and compelling twists. The integration of elements from the original game and the exploration of social interaction and subculture elements were also commended. While a few critics mentioned some negatives, such as similarities to the previous game's plot structure and lack of character growth, these criticisms were not widespread. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of NEO: The World Ends With You is very good, making it a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about the captivating and immersive narrative of NEO: The World Ends With You, praising its charm, strong character relationships, and compelling twists. While some critics noted similarities to the previous game's plot structure and lack of character growth, the majority agree that the story is fantastic and engaging, making it a standout feature of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of NEO: The World Ends With You are generally positive. Many critics praise the combat system, describing it as fast-paced, engaging, and rewarding. They appreciate the ability to switch between characters and chain attacks together, which adds depth and strategy to the gameplay. Critics like App Trigger, Game Informer, Hey Poor Player, Noisy Pixel, Screen Rant, Easy Allies, Gfinity, Inverse, Metro GameCentral, PlayStation Universe, The Games Machine, TheGamer, WellPlayed, Gaming Nexus, and GamingTrend all highlight the enjoyable and dynamic combat system. They mention the use of various abilities, pins, psychs, and powers that allow for customization and experimentation. The combat is often described as fluid, with a mix of customization and flair. The game also offers a good balance between battles and puzzles, providing a variety of mission types and slice-of-life activities that build character development and benefit combat. However, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay. CGMagazine, Game Informer, Gameblog.fr, Push Square, RPGamer, and TheGamer mention that the combat can become repetitive, lacking in challenge or devolving into button-mashing. They note that some fights are simple and repetitive, and the combat mechanics can be confusing or too fast-paced at times. Some critics, such as Game Informer and WellPlayed, also mention issues with difficulty balancing and repetitive tasks. Additionally, Shacknews mentions that the combat may be challenging for button mashers, which could potentially alienate some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of NEO: The World Ends With You is enjoyable and engaging, with a strong emphasis on the combat system. The game offers a unique and dynamic combat experience, with a variety of abilities, pins, and powers to experiment with. The gameplay provides a good balance between battles and puzzles, offering a mix of challenges and slice-of-life activities. While there are some concerns about repetition, difficulty balancing, and confusion in the combat mechanics, the positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives. Critics appreciate the depth, strategy, and customization options in the combat system, making NEO: The World Ends With You a satisfying and enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly praise the fast-paced and engaging combat system of NEO: The World Ends With You, highlighting its depth and strategy. While some critics find the combat repetitive and lacking challenge, overall, they agree that the game offers an enjoyable and dynamic experience with a good balance between battles and puzzles. The customization options and unique abilities make it a satisfying and engaging game despite some minor concerns.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of NEO: The World Ends With You received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's art direction, character designs, and vibrant colors. App Trigger commends the brilliant graphics and art style, particularly highlighting the extreme personalities exemplified in the character designs. GameByte also mentions the gorgeous graffiti style and fashionable clothing as armor, which adds to the overall appeal of the visuals. Hey Poor Player describes the art style as fantastic in motion, bringing the style of the original DS game into beautiful 3D. The unique wild anime style, visually impeccable streets of Shibuya, and distinctive character designs were also highly praised by Daily Star, Noisy Pixel, Screen Rant, and TheGamer. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of NEO: The World Ends With You. CGMagazine points out technical issues such as an unsteady frame rate, input lag, and occasional crashes, which can detract from the overall visual experience. Push Square mentions that while the character designs by Tetsuya Nomura are visually appealing, the visuals as a whole feel dated and not a visual showcase. iMore also states that while the 2D art direction is gorgeous, the 3D visuals are lacking. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of NEO: The World Ends With You are highly impressive. The game captures the stylish urban setting of Shibuya and successfully translates the distinctive art style of the original DS game into beautiful 3D. The visuals are visually appealing, with a bright and bold aesthetic that perfectly captures the colorful nature of Shibuya, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded. The game's unique and colorful art style, along with its visually distinctive style, were praised by Gamers Heroes, The Games Machine, and Gaming Nexus. The majority of critics agree that the graphics and visual design of NEO: The World Ends With You are a standout aspect of the game, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in its vibrant world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about the stunning graphics and art style of NEO: The World Ends With You, praising its vibrant colors, character designs, and urban setting in Shibuya. While some noted technical issues like frame rate and dated visuals, the majority agreed that the game's visuals are impressive and immersive, capturing the essence of the original DS game in beautiful 3D.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of NEO: The World Ends With You are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, with several describing it as fantastic, killer, and electrifying. They highlighted the diverse range of genres, including jazz, rock, nu-metal, and traditional J-pop, which added depth and variety to the overall experience. Critics such as CGMagazine and Noisy Pixel specifically mentioned the remixes of songs from the original game and the addition of new tracks, which they found beautiful and amplifying the good vibes of the game. The sound design was also commended by reviewers such as GameByte and Gamers Heroes, who mentioned that it complemented the gameplay and visuals. However, there were a few critics who had some minor criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Hey Poor Player mentioned that while the game's soundtrack hits the right tone, it can become repetitive, especially with songs resetting around battles. Metro GameCentral briefly mentioned weak voice-acting but did not provide much information about the overall sound design or music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of NEO: The World Ends With You are of high quality and greatly enhance the gaming experience. The majority of critics praised the soundtrack, with Digitally Downloaded even considering it one of the best soundtracks in a game. The eclectic range of genres, catchy tunes, and immersive audio design were highlighted as major strengths. The positive opinions of critics such as App Trigger, Game Informer, Easy Allies, and RPGamer further support the overall sentiment that the sound design and music of NEO: The World Ends With You were very good.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise NEO: The World Ends With You's sound design and music, calling the soundtrack fantastic and electrifying. The diverse genres and remixes add depth, with only minor criticisms about repetitiveness. Overall, the high-quality audio greatly enhances the gaming experience, making it a standout feature according to numerous reviewers.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in NEO: The World Ends With You has received mixed reviews from critics. Several reviewers, such as GameByte and Gfinity, have praised the voice acting, describing it as stellar and top-notch. They highlight the emotive performances of both the returning and new voice actors, which effectively convey the emotions of the characters and make players care for them. These positive performances are said to contribute to the development of the protagonist and enhance the overall experience of the game. Additionally, GameSpew mentions that the voice acting in key cutscenes provides a full sense of each character, further adding to the immersion of the game. However, not all critics share the same sentiment. Metro GameCentral mentions weak voice-acting in their review, although they note that switching to Japanese voiceovers helps alleviate this issue to some extent. WellPlayed criticizes the English voice acting, describing it as awkward and out of touch. They also point out the lack of closed captions or subtitles for the Japanese dialogue outside of cutscenes and visual novel-like dialogues, which may be a drawback for players who prefer to fully understand the dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in NEO: The World Ends With You is a mixed bag. While some reviewers praise the performances and their contribution to character development and immersion, others express disappointment or suggest alternative options, such as switching to Japanese voiceovers. It is worth noting that the availability of both English and Japanese voice acting, as mentioned by Gameblog.fr, adds to the overall experience and provides players with the option to choose their preferred language.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in NEO: The World Ends With You. Some praise the emotive performances that enhance character development and immersion, while others criticize the English voice acting as awkward. Switching to Japanese voiceovers is suggested as a solution for those unhappy with the English performances. The availability of both language options gives players the freedom to choose their preferred experience.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, the opinions of the critics vary across different gaming platforms. Starting with the Nintendo Switch, there are mixed reviews regarding its performance. CGMagazine and Game Informer both mention technical issues such as unsteady frame rates, input lag, and occasional crashes. However, Hey Poor Player and Noisy Pixel have a more positive outlook, stating that the game runs smoothly overall with minimal slowdowns and performance issues. GameByte also notes minor slowdowns when using multiple attacks simultaneously, but considers it a non-issue. Screen Rant, on the other hand, points out lengthy loading times and noticeable lag during area transitions on the Nintendo Switch. Moving on to the PC platform, the general consensus among critics is that NEO: The World Ends With You performs well. Gaming Nexus states that the game runs smoothly on PC, provided the hardware meets the requirements. The Mako Reactor adds that even on dated hardware, the game runs well with uncapped frame rate support and improved load times. GamingTrend mentions stable performance on PC, assuming the hardware is up to par. Overall, the PC version seems to offer a more consistent and stable experience compared to the Nintendo Switch. Taking into account the opinions of all the critics, it is evident that the Nintendo Switch version of NEO: The World Ends With You has some technical shortcomings. Issues such as unsteady frame rates, input lag, crashes, and lengthy loading times are mentioned by multiple critics. However, it is worth noting that some reviewers, such as Hey Poor Player and Noisy Pixel, consider the technical performance on the Switch to be generally good, with only minor slowdowns and occasional crashes. On the other hand, the PC version receives more positive feedback, with smooth performance and improved load times being highlighted. While the controls on PC are described as finicky and weird by Gaming Nexus, it is worth mentioning that the reviewer used a DualShock 4 controller instead. Overall, the consensus leans towards a satisfactory technical performance, with the PC version being the preferred platform for a smoother experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of NEO: The World Ends With You on different gaming platforms. Nintendo Switch faces issues like unsteady frame rates and lag, while the PC version is praised for smooth performance and improved load times, making it the preferred choice for a stable experience.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of NEO: The World Ends With You are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various features and mechanics that contribute to the game's replayability. App Trigger mentions that collecting pins and experiencing new powers keep the game fresh, while GameByte praises the quality-of-life features such as changing difficulty and encounter rates, as well as the ability to replay days and unlock more features as you make friends. Noisy Pixel also mentions the introduction of sidequests and the "social network" mechanic, which adds more reason to get into battles and functions as a character glossary. Additionally, Easy Allies and GameSpew appreciate the ability to replay previous chapters and complete side missions for worthwhile rewards. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Push Square points out that while the game offers a level replay feature, the backtracking mechanic can make the experience feel sluggish. This suggests that the replay value may be hindered by the cumbersome nature of revisiting previous days. Despite this, the overall consensus of the critics is that NEO: The World Ends With You offers a good amount of replay value. CGMagazine mentions the hearty post-game content that can keep players invested for more than 60 hours if they're thorough, while Gameblog.fr states that the game offers around 20 hours of gameplay with side quests and collectibles to keep players engaged. Inverse also highlights the large number of collectibles and completionist elements that provide replay value for those interested in exploring all the content. Overall, the critics agree that the game provides enough replay value through its various features, mechanics, and additional content to keep players engaged and invested in the world of NEO: The World Ends With You.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise NEO: The World Ends With You for its strong replay value due to features like collecting pins, quality-of-life enhancements, sidequests, and a social network mechanic. Despite some criticisms about backtracking, the game offers post-game content that can keep players engaged for over 60 hours. With around 20 hours of gameplay, plenty of collectibles, and completionist elements, NEO: The World Ends With You provides an engaging experience worth revisiting.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the majority of critics had a highly positive opinion of NEO: The World Ends With You, with many praising its various aspects. One of the standout features of the game that received consistent praise was its captivating and stylish design. Critics such as GameByte and Noisy Pixel commended the game for capturing the magic of the original and delivering a visually appealing experience. The vibrant and colorful visuals, along with the infectious music, were also highlighted by Gaming Nexus as contributing to the game's overall appeal. Additionally, the game's engaging story and excellent characterisation were praised by RPGamer and The Games Machine, further adding to its positive reception. The game's charm, fun, and accessibility were also emphasized by Screen Rant, making it a must-play for any JRPG fan. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, there were some criticisms mentioned by a few reviewers. The combat system was a point of contention for some, with CGMagazine and Gameblog.fr expressing their disappointment in its weaker mechanics. The latter also mentioned that the combat could be confusing at times, giving the game a somewhat simplistic mobile game feel. Metro GameCentral also noted weak voice-acting and random combat as drawbacks. iMore mentioned filler and lackluster 3D visuals as areas where the game fell short. However, these criticisms were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that NEO: The World Ends With You is a highly recommended game that delivers a fantastic experience. The game's captivating story, engaging gameplay, and visually distinctive design were praised by multiple reviewers. The positive reception was further supported by the game's charming and enjoyable nature, as mentioned by Daily Star and Hey Poor Player. The game's ability to capture the essence of the original while moving the series forward was also highlighted by Easy Allies. Despite some minor issues with the combat system and technical aspects, the majority of critics agreed that NEO: The World Ends With You is a standout experience and a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly loved NEO: The World Ends With You for its captivating design, engaging story, and charming characters, making it a must-play for JRPG fans. Some critics had minor issues with the combat system and visuals, but these were overshadowed by the game's fantastic experience and positive reception.

MONSTER

Reviews

143 reviews found

100

Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that NEO: The World Ends with You was worth the wait, praising its brilliant narrative, stylish design, and fast-paced battle system. The reviewer states that the game's development is fueled by the love of the fans and that it is difficult to put down.

Read full review

100

Gfinity

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO: The World Ends with You is praised as one of the year's finest RPGs, with a grand and modern epic story, impeccable writing, and impressive style.

Read full review

The Games Machine

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO: The World Ends with You is a unique and successful RPG that builds upon the original game's mechanics. The improved combat system and intriguing story make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.

Read full review

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Jul 30, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO is an efficient burst of energy and excitement, with a fantastic soundtrack, dynamic combat system, and a celebration of Japanese youth culture. It has the potential to graduate from cult status.

Read full review

The Mako Reactor

Oct 5, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the PC version is the best way to play NEO: The World Ends with You, praising its visual and performance improvements.

Read full review

Screen Rant

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO: The World Ends With You is a unique, eye-catching, and entertaining JRPG that prioritizes charm, fun, and accessibility. It is a must-play for any JRPG fan.

Read full review

GameByte

Nintendo Switch

Sep 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO: The World Ends with You is a modern masterpiece that captures the magic of the original game. It is highly recommended for fans of the original and newcomers alike. The game's stylish and heartfelt nature makes it a standout experience.

Read full review

GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neo: The World Ends With You is an outstanding RPG unlike any other, with a modern presentation and gripping gameplay.

Read full review

Gaming Nexus

Oct 5, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO: The World Ends with You is dripping in style, with vibrant and colorful visuals, infectious music, and addictive combat. The story may drag on at times, but it is a love letter to returning fans and an enticing invitation for newcomers.

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NEO: The World Ends With You offers an engaging combination of clean and flashy aesthetics, addicting leveling, and fun characters. It may not be entirely profound, but it is a complete package that any RPG fan should play.

Read full review