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Neon White

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Neon White
Item: Neon White
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Shooter, Visual Novel, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJun 16, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

DeveloperAngel Matrix

Overview

Neon White is a lightning fast first-person action game about exterminating demons in Heaven. You are White, an assassin handpicked from Hell to compete with other demon slayers for a chance to live permanently in Heaven. The other assassins seem familiar, though… did you know them in a past life?

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the story of Neon White for its engaging and unique premise, with many highlighting the intriguing narrative that revolves around sinners competing in a contest in Heaven. GameSpew, from the PS5, found the storyline to be engaging, especially as it becomes more complex as the competition progresses. Nintendo Life commended the well-developed characters and intriguing mysteries, while Nintendo Insider appreciated the depth added to the narrative through the protagonist's amnesia. PC Invasion also noted the engaging narrative with fully voiced main story sequences and optional conversations to unlock, adding layers to the storytelling. TheSixthAxis mentioned the unique concept of an amnesiac sinner from Hell sent to Heaven, narrated with a nuanced performance, contributing to the overall positive sentiment towards the story. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the story of Neon White. Push Square pointed out that some dialogue was a bit cheesy, although the voice acting was solid. Dexerto highlighted some writing inconsistencies, indicating that while the narrative was character-driven, there were areas that could have been improved. IGN was notably critical of the dialogue and characters, describing them as irritating and unengaging, which stood out as a contrasting opinion among the majority of positive reviews. Despite these criticisms, they were in the minority compared to the overall positive reception of the story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Neon White. The majority of reviewers found the narrative to be engaging, with well-developed characters, intriguing mysteries, and a unique premise that kept players invested throughout. The blend of humor, emotional depth, and character development resonated with many critics, showcasing the strength of the storytelling in the game. While there were a few criticisms regarding dialogue, voice acting, and writing inconsistencies, these were overshadowed by the praise for the overall narrative experience. Neon White's story seems to have successfully captivated players with its intriguing concept and well-executed character-driven plot, making it a standout aspect of the game according to the critics' opinions.

TL;DR

story and narrative

TLDR: Critics laud Neon White's engaging and unique story about sinners competing in Heaven, praising its well-developed characters, intriguing mysteries, and nuanced narrative depth. While some point out minor flaws like cheesy dialogue and writing inconsistencies, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's blend of humor, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling as a standout feature.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Neon White for its innovative and unique approach to blending various genres such as first-person shooter, platformer, and card-based mechanics. GameSpew commended the game for its "emphasis on speed and strategy in collecting and using cards effectively to progress," while Nintendo Insider highlighted the "smooth movement and fast-paced action" that made for an engaging experience. Critics like Nintendo Life appreciated the "well-designed levels, timed challenges, and rewarding collectibles," showcasing the depth and thought put into the gameplay mechanics. The use of cards as weapons and abilities added a strategic layer to the fast-paced combat, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations and playstyles. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks in Neon White's gameplay. IGN mentioned that despite the engaging action, there were some repetitive elements towards the end of the game. This sentiment was echoed by Game Informer, who noted that mastery of different weapon functions and precise movements were required, which could potentially lead to a sense of repetition for some players. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming highlighted that while the mechanics were easy to master, it may not offer enough complexity for players seeking a more challenging experience. These critiques suggest that while the gameplay is solid and enjoyable, there may be room for further depth or variety to keep players fully engaged throughout the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Neon White. The game's unique blend of fast-paced combat, platforming, and card-based mechanics received praise for its innovative approach and engaging gameplay loop. Critics like COGconnected and Screen Rant appreciated how the game seamlessly merged genres, offering a thrilling and creative experience for players. The emphasis on speedrunning, strategic decision-making, and skill improvement resonated well with many reviewers, highlighting the game's ability to cater to both casual and dedicated players alike. With its stylish navigation, challenging tasks, and replay value, Neon White's gameplay stands out as a standout feature that sets it apart in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Neon White's innovative gameplay, blending FPS, platformer, and card mechanics, received high praise for its speed, strategy, and immersive action. Critics lauded the well-designed levels and rewarding collectibles, but noted some repetitive elements towards the end. While some felt the mechanics could be more challenging, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its engaging and unique gameplay experience that caters to a wide range of players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics unanimously praise the graphics and visual design of Neon White for its striking and stylish aesthetic. GameSpew commends the crisp visuals and buttery-smooth performance on the PS5, while Push Square highlights the game's slick and modern presentation, with a compelling visual novel aspect during downtime. COGconnected appreciates the neo-futuristic art style and unique identity created by the animal masks for characters, with color cues aiding gameplay. Dexerto mentions the gorgeous color palette and dream-like quality of the unique art style, enhancing the overall experience. TheSixthAxis also praises the stylish anime-inspired design and well-crafted levels, showcasing smart placement of elements. On the downside, some critics point out issues that detract from the overall visual experience of Neon White. Push Square notes severe screen-tearing as a noticeable problem that hinders the sleek presentation of the game. Giant Bomb mentions that the graphical quality on the Nintendo Switch may be muddier compared to other platforms, although it does not significantly impact gameplay. Screen Rant criticizes the excessive dating-sim dialogue and clichés in the game, which may affect the overall immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Neon White. The game's distinct art style, vibrant color palette, and well-crafted levels receive praise from multiple reviewers, such as Nintendo Insider, Nintendo Life, and PC Invasion. Despite some minor issues like screen-tearing and muddier graphics on certain platforms, the majority of critics appreciate the game's aesthetic appeal and its ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Neon White's cohesive art style, memorable character designs, and intuitive visual cues for navigation and mechanics contribute to its overall positive reception among critics, making it a visually appealing and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Neon White's stunning graphics and stylish design, praising its neo-futuristic art style, vibrant color palette, and well-crafted levels. While some mention issues like screen-tearing and muddier graphics on certain platforms, the majority applaud the game's aesthetic appeal and immersive experience. With its unique art style, memorable characters, and intuitive visual cues, Neon White stands out as a visually captivating and engaging game.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Neon White, highlighting its positive impact on the overall gameplay experience. Critics like GamingTrend and Player 2 appreciated how the fast-paced music perfectly complemented the action-packed gameplay, putting players in a state of flow and enhancing the pacing of the game. Dexerto and Gfinity specifically mentioned the immersive experience created by the heavenly synth soundtrack and electronic beats from Machine Girl, which added to the euphoria and vaporwave aesthetic of the game. Additionally, Worth Playing and Game Informer pointed out the superb voice acting that added depth to the characters and complemented the game's aesthetic, with references to popular bands and iconic voice actors like Steven Blum. While the majority of critics had positive feedback on the sound design and music of Neon White, there were a few dissenting opinions. NintendoWorldReport found the music to be forgettable, leading to a more passive gaming experience akin to listening to a podcast. Push Square did not provide specific comments on the music or sound design, suggesting that these aspects might not have stood out as much compared to other elements of the game. These criticisms indicate that while the overall reception of the sound design and music was positive, there were differing opinions on the memorability and impact of the soundtrack for some reviewers. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Neon White. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its excellent musical backing tracks, immersive synth soundtrack, and top-notch voice acting that enhanced the overall gameplay experience. Critics appreciated how the music and sound design contributed to the pacing, atmosphere, and adrenaline rush of the game, creating a cohesive and engaging audio-visual experience. Despite a few minor criticisms about memorability and impact, the general sentiment is that Neon White excels in delivering a captivating and well-crafted auditory experience that complements its unique gameplay mechanics and aesthetic.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Neon White's sound design and music for enhancing gameplay with fast-paced music, immersive synth soundtrack, and top-notch voice acting. Some dissenting opinions found the music forgettable, but overall, the consensus is highly positive for creating a cohesive and engaging audio-visual experience that complements the game's unique mechanics and aesthetic.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Neon White has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Push Square and COGconnected both praised the solid and all-star voice acting, respectively, highlighting the strength it brings to the dialogue and the amplification of the characters' personalities. GamingTrend and Nintendo Life specifically mentioned strong performances by notable actors like SunWon Cho and Steve Blum, who brought edgy and emotional performances to the characters, particularly White and Violet. Worth Playing also commended the superb voice acting, noting how it added character and chemistry to the diverse cast. On the other hand, IGN stood out as the only critic who criticized the voice acting, describing it as irritating and unengaging, with characters being labeled as annoying and uninteresting. This contrasting opinion suggests a subjective element to the reception of the voice acting in Neon White, where individual preferences and tastes come into play. Additionally, Giant Bomb mentioned that while the dialogue in the game could disrupt the flow of gameplay and the humor may not always land, it could lead to unique sidequest levels, indicating a potential inconsistency in the execution of the voice acting and dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans heavily towards the positive side regarding the voice acting in Neon White. The majority of reviewers, such as Game Informer, TheSixthAxis, and WellPlayed, praised the engaging narrative, well-delivered performances, and the depth added to the story and character relationships by the voice actors. Despite some minor criticisms and variations in opinions, the general sentiment suggests that the voice acting in Neon White is a significant asset to the game, contributing to its overall appeal and immersive experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly love the voice acting in Neon White for bringing characters to life with strong performances by actors like SunWon Cho and Steve Blum. IGN's the odd one out, finding it annoying. While some mention dialogue issues, overall, the consensus is positive, with reviewers praising the engaging narrative and immersive experience created by the voice acting.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positive feedback for technical performance, Neon White received high praise on the PS5 for its performance, loading times, and DualSense controller support, as noted by GameSpew. The Nintendo Switch version also garnered positive feedback from critics such as Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport, highlighting smooth gameplay experiences with minimal loading times and no major technical performance issues. Dexerto's review of the PC version commended the instantaneous restarts, smooth performance, and the replay value added by the leaderboard setup. On the other hand, some negative aspects were pointed out by critics across different platforms. Push Square mentioned severe screen-tearing on the PS5, which could be distracting, especially without Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or a 120Hz-compatible display. GamingTrend and Giant Bomb highlighted issues on the Nintendo Switch, including unclear directions, long loading screens on retries, and boss fights without checkpoints affecting gameplay flow. Screen Rant specifically noted issues with accurate aiming and hand comfort on the Nintendo Switch version, suggesting a smoother experience on PC. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Neon White's technical performance across platforms, with some minor issues present on certain consoles. While the PS5 and PC versions seem to offer smoother experiences with fewer technical hiccups, the Nintendo Switch version received mixed feedback, ranging from near-flawless performance to occasional performance issues and longer loading times. Despite these platform-specific drawbacks, the game generally delivers a solid technical performance, as highlighted by PC Invasion's review mentioning occasional instances of sloppy gameplay but overall solid performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Neon White earns high praise for technical performance on PS5 and PC, with smooth gameplay and quick loading times. Nintendo Switch version receives mixed feedback, with some critics noting issues like long loading screens and unclear directions. Overall, the game delivers a solid technical performance with minor drawbacks on different platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics unanimously praised Neon White for its exceptional replay value, citing various engaging gameplay elements that incentivize players to revisit levels and strive for better performance. GameSpew highlighted the opportunities for replayability with level exploration, gift hunting, and special quests, offering a unique and challenging adventure. Push Square echoed this sentiment by mentioning the compelling gameplay loop that makes replaying levels a rewarding experience, particularly through trying to beat fast times and discovering shortcuts. Critics like Nintendo Insider and Nintendo Life also appreciated the timed challenges, collectibles, and global leaderboards that add depth to the replay value, catering to speedrunners and completionists alike. On the flip side, there were a few critics who pointed out some drawbacks regarding the replay value of Neon White. IGN mentioned that longer levels and boss battles could become tiresome and frustrating, potentially hindering the overall replayability for some players. Despite this criticism, the majority of reviewers did not dwell on significant negatives, emphasizing the game's strengths in providing a satisfying gameplay loop and diverse challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Neon White. The game's high replayability factor, driven by features such as online leaderboards, hidden gifts, speedrunning incentives, and challenging level designs, resonated well with the majority of reviewers. Giant Bomb praised the game for offering a satisfying gameplay loop for speedrunning enthusiasts, while Gfinity highlighted the continuous challenge presented by optimal paths and moves. With a plethora of content to uncover, improve upon, and compete globally, Neon White emerges as a standout title that successfully delivers on its promise of providing an enriching and rewarding replay experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

replay value

Neon White has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional replay value, offering engaging gameplay elements like level exploration, gift hunting, and timed challenges. Critics laud the game's rewarding gameplay loop and diverse challenges that cater to speedrunners and completionists. While some critics noted longer levels and boss battles as potential drawbacks, the majority praised Neon White for its satisfying experience with online leaderboards, hidden gifts, and challenging level designs. Overall, Neon White stands out as a standout title that delivers a rich and rewarding replay experience for players on various platforms.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

Neon White has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics for its standout qualities. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include its immersive gameplay, addictive replay value, engaging storytelling, and unique blend of genres. Critics like GameSpew and Push Square commend the game for its slick adventure, tight controls, and compelling gameplay loop, making it suitable for fans of speed-running and strategic gameplay. Additionally, Nintendo Life and Nintendo Insider appreciate Neon White's excellence in storytelling, gameplay innovation, visual design, sound, and replay value, emphasizing its must-play status for action game enthusiasts and Switch owners. The game's addictive qualities, charming characters, and boppin music, as noted by GamingTrend, further contribute to its overall positive reception. On the downside, some critics pointed out minor issues with Neon White that slightly detracted from the overall experience. IGN mentions unengaging story elements and characters, along with repetitive and frustrating sections towards the end, as areas for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment among reviewers is that the game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge minor technical issues and slow-paced boss fights but still recommend Neon White for its addictive and massively replayable experience, engaging gameplay mechanics, compelling story, and unique combat system. The critiques from Slant Magazine and Screen Rant regarding pacing issues and technical hiccups are outweighed by the game's exhilarating gameplay, innovative mechanics, and rewarding challenges. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Neon White being described as a standout release of 2022 and a highly recommended experience for players across different platforms. Critics like Giant Bomb, Game Informer, and Gfinity praise the game for its addictive gameplay loop, deep mechanics, welcoming approach to speedrunning, engaging narrative, visually appealing design, fitting music, and replay value. The unique blend of genres, satisfying gameplay, and compelling challenges make Neon White a top contender for Game of the Year, appealing to a specific demographic while still being enjoyable for a wider audience, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis. The game's ability to capture the feeling of speed and fulfillment, as mentioned by WellPlayed, further solidifies its position as a delightful and entertaining speed-running adventure that delivers a fun and satisfying experience overall.

TL;DR

Neon White impresses critics with its immersive gameplay, addictive replay value, and engaging storytelling, making it a standout release of 2022. While some minor issues were noted, the game's strengths like slick adventure, compelling challenges, and boppin music outweigh any weaknesses. Overall, Neon White is highly recommended for action game enthusiasts and Switch owners seeking a rewarding and exhilarating speed-running adventure.

MONSTER

Reviews

105 reviews found

100

GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Jun 22, 2022

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

Neon White is praised as a ballet of bullets and death, offering tight platforming, charming characters, boppin music, and a wealth of content. Despite some minor flaws, it is recommended as one of the best games of 2022.

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100

TheSixthAxis

Jun 22, 2022

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

Neon White is described as exciting, addicting, and stylish, appealing to a specific demographic while still being enjoyable for others, making it a potential Game of the Year contender.

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100

Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Jun 27, 2022

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

Neon White is described as one of the best and most electrifying releases of 2022, offering an exciting and satisfying gaming experience with addictive qualities.

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100

Guardian

Jul 3, 2022

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

Neon White offers a unique speedrunning experience with taut design, imaginative visuals, and strategic gameplay mechanics that reward commitment with exhilaration. The game's focus on competition and replay value make it a compelling choice for speedrunning enthusiasts.

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100

Giant Bomb

Nintendo Switch

Jul 19, 2022

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

Neon White is praised for its addictive gameplay loop, deep gameplay mechanics, and welcoming approach to speedrunning. The game offers compelling challenges and a rewarding experience for players looking to compete on leaderboards or improve their times.

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PC Invasion

Jun 17, 2022

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

Neon White is an incredible game with masterful gameplay, engaging narrative, and impressive level design, recommended for fans of first-person games and great stories

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Game Informer

Jun 15, 2022

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

Neon White is highly praised for achieving everything it sets out to do with remarkable success. It is considered one of the best games of the year, catering to a specific audience of weirdos, misfits, and dorks.

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Player 2

Nintendo Switch

Jun 17, 2022

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

Addictive, compelling, and highly enjoyable speed-running platformer with card abilities, offering a satisfying gameplay loop and engaging replay value.

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Worth Playing

Jun 15, 2022

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

Neon White is a delightful speed-running game that combines engaging gameplay, a unique story, likable characters, and strong voice acting and music. Despite minor drawbacks like backtracking for gifts, the game excels in delivering a fun and satisfying experience.

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WellPlayed

Jun 15, 2022

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

Neon White is an excellent game that captures the feeling of speed and fulfillment, providing an entertaining and challenging experience with a unique combat system and well-crafted levels.

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