Neon Abyss

84%
Game Brain Score Based on 6,292 reviews
  • gameplay
  • music
  • graphics
Neon Abyss Game Cover
Neon Abyss' pixel art graphics and superb soundtrack round off a perfect addition to the Switch's formidable catalogue of indie treasures.
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Neon Abyss is a deluxe edition game that includes the base game, the Lovable Rogues Pack with two additional characters, Alter Ego with 10 new character skins and skills, a new game mode and Titan boss with Chrono Trap, and a soundtrack. An experimental branch is also available for players to access new content and changes. The game is not about crystals, but about exploring the Abyss and facing challenges as a result of Titan's failed experiments.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,292 reviews
gameplay309 positive mentions
grinding120 negative mentions
  • gameplay972 mentions

    The gameplay of *Neon Abyss* is characterized by its fast-paced, chaotic action and a variety of mechanics, including a unique pet system and randomly generated levels that enhance replayability. However, many players find the mechanics to be poorly explained and overly reliant on luck, leading to frustration and a lack of depth in gameplay. While the game offers engaging visuals and a solid core loop, it suffers from repetitive elements and inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience, making it feel less innovative compared to other roguelikes like *Enter the Gungeon* or *The Binding of Isaac*.

    • “Neon Abyss is a roguelite that combines fast-paced action with addictive, randomly generated gameplay.”
    • “This game has endless replayability, especially with the Chrono Trap DLC, great visuals and sound design, fun weapons and gameplay, all with an amazing soundtrack to top it off.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, as well as relatively simple (in a good way, of course).”
    • “Gameplay is pretty one-dimensional, which makes it easy to get started with but sacrifices replay value due to lack of depth.”
    • “The vast majority of the mechanics just feel like they're missing something.”
    • “Some features and mechanics are poorly explained and the gameplay hits a plateau where the game just becomes grindy.”
  • music489 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its energetic and catchy soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. However, several players noted that the music can become repetitive over time, lacking variety and depth, which may lead to fatigue during extended play sessions. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally well-received, there is a strong desire for more diverse tracks to keep the experience fresh.

    • “This game has endless replayability, especially with the Chrono Trap DLC, great visuals and sound design, fun weapons and gameplay, all with an amazing soundtrack to top it off.”
    • “The colorful art style and original soundtrack combine to create an exciting atmosphere that immerses players in the game’s procedurally generated world.”
    • “The music is top tier and the game keeps you engaged from start to finish.”
    • “My only complaint would be the soundtrack; even though at the beginning you find it so groovy as it motivates you to rush and jump into the game, it's sort of repetitive and there's not much other than just a song or two at most.”
    • “The music is uninspired and forgettable, and the art itself is probably the only saving grace.”
    • “For a game that tries to sell itself with great sound and music, it really lacks in that part; the music is very repetitive and quite bland, sound is passable.”
  • graphics463 mentions

    The graphics of "Neon Abyss" are widely praised for their vibrant pixel art style and engaging neon aesthetic, which effectively combines retro and modern elements. Players appreciate the colorful environments and unique character designs, although some note that the visuals can become repetitive over time. Overall, the game's art style and attention to detail contribute significantly to its charm and immersive atmosphere, making it a standout feature for fans of the genre.

    • “The graphics are awesome, and I can see the developers put a lot of care into it.”
    • “The game's pixel art graphics are vibrant and engaging, with a unique visual style that adds to the game's overall charm.”
    • “The game also has some excellent visuals - the vibrant and colorful retro-futuristic vaporwave environments contrasted with the twisted and gross enemy design is a nice juxtaposition.”
    • “Not to mention the item graphics aren't really descriptive; you mostly just guess what an item does based on its graphics and you are often guessing wrong.”
    • “Story is laughably basic and boring, graphics are generic pixel art with a few good backgrounds, art style is a mess — the game wants to be cyberpunk-ish, but forgets about it 5 minutes into the first level.”
    • “The game feels like it tries too hard to be like Enter the Gungeon and The Binding of Isaac, but falls flat in all regards but visuals.”
  • story171 mentions

    The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal, lacking depth, and often feeling non-existent, with many players expressing disappointment over its simplistic and unengaging narrative. While some find the humor in the story somewhat charming, the overall consensus is that it fails to provide a compelling backdrop for the gameplay, leaving players wanting more in terms of character development and plot progression. Ultimately, those seeking a rich narrative experience may find this game lacking, as it prioritizes gameplay mechanics over storytelling.

    • “The detailed pixel art is amazing and the story is cute too.”
    • “The story is kinda funny as well which helps overall.”
    • “Story is not very deep but enough to keep you interested.”
    • “The story is essentially non-existent, at least as far as I got.”
    • “The bosses die within 30 seconds, and each time you beat a run you get absolutely no satisfaction as the ending is just one sentence and you're back to the start, no fanfare, no story, nothing.”
    • “There is almost no story in the game; after thirty hours, I really have no idea what any of this game is about.”
  • replayability148 mentions

    The game is praised for its high replayability, featuring randomly generated levels, diverse character abilities, and a wide array of items that create unique experiences in each run. However, some players feel it lacks depth and variety compared to other roguelikes, leading to diminishing returns in replay value after extended play. Overall, while many find it addictive and engaging, there are concerns about its long-term replayability due to repetitive elements and limited content.

    • “Its rogue-like system offers infinite replayability, with randomly generated challenges and stimulating item synergies.”
    • “One of the game's standout features is its replayability, with randomly generated levels that offer a new experience with each playthrough.”
    • “Incredible, lots of replayability and thousands of combinations.”
    • “Gameplay is pretty one-dimensional, which makes it easy to get started with but sacrifices replay value due to lack of depth.”
    • “Very limited replayability for a roguelike game.”
    • “It just doesn't hold enough replay value, and when I'm staring at the pit deciding whether or not to jump back in, I frequently find that the payoff is not worth the time put into the run.”
  • grinding134 mentions

    The game's grinding mechanics have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players finding the progression system excessively tedious and slow. Unlocking characters and items often requires repetitive runs through similar levels, leading to a sense of monotony and frustration. While some players appreciate the grind as a nostalgic element reminiscent of classic games, the consensus is that it detracts from overall enjoyment and can feel like a chore rather than a rewarding experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “I presume there is an equivalent for wisdom rooms (which luckily don't hurt you), but holy crap that is tedious.”
    • “The game is grindy as heck, meta progression is slow and there really isn't that much to be gained from it.”
    • “It's unnecessarily grindy and not that fun.”
    • “My biggest complaint with the game is that the progression is obnoxiously grindy.”
  • humor78 mentions

    The humor in "Neon Abyss" is widely praised, with players enjoying its clever references, funny item descriptions, and absurd weapon behaviors that contribute to a lighthearted gaming experience. Many reviews highlight the game's self-aware meta-humor and the comedic moments that arise during gameplay, making it both entertaining and addictive. However, some players note that the abundance of "joke" guns can be frustrating, as their unpredictable effects may detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “Neon Abyss is an amazing roguelike, side-scrolling shooter that comes with all kinds of action-packed and funny moments.”
    • “The humor is great as well, tons of loving fun poked at other game series in the items you can acquire.”
    • “The game itself runs smoothly, has a lot of funny jokes and references, and creates a strong desire for wanting to play more.”
  • stability68 mentions

    The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Players have experienced game-breaking problems, such as freezing during critical moments and unreliable saving, leading to frustration and negative reviews. While some users note that the game runs well on certain systems, the consensus is that it requires substantial improvements to its stability and bug fixes to enhance playability.

    • “Also, it runs great on my laptop with integrated graphics.”
    • “Game runs great; no bugs that I have found.”
    • “Also, it runs great on my laptop with integrated graphics.”
    • “I cannot recommend this game because it is buggy and the developers don't care about the game.”
    • “The game is buggy, does not save properly, keeps giving a black screen, etc. Thumbs down.”
    • “It is as fun as I thought it would be... but I was having major performance issues. Your bullet hell game isn't fun if it freezes for a few frames and you end up losing one of your precious hearts; there aren't even any performance or quality settings to try to mitigate the problem.”
  • atmosphere24 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its colorful art style and original soundtrack, which together create an immersive experience in the procedurally generated world. While some players note a repetitive nature in the room designs, the overall vibe, including the slick artwork and engaging music, keeps them returning for more. The combination of these elements fosters a captivating and enjoyable environment, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The colorful art style and original soundtrack combine to create an exciting atmosphere that immerses players in the game’s procedurally generated world.”
    • “Neon Abyss has a great atmosphere, awesome soundtrack, and a huge variety of items and synergies that make each run interesting and entertaining.”
    • “The atmosphere and soundtrack are what keep me coming back though.”
    • “It was usually the same rooms randomly generated with the same atmosphere and chests.”
    • “-childish atmosphere;”
    • “Gameplay, atmosphere, graphics.”
  • emotional18 mentions

    Players express a mix of frustration and attachment in their emotional experiences with the game. While some find themselves compelled to continue playing despite a lack of satisfaction, others feel a nurturing instinct towards in-game elements, likening their experience to that of a "mother hen." Overall, the emotional engagement is characterized by a blend of disappointment in gameplay mechanics and a persistent drive to explore the game's challenges.

    • “It's one of those weird games that never made me feel satisfied playing it, but I kept playing it.”
    • “Plus, it really made me feel like a mother hen with all those eggs.”
    • “I recommend this game a lot to people who love rogue-like games.”
  • optimization13 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. While some players report smooth performance and minimal bugs, others experience significant frame drops and lack of quality settings, particularly when the gameplay becomes intense. The need for better item optimization and playtesting is also highlighted, indicating that the game may not be fully polished for an enjoyable experience.

    • “The game itself runs smoothly, has a lot of funny jokes and references, and creates a strong desire for wanting to play more.”
    • “The performance is flawless.”
    • “Bugs are minimal and performance is okay until you become too powerful.”
    • “It is as fun as I thought it would be... but I was having major performance issues. Your bullet hell game isn't fun if it freezes for a few frames and you end up losing one of your precious hearts. There aren't even any performance or quality settings to try to mitigate the problem.”
    • “Won't play it until it's playable, and by playable I don't speak of mechanics that I dislike but just optimization that doesn't make me die because I have a good run.”
    • “Performance issues, the lack of the genre's typical dodge button, and the chaotic room design all prevent Neon Abyss from being a must-buy title.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for relying heavily on advertising and influencer promotions, similar to models seen in games like Raid: Shadow Legends. Despite claims of a diverse array of items, players feel that the gameplay lacks variety and fails to deliver on its promises, leading to a sense of disappointment.

    • “Good advertisement and paying lots of streamers to play the game (pretty much like Raid: Shadow Legends) to hype it up with no real diversity.”
    • “Things feel too similar despite advertising a bunch of items.”
    • “This game does not deliver on any of the advertised features.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in the game is noted for its unique designs and mechanics, although the overall narrative depth appears to be minimal, reflecting the game's focus on gameplay rather than character progression.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

Buy Neon Abyss

Play time

16hMedian play time
43hAverage play time
8-42hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 50 analyzed playthroughs

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