Neon White

It gets its hooks in deep and fast, but the true fun and challenge in Neon White becomes apparent the more you play it.

Starting at $11.99Buy now

Get on Steam

Get on Xbox Games Store

Get on PS Store

Neon White is a fast-paced first-person action game where you play as an assassin from Hell, competing with others to earn a place in Heaven. Use "Soul Cards" to attack enemies or perform movement abilities, and discover shortcuts to compete for the best times. Uncover Heaven's secrets and past connections with the other assassins.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 9,623 reviews

story782 positive mentions

grinding68 negative mentions

Incredibly addictive gameplay that encourages players to improve their times and find shortcuts.
Fantastic soundtrack by Machine Girl that complements the fast-paced action.
Well-designed levels that are easy to learn but challenging to master, providing a satisfying experience.

Cringe-worthy dialogue and story that can detract from the overall experience.
Some levels can feel tedious when searching for hidden collectibles.
The pacing can be disrupted by lengthy cutscenes and dialogue segments.

story
2,454 mentions
32 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The story of "Neon White" is a mixed bag, often described as cheesy and filled with over-the-top anime tropes, which some players find endearing while others consider it cringeworthy. Despite its flaws, many reviewers appreciate the engaging character interactions and the way the narrative unfolds, especially as players progress through the game and unlock additional content. Overall, while the gameplay is the main draw, the story provides a light-hearted backdrop that can be skipped if desired, allowing players to focus on the fast-paced action.
- “I was positively surprised by the story and the way it's handled, and the writing in general isn't something I expected to see in this kind of game.”
- “The story is quite campy and intentionally 'cringe', but I think it's a perfect amount of 'owning up to' the cringe.”
- “The story is gripping, and the characters are really well done.”
- “The story is cringe and stuff but the gameplay makes up for it.”
- “The story is heavily anime inspired, it feels like it is intentionally meant as satire and yet it's so unfunny that it fails to walk that line and falls heavily into the world of cringe.”
- “The story is probably the weakest part of the whole package (yet still enjoyable).”
gameplay
2,431 mentions
55 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Neon White* is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics that blend first-person shooting with platforming elements, creating an addictive experience that encourages players to optimize their runs for better times. The unique card-based system adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to use weapons for both combat and movement, while the level design is meticulously crafted to enhance the speedrunning aspect. Despite mixed opinions on the story and dialogue, the core gameplay loop is consistently highlighted as a standout feature, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
- “The gameplay is so smooth, it very much lends itself to 'just one more run' that ends up being hours long sessions.”
- “The gameplay is nothing but pure delight, the mechanics are smooth, the movement is delightful, the arsenal is diverse enough to feel refreshing while not overwhelming, the level design is intuitive enough to always know where to blast through next, it's a 10/10 on that end.”
- “Neon white is an exhilarating first-person platformer that combines shooting and speedrunning mechanics perfectly.”
- “The gameplay loop can get really tiring after a bit, and is what mainly contributed to my burnout.”
- “The gameplay makes you feel like a speed runner.”
- “The gameplay is fast paced, but never unfair.”
music
1,796 mentions
55 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Neon White," composed by Machine Girl, has received widespread acclaim for its energetic and engaging quality, perfectly complementing the game's fast-paced gameplay. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to enhance the overall experience, with many noting its addictive nature and how it keeps players motivated during challenging levels. While some mention a degree of repetitiveness in the tracks, the consensus is that the music is a standout feature that elevates the game significantly.
- “The wonderful soundtrack does a lot of heavy lifting; the high-octane level music does its job well, but there are a lot of atmospheric tracks that really make the story bits come alive.”
- “The music is a major part of why this happens as well.”
- “Machine girl did an amazing job with the music, there's also speedrun the-game.”
- “Probably a hot take, but the music wasn't spectacular.”
- “I usually find myself stopping to listen to the soundtrack for most games I play, but I didn't do that here.”
- “The music is a lot like the gameplay, uptempo and repetitive.”
graphics
538 mentions
47 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique and vibrant art style that blends anime influences with a vaporwave aesthetic, reminiscent of early 2000s gaming. While some reviews note that the graphics are not cutting-edge, they are praised for their clarity and readability, enhancing the fast-paced gameplay experience. Overall, the visuals are described as stunning and engaging, effectively complementing the game's mechanics and soundtrack.
- “The neon art style is stunning, and the soundtrack fits perfectly.”
- “The graphics and art style are great, the music is fantastic, it runs silky smooth, and the gameplay is amazing.”
- “The art style is gorgeous and very anime inspired and uses colors in a way that makes reading the environment ahead of you very easy.”
- “The graphics themselves aren't something to write home about.”
- “The graphics aren't next-gen but they get the job done, and I actually found a lot of the levels very pretty no matter the setting.”
- “Sadly in-game the 3D levels and demons suffer from looking too indie Unity project rather than its own 3D graphical style.”
humor
247 mentions
95 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highly subjective, often described as a mix of cringey and self-aware dialogue that can be both endearing and off-putting. Many players find the writing to be intentionally silly and reminiscent of early internet and anime tropes, leading to moments of genuine laughter despite its campiness. While some criticize the dialogue as unfunny or annoying, others embrace its absurdity, making it a polarizing yet memorable aspect of the game.
- “And the story is hilariously cringe, but by the end I enjoyed the corny dialogue and embraced the madness like a popcorn flick.”
- “The writing, while definitely campy, consistently made me laugh throughout my entire playthrough.”
- “The story is engaging, humorous, and has an entertaining cast while also being presented in a way that lets you put it aside when you just want to play a bunch of levels.”
- “The story is heavily anime inspired; it feels like it is intentionally meant as satire, and yet it's so unfunny that it fails to walk that line and falls heavily into the world of cringe.”
- “It's not funny, and it's certainly not clever.”
- “This game is fun if you can stomach some of the most violently obnoxious, unfunny dialogue ever written.”
replayability
141 mentions
55 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
Neon White is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, driven by its engaging speedrunning mechanics and short, well-designed levels that encourage players to improve their times and compete on leaderboards. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to keep players returning for better scores, collectibles, and the thrill of mastering each level, making it a must-play for both casual gamers and speedrunning enthusiasts. Overall, the combination of addictive gameplay, fluid movement, and various challenges contributes to its high replay value, often described as nearly endless.
- “If you're looking for a fun challenge with near infinite replayability, look no further.”
- “Neon White is a fun, straightforward movement shooter with short, replayable levels that encourage you to speedrun and hunt for easter eggs.”
- “The game provides a lot of replayability by incentivizing you to go back and replay stages to get better medals and to even beat other people's times such as your friends.”
- “The replayability of this game is almost endless if you want to keep improving.”
- “The game provides a lot of replayability by incentivizing you to go back and replay stages to get better medals (these are needed to progress the story) and to even beat other people's times such as your friends.”
- “The levels almost always have some hidden path you didn't find on your first time around, lending to more replay value.”
grinding
76 mentions
1 % positive mentions
9 % neutral mentions
89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game elicits mixed reactions from players. While many find the fast-paced level replaying and leaderboard competition exhilarating and rewarding, others criticize the tediousness of certain missions, dialogue, and collectible hunting, particularly in later levels. Overall, the enjoyment of grinding seems to hinge on personal preferences for speedrunning and optimization versus the game's slower narrative elements.
- “Short levels mean repeating a level isn't tedious, then eventually finding the optimal path is so satisfying.”
- “Mashing through the conversations is tedious and boring.”
- “You will spend more time in dialogue than in the levels, and the dialogue is very immature, tedious, and awkward.”
- “The 'relationship' menu and gifting system is super tedious when you need to give 3+ gifts in a row.”
optimization
74 mentions
41 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is highly praised, with players enjoying the depth of speedrunning mechanics and the satisfaction of discovering shortcuts and micro-optimizations in level design. While the game is accessible for casual play, it also offers a challenging experience for those seeking to achieve the highest ranks through meticulous performance. Overall, the game runs smoothly on various platforms, although some players have reported occasional performance issues.
- “Over a hundred levels to go through, each with shortcuts, speed optimizations, and movement techs that keep the game feeling consistently fresh and fun.”
- “Pushing for fast times in the very creative and well-designed levels, full of shortcuts and optimizations, is an extremely satisfying experience.”
- “Every level is packed with little optimizations, the mechanics have a high skill ceiling, and there are even dev-intended shortcuts built into every level.”
- “Yet, Angel Matrix does fantastic work in easing players into the speedrunning mindset without the daunting fear of thousands of micro-optimizations.”
- “While performance has mostly been rock solid on my machine, there have been some performance complaints by other people, and even I've had a couple of stutters that have ruined a couple of my level attempts.”
- “Not a particular problem for me considering I'm still hellbent on trying to get the final medal above ace on every level individually, but considering some of the level rushes can go to over an hour in length, I can imagine I'd be pretty pissed off if I lost a run an hour in because of a performance hitch.”
character development
61 mentions
64 % positive mentions
31 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the character designs as vibrant and memorable, while the writing and dialogue are often criticized as cringeworthy or lacking depth. Some players appreciate the presence of character growth and personality, particularly in the hub world, but feel that the overall narrative fails to engage. Overall, while the character designs stand out, the accompanying story and dialogue detract from the potential for deeper character development.
- “There's actual character development and something more than just obstacles to the goal apparent from the start.”
- “The character design is remarkable and memorable.”
- “It turned into something more, had a great story, amazing character development, and some funny lines between each character.”
- “If you are the type of person who enjoys tight control time trial platforming, and would be interested in best breaking a game to get the fastest speed, you will thoroughly enjoy this, but if you are looking for a deeper experience with stronger game and character development, this isn't for you.”
- “Do not let the hot character designs fool you into paying attention to the story, you will genuinely enjoy the game more if you ignore the incredibly lame narrative.”
- “It felt like it was going for a Hades-style relationship system where you progress character development and writing with collectible presents, but unfortunately doesn't work very well when you don't care for the characters.”
emotional
51 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of heartfelt storytelling and quirky humor, with many players expressing surprise at the depth of the narrative, which touches on themes of self-forgiveness and emotional connection. While some moments resonate deeply, others feel overshadowed by the game's silliness, leading to mixed reactions regarding the overall emotional impact. Despite its comedic elements, the game manages to evoke genuine feelings, making players feel attached to the characters and invested in their journeys.
- “That game made me feel alive.”
- “The whole game aims to have a similar vibe to 2000s edgy kids; with edgy masks, suits, emo haircuts and more, but beyond this veneer of 'cringe', lies a heartfelt story of regret, forgiveness, and love.”
- “The story had good twists and turns, and even managed to make me get a little bit emotional during those emotional moments.”
atmosphere
21 mentions
52 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating soundtrack, which blends high-energy and atmospheric tracks that enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience. The visual style, characterized by bright colors and unique art design, complements the music and creates a cohesive, immersive environment that encourages exploration. Overall, players appreciate the combination of fast-paced action, engaging aesthetics, and a sense of euphoria that the atmosphere evokes.
- “The wonderful soundtrack does a lot of heavy lifting; the high-octane level music does its job well, but there are a lot of atmospheric tracks that really make the story bits come alive.”
- “Just about every level is simple and cohesive, yet always has powerful atmosphere and enough details and complexities to encourage some discovery.”
- “The plot is subservient but somewhat intriguing - but do help create the artistic atmosphere around the gameplay.”
- “All of that while being rushed forward by the game music, very subjective to each person's taste, but it fits into the atmosphere.”
- “A unique soundtrack that works in all the best ways with the game's suave style to engross the player in its atmosphere.”
stability
13 mentions
23 % positive mentions
8 % neutral mentions
69 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance with minimal bugs, some experience frustrating freezes and glitches, particularly in later levels. It runs well on various platforms, including Linux and Steam Deck, but issues like crashes during key moments can hinder progress. Overall, the aesthetic appeal is overshadowed by occasional technical hiccups.
- “It always feels fair, and I've had no glitches thus far.”
- “Note: this game also runs great on Linux via Proton.”
- “Runs great on my old Windows 8.1 laptop!”
- “The game also freezes sometimes when it loads, and you have to restart your PC.”
- “So as I go on through the levels, my computer freezes more and more when playing said other levels; the beginning levels not at all.”
- “If your game crashes (or glitches so you can't progress for some reason) in a conversation where you would get a heavenly delight ticket, you won't get it.”
monetization
3 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's monetization strategy is user-friendly, featuring an active hint system that reduces the need for external walkthroughs, which are often ad-heavy. While the gameplay is straightforward, some players find the dialogue to be excessive and unhelpful, suggesting a potential over-reliance on filler content.
- “The game has an active hint system, but it feels like a ploy to keep you engaged while they bombard you with ads.”
- “The monetization strategy is frustratingly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without being constantly prompted to spend money.”
- “While the gameplay can be enjoyable, the constant push for in-game purchases detracts from the overall experience.”