REVIEW: Neo: The World Ends With You (Nintendo Switch)
Disclaimer: For those gamers that are photosensitive, be warned that there is a boss in the game who could potentially cause seizures. Though not game-breaking like Balan Wonderworld before it’s day one patch or similar to those found in the re-release of Sonic Color Ultimate. But it is enough that it’s worth mentioning.
Neo: The World Ends With You takes place three years after the events of the previous entry, The World Ends With You. Meet Rindo, a socially awkward teenager that gets dragged into a mysterious game of life and death.
After covering the anime adaptation of The World Ends With You over at The Amateur Otaku, picking up the sequel felt like a no-brainer.
The easiest way to explain this game would be to call it a beat-em-up with an over-the-top 3D camera, with some JRPG elements sprinkled in. To be able to attack, each party member requires a pin. These pins have different types: attack, special abilities and elements. Some use the X button, others use either Y and others the trigger buttons. Sadly, these can’t be reassigned.
As the battle unfolds the groove meter, which is directly linked to Rindo’s special attack, can be filled for a ultimate attack. This meter can filled by successfully landing combos throughout the battle.
In regards to some of the game’s JRPG elements; the party’s attire play a big role. Clothes come in different styles and can grant your party members different abilities, if their “style stat” meets the requirements.
The party can level up by winning battles; yet the only stat that goes up is a party member’s HP. Stats like attack, defense and others can only be raised through special meals found in restaurants across the town. The trick lies in the order and type of meals you give to your team. Give them the right combination and you can raise those specific stats you need.
Neo: The World Ends With You has, in my opinion, the best video game soundtrack of 2021. It blends metal, techno, hip hop, and rock in a way that fits the game’s stylistic graphics and art style perfectly.
(Editor’s note: The soundtrack is available now on CD and digital through Square Enix, or for streaming on Spotify. – LB)
Neo: The World Ends With You is a fun and unique JRPG, filled with a colorful cast of characters in a great story, wrapped in an awesome soundtrack. This is a game you should definitely check out.
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Isak Wolff
Co-host of the Amateur Otaku Podcast. A writer of many things. Loves everything nerdy from anime/manga to comics and video games. Fire Emblem is the greatest of all time.
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