Neon White Xbox Review: Speedrunner’s Delight Hits Game Pass

The new Neon White Xbox port, which will be available on Xbox Game Pass, Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows tomorrow, is particularly exciting since the unique first-person shooter is one of the coolest games to come out in recent years. I’m not just talking style, although the game oozes plenty of it, but also mechanics as it marries fast-paced action with a card system. It’s an odd combination that seems like it shouldn’t mesh early on, yet it winds up being one of the most satisfying gameplay systems in a long time. The biggest compliment I can give it is that it has “big Sega Saturn energy,” which should be an instant selling point for any readers of a certain age and taste.

“Neon White is a lightning-fast first-person action game about exterminating demons in Heaven,” reads the official Neon White Xbox description. “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…”

Designed by Ben Esposito, Angel Matrix’s Neon White makes an immediate first impression with its flashy presentation and tight script. The assassins you meet are filled with personality and quips, which isn’t a surprise as the game is wonderfully written by OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes writer Ryann Shannon and We Know the Devil writer Aevee Bee. The visual novel-esque story cutscenes can be a lot to take in initially, although I highly recommend not skipping them as you’ll get a whole lot more out of the game if you let the story soak in. They’ve crafted a really interesting world and narrative that is doled out when you’re not running around levels, shooting and slicing demons.

Levels are tightly constructed and are a test of both your problem-solving abilities and reflexes. Cards that you pick up can either be used as a weapon or discarded for a movement ability (such as a double jump, a dash, or so on). So figuring out the right order to use them is key in getting through a level, and then you also have to contend with demons while doing all of this. Needless to say, your initial times won’t be all that impressive as trickier stages can require some figuring out, but that’s all the more reason to jump back in.

Revisiting stages and attempting to get better times is when the game’s tight design really shines. Discovering a hidden item or a shortcut can cut down your time drastically. Combined with challenge missions, medals, and NPC relationships, you wind up getting into a really excellent gameplay loop that has you having just as much fun going back to levels you’ve already beaten as progressing the game. Few games are this satisfying just to play, and that unique and polished core loop goes a long way here.

Neon White Xbox Review: Final verdict

Neon White was a delight when it launched in 2022 and hasn’t aged a bit. The new Neon White Xbox port is definitely worth checking out for those who missed the unique shooter platformer or those who want to give it another go and try to better their level times. With plenty of replayability and satisfying gameplay, this is a hard game to drop.

SCORE: 8.5/10

As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8.5 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.

Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital copy for our Neon White Xbox review. Reviewed on version 2.0.740.0.