Review: Neon Abyss (Nintendo Switch)

by Jim Smale · July 14, 2020

Neon Abyss is a frantic, roguelite action-platformer where you run ‘n’ gun your way into the Abyss. Featuring unlimited item synergies and a unique dungeon evolution system, each run diversifies the experience and every choice alters the ruleset.

Pros:

Cool neon pixel art Graphics.
641mb download size.
Can remap controls.
Gameplay settings-screen shake, seed display, rumble, and aim assist.
3 save slots.
Roguelike gameplay.
Twin-stick shooter controls.
Tutorial area.
Colorful locations.
Map uncovers as you play, mini-map shows if it has any unlocks/secrets in the room.
When entering a room it locks down until all enemies are killed.
Eight characters to unlock and each has unique stats like health, how many grenades they can carry etc.
Input a specific seed.
Bar-Main hub where you can change character, input a seed, change difficulty, etc.
Levels randomize every run.
Eggs-pick them up in a level then continue playing to have a chance at hatching a pet from them.
Banging soundtrack.
One more go mentality.
Gems-earn them and use them to upgrade your character permanently.
Find and activate fast travel points.
Big boss battles.
Quick to action every run.
3 difficulties-easy, normal and hard. Can change it every run.
Each run has four levels then a fifth boss level.
Crystal’s-find in-game and use to open rooms.
Different room types like wave-based combat.
Play how you want.
Pop up notice of items/weapon/gear you pick up. Can always pause and see what you have and what it is.
Five game bosses.
Unlock a piano room to play music.
Pickups will give a buff or action and usually float around you and last until they received X amount of hits.
Very moreish.
Has a Binding of Isaac vibe.
Coins drop from enemies and crates/chests and used in the shop if you can find it.
Breakable objects and hidden walls.
Stone-need grenades to smash them.
Brilliant having a whole line of creatures/people who all do different things at different times.
Just really well done for pick up and play.
Wear new gear for boosts and causes you to look…… Strange at times.
Massive splash screen on the pick up you got.

Cons:

No touchscreen support.
Small writing in places.
Doesn’t explain all the mechanics in game-like chests, cursed objects, gems, and crystals.
Rooms repeat themselves often.
No pop-up info on guns in the shop meaning you have no idea if it’s good.
Once you finish and beat a boss you lose all your guns and pickups.