Review: Neon Abyss (Nintendo Switch)

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.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!