Neon the Ninja

Warning: I worked on this game! In the pursuit of full transparency, I am the composer and sound designer for Neon the Ninja, and have put many hours into testing and playing the game, in its many forms, throughout its development. That being said, I am reviewing the game based on its current state upon early access release, with as little bias as I can muster. Neon is a game that hearkens back to an era when every jump, attack, and user input mattered, and progression was skills-based, meaning you had to work on something to get further in the game. You couldn't just absent-mindedly drift through the game without breaking a sweat or furrowing your brow - you had to die a few times, learn a few things along the way, and ultimately, improve your game. Neon is a return to a style of game that involves trying, failing, and testing your limits to clear stages and beat bosses. There is no instant gratification here. If you try to mindlessly force your way through, frustration will set in; you will have to change up your gameplan and improve to get further. I would say that Neon is a boss-heavy game, in that the levels are designed in such a way to get you ready to face each boss (the true stars of the show), teaching you the mechanics needed and honing your skills so that you can stack up to each boss battle. Every second of every level is tightly designed and planned with this in mind, and that's what makes Neon stand out - VERY tight level design. Nothing is arbitrary, nothing is "just there". Strategy is put into the player's hand, as the order in which you tackle each stage and boss is left up to you - something that actually matters, as the rewards you get for each boss can drastically change your progression through each level. I think this creates massive potential for the speedrunning scene. Gameplay mechanics aside, Neon the Ninja has personality - a fully-voiced titular character brimming with sardonic humor and sass, a soundtrack that I am personally very proud of, and hand-drawn animation that gives the world the feeling of a 90s cartoon come to life. One thing that shouldn't go overlooked is the fantastic writing and humor that is injected into this game - a sarcastic and satirical look at the world's most parody-ready figures of wealth, power, and authority explored through the stages, enemies, and bosses spread throughout the game, as well as Neon's quips and one-liners, which are brilliantly written and voiced. All that being said, the game has a ways to go before completion. We are now in early access, but there's a lot to add to the game (namely, half the stages and bosses), and I imagine a lot will change and evolve as development continues. I think Neon has some rough spots, namely in the way of "quality of life" stuff like loading screens and basic stuff like that, but I think this game has huge potential, and I have no doubt it will definitely reach that potential. If you are a fan of retro platformers in all of their harrowing, brutal glory, I highly recommend Neon the Ninja. The skill and strategy involved goes beyond a typical modern platforming experience, and, at least in my experience, truly tests your limits. In the end, however, whether you succeed or fail falls directly in your hands - the player. This game is challenging, but highly rewarding, both from a mechanical and aesthetic standpoint. Get it while it's hot!

Fun and challenging (not mind numbingly challenging) game. Love the design and sound.

This game can be kinda brutally hard, but it's also really well designed. I just got frustrated on the jet ski boss and decided to take a break, and the second I closed the game I thought of a new strategy for beating it. This happened several other times and has brought me back into levels I gave up on with a fresh plan. It's almost like a puzzle-platformer in its cleverness. It's hard enough that, at least for someone like me, you can't just run through it absent mindedly. Everything is really creative and always surprising you. I also dig the snarky 90s humor. I feel like this has huge potential.

This game brings back memories of the classic platformers from yesteryear. It's difficult, so be aware of that. The colors and soundtrack are awesome, and I love using the neon colors in the levels for stealth.

Neon is the brightest ninja I have ever seen. He hides in the bright colors instead of the darkness. He runs and runs like Super Meat Boy and he stabs and throws ninja stars like he's from Mark Of The Ninja. Levels are sidescrolling platformer style where plenty of precise double jumping techniques are a requirement. Enemies are challenging and require thought to take down almost like a puzzle game due to clever placement and level design. Soundtrack is high energy with a kinetic asian rock influence. Bright and colorful cartoony artwork, but plenty of blood to keep it from being cute. Boss select a la Mega Man is a nice touch. Overall a very good game. My playtime is low because I am terrible at this game, but it is functionally solid. No problems running this on my mid range gaming pc. Give this one a try if you are into difficult retro action puzzle platformers with a dash of stealth.

Neon the Ninja is one of the best games I have played in 2018, Neon controls great, this game has the best art style I have seen in an Indie Game this year, and I have played a lot of indie games this year. The game is challenging but not so challenging that it is not fun, and the huge amount of dopamine released when I finally get past that one tough part is great, or in other words finally beating a challenge makes you feel like a million bucks. And if the game is not already good enough the discord connected to this game is one of the best communities I have seen in a while. In short I give this game a 10/10 great job stu I can not wait to see the finished project.

Played quite a bit of this at conventions and love how each level feels unique! Both gameplay and visuals varry from each level. The game is difficult enough to feel rewarding, but not so difficult that you feel like quiting. I don't have the best reaction speed, but am able to get through most levels with a few attemps. A lot of it is just learning how each level functions!

Neon the Ninja is bright, flashy and a hell of a difficult game. The game has a distinct personality, a beautiful style and is tough as nails. I am trash at this game and I'm having a lot of fun nonetheless. Perfect for those looking for a challenge.

Having fun with this game so far. Difficult in some areas, but that makes it better when you make it through.

This game hits you hard with intense platforming and combat challenges. The art style is stunning too, every aspect of the visuals is overflowing with charm and polish. Be wary- this game does not take it easy at all. If you enjoy games where you fail often- then this is the game for you. You will lose, a lot. But the promise of success will keep you coming back.