Today, Annapurna Interactive hosted their first-ever showcase, letting players get a glimpse into what the publisher and their partner studios have been up to over the past while. With reveals such as new game partnerships, updates to existing games like the wonderful Outer Wilds, and so much more, fans have plenty to look forward to from the team. One of the many games showcased was Neon White, a heavenly anime romance first-person shooter which is about as unique as you’re going to get. While announced previously, game designer Ben Esposito showcased the speedrunning aspects of Neon White during a developer walkthrough at the Annapurna Interactive Showcase! You can see that walkthrough below.
In Neon White, players take on the role of White, an assassin taken from hell, given the duty of taking on demonic hordes looking to invade heaven and bring an end to these beautiful lands. A defense can’t be done alone though, and White is joined by many other “Neons” who are looking to earn their right to stay in heaven as well. Along your adventures, you’ll use special magic known as soul cards, which are unique in that they have two separate uses. Using it will operate like the image shown on the card, whether that be a pistol, SMG, etc., ripping opponents to shreds. By discarding said card though, you can use a powerful movement ability such as double jump, dash, or other forms of movement. The example in the video shows a pistol, which can be discarded to gain a powerful double jump.
As you progress through the game’s various levels, you’ll unlock Insight which can help during particularly difficult sections of the game. In the example, shown, Esposito works through a level and gets a fairly decent time, but with mastery of the level, blazes through it on the next attempt and gets an insane time. Getting these times increases your insight level, letting you gain access to shortcuts, secrets, and much more!
There’s a lot more from the romance options and other unique abilities you can use in Neon White. If you’re interested, be sure to check out the above developer walkthrough. For now, what are your thoughts on Neon White, and what was your favorite announcement from the Annapurna Interactive Showcase? Let me know in the comments below!
Neon White will launch on PC and Nintendo Switch in the Winter of this year.
