Sprinting to Salvation: A Review of Neon White

In a gaming world where the line between genres is constantly blurring, a title emerges with a singular, laser-focused vision. Neon White, developed by Angel Matrix and published by the ever-innovative Annapurna Interactive, is a first-person speedrunning game that is as slick as it is stylish. It throws players into a heavenly setting, where amnesiac assassins, known as “Neons,” compete to eradicate a demon infestation. The game’s core loop is an addictive blend of high-speed parkour, fluid gunplay, and puzzle-solving. This isn’t just a game about shooting; it’s a game about efficiency, flow, and the pursuit of the perfect run. Since its release, it has been widely praised by critics for its unique mechanics and has captivated a dedicated community of players vying for the top spot on the leaderboards.

The premise is simple but the execution is anything but. You play as Neon White, a newly-arrived sinner in Heaven, tasked with a series of demon-slaying missions to earn a chance at redemption. The catch? You must do it as fast as possible. Each level is a meticulously crafted arena designed for speed and optimization, typically lasting no more than a minute. Your primary tools are “Soul Cards,” which function as both weapons and movement abilities. For example, a handgun can be discarded to perform a double jump, while a shotgun blast can be used to propel you forward. This dual functionality is the genius at the heart of the gameplay, forcing you to constantly make split-second decisions: do you use this card to clear out a group of demons, or do you sacrifice its firepower for a crucial dash that will shave precious seconds off your time? This dynamic system makes every run feel like a high-stakes puzzle, and it’s a thrill to experiment and discover new routes to optimize your time.

The Art of the Race: Parkour and Precision

The sensation of movement in Neon White is nothing short of sublime. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, allowing you to chain together jumps, dashes, and weapon discards with a seamless, almost balletic grace. The learning curve is gentle at the start, but the game quickly ramps up the complexity, introducing new cards and environmental hazards that require more creative and strategic thinking. The level design is a key component of this. The maps are compact but layered, with hidden shortcuts and secret paths that only the most observant and dedicated players will uncover. The game incentivizes perfection with a medal system (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the elusive Ace medal) and a global leaderboard. Achieving an Ace rank feels like a true accomplishment, and the instant-restart function makes it easy to get back into the action after a failed attempt. This focus on “one more run” is the secret to the game’s addictive nature, as you constantly strive to beat your personal best and climb the ranks against your friends and the wider community.

A Visual Novel with a Vengeful Heart

Beyond its exhilarating gameplay, Neon White features a surprisingly rich narrative presented as a visual novel. The story is a pulpy, anime-inspired tale of amnesia, betrayal, and redemption. You’ll interact with a cast of colorful characters, including your fellow Neons and the mysterious angels who oversee the competition. The dialogue, which can be skipped if you’re a purist focused solely on the speedrunning, is witty and full of a self-aware, early 2000s cringe that is endearing in its own right. The voice cast, featuring prominent actors like SungWon Cho and Steve Blum, brings these characters to life with charm and personality. While the story might not be for everyone, it adds a layer of depth and context to the frenetic action, providing a welcome break between intense speedrunning sessions. It is this duality—a breakneck-paced action game wrapped in a laid-back visual novel—that gives Neon White its unique identity and broad appeal.

The Verdict: An Essential Experience

Neon White is more than just a speedrunner; it’s a meticulously designed work of art that feels like a culmination of modern game design principles. Its fast-paced, “flow state” gameplay is a perfect fit for the short, highly replayable levels. The seamless integration of weapon-based traversal is a stroke of genius that sets it apart from other platformers. The game’s striking, minimalist aesthetic and pulsating electronic soundtrack by Machine Girl create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the high-octane action. Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunner looking for your next obsession or a casual player curious about the genre, Neon White offers a welcoming and rewarding experience. Its brilliance lies in its ability to be both a challenging, competitive game for the hardcore and an accessible, stylish adventure for everyone else. It is a must-play title that stands as a testament to the power of a clear vision and flawless execution, solidifying its place as one of the best indie games in recent memory.

The game’s combination of a unique aesthetic, a compelling gameplay loop, and a surprisingly engaging narrative makes it an essential experience. It demonstrates that the pursuit of speed can be a form of artistic expression, and that a game doesn’t need to be a massive open-world to be rich with content and replayability. Neon White is not just a game; it’s a movement, a challenge, and a celebration of the exhilarating feeling of a perfect run.