Neon Souls | PS4 Review

Have you ever had a hankering for some hardcore parkour? The kind of parkour platforming experience that would put 'Super Meatboy" to shame? For a fraction of the price of such a prestigious indie title? Well, have I got the game for you!!! Meet the Meatboy slayer, "Neon Souls"!!! A rainbow colored acid trip through a void filled with illuminati symbolism!!! As an "UwU" faced blob of prismatic proportions you splash, slide, and jump your way from starting point to end portal as you face the increasingly challenging layouts of 50 uniquely obscured stages. With a few boss fights thrown into the mix for good measure and enough 'all seeing eyes' to make you question things ... 

As an enigmatic blob of rotating rainbow colors you start each stage in a void of darkness not too different from the outer reaches of space. You can jump, and double jump. The latter of which will splash the surrounding areas with color revealing hidden threats, and secretive pathways that must be taken to get to the end portal. In addition to jumping you can slide left or right in a slippery fashion, and can even slide down walls, or wall jump up walls to progress through the puzzle laden 2D environments. Timing, and learning the hidden layouts of trap and enemy infested stages is part and partial of the intended experience. In regards to continuity everything resets in a static position upon death, and you can die and repeat your attempts as many times as you wish, with little to no pause between. Supposing you make it far enough you'll face off against four bosses which incorporate usage of the staple mechanics.

Not much else is given beyond the 50 stages and 4 bosses with this budget buy of a game, but you will find options in the main menu that can alter the colored elements, and visual effects to give you a less "Trippy" experience as you play. Personally, I find that the exaggerated visual effects give the game personality, and help to add value to the otherwise very simplistic art style. It's not the greatest spectacle to behold, but it fits the bill of the genre it's trying to fit in, and looks pretty cool in doing so. 

The Verdict ...

As an homage to games like "Super Meatboy" and "The Impossible Game", 'Neon Souls' does manage to slightly set itself apart with the paint splashing mechanics. It makes completing the stages extra difficult as things are obscured entirely from view. Only through patience, perseverance, and paint can a player see this game through to it's end. In a way it's trial and error. Learning the pathways to the end, and the obstacles or threats between failed attempts. For the price it's not that bad of a deal. It earns it's price tag through the challenges, and interesting visual take. I can recommend it, but at the same time realize this is type of indie is only for those who are up for a challenge. It will test your mettle, and try your patience. Do be warned.