Info about NEO: The World Ends with You:

Official game description:
"Only the possibility of you can change our fate"　  
Rindo comes to the grim realization that his life is on the line when he is forced to compete in the so-called "Reapers' Game."  
There's no telling how this tale will unfold—but it's up to you to find out! Put your psychic prowess to the test as you duke it out on the stylishly animated streets of Shibuya.
＜Story＞
-------
It was just an ordinary day in Shibuya—or so Rindo thought,  
until he comes into possession of a mysterious pin  
and gets wrapped up in the so-called “Reapers’ Game”...
＜Purchase Rewards＞
------------------
**Legendary Threads Set**  
・Legendary Headphones  
　Greatly increases the item drop rate.  
・Legendary Tank Top  
　Greatly increases Attack.  
・Legendary Shorts  
　Shortens the duration the wearer is knocked down.  
・Legendary Sneakers  
　Increases movement speed during combat.  
・Legendary Music Player  
　Enormously increases HP.  
**Reapers' Game Survival Set**  
・Pin: UFO Rescue  
　Hold the button to slowly restore your team's HP.  
・Threads: Virupaksa Hoodie  
　Greatly increases HP.  
・CD: Twister (NEO Mix)  
　Adds this song as a main menu music option.

Release date: Oct 19, 2022

Categories: Action RPG, Character Progression, Character Customization, Story-driven Gameplay, JRPG, Turn-based Combat, Exploration, Narrative Adventure

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 20; verdict: Seamless with Minor Issues; summary: The overall experience of the game on Steam Deck is largely positive, with users praising the gameplay, story, and performance. However, there are some notable issues with performance chugging during menu navigation and a learning curve associated with the default control scheme. These issues, while not widespread, do indicate areas for potential improvement.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and well-developed story (weight 0.97): The game features a compelling and multifaceted story with well-written characters and interesting twists. The narrative is engaging and builds on its prequel while introducing new elements.
- Stylish and unique art style (weight 0.92): The game's art style is distinctive and appealing, with colorful and stylized graphics. The character designs are outstanding and charismatic, contributing to the game's overall aesthetic.
- Well-developed characters (weight 0.91): The characters in the game are well-written, interesting, and have depth. Both main and side characters are fleshed out and developed, making them memorable and engaging.
- Unique and enjoyable combat system (weight 0.91): The combat system is described as fun, chaotic, and unique. It is easy to learn but difficult to master, offering a satisfying and engaging experience once players get the hang of it.
- Outstanding soundtrack (weight 0.9): The game's soundtrack is highly praised for its variety and quality. It includes a mix of old and new pieces, with genres ranging from rock to pop, and is considered one of the best in recent gaming.
- High replay value (weight 0.82): The game offers a lot of content, including side-quests, collectibles, and customizable difficulties. This provides players with high replay value and keeps the game engaging over multiple playthroughs.
- Improved gameplay mechanics (weight 0.8): The game introduces unique mechanics such as pins, food buffs, and mind-reading, along with an interesting food system and brand system. These mechanics add depth to the gameplay and provide an interesting supplement to the nurturing experience.
- Smooth performance on PC (weight 0.78): The game runs smoothly on PC, with stable performance and high frame rates. This ensures a seamless gaming experience without technical issues.
- Nostalgic elements for fans (weight 0.77): The game includes nostalgic elements for fans of the previous game, such as the return of main characters and familiar gameplay mechanics. This makes it a worthy sequel and a great follow-up to the original game.

Common complaints:
- Story and pacing issues (weight 0.57): The story is often criticized for being bland, convoluted, and hard to follow without playing the predecessor. Pacing issues are also noted, with some parts feeling too slow or too fast, and the story suffering from poor delivery and lack of character development.
- Technical and gameplay flaws (weight 0.52): The game suffers from various technical issues, including long load times, fixed camera angles that feel outdated, and controls that can be difficult. Additionally, the gameplay is often criticized for being boring, repetitive, and lacking in innovation.
- Poor enemy and character design (weight 0.08): New enemies and characters are often criticized for being poorly designed and lacking depth. Some enemy and boss designs are questionable, and new characters are seen as less interesting and forgettable.
- Music and voice acting criticisms (weight 0.08): The music is often described as distractingly bad, lacking originality, and not to personal taste. Voice acting is also criticized for being subpar, contributing to an overall negative reception of the game's audio elements.
- Hand-holding and linear progression (weight 0.05): The game is criticized for excessive hand-holding, which can be aggravating for players. The progression is also noted to be monotonous and linear, limiting exploration and making the gameplay feel restrictive.
- Marketing and expectations (weight 0.04): Square Enix's marketing and handling of the game are criticized for setting unrealistic expectations and poorly promoting the game. This has led to disappointment among players who felt misled by the marketing.
- Save data corruption (weight 0.02): Some players have experienced issues with save data corruption, leading to the loss of progress. This technical issue significantly impacts the overall gaming experience and player satisfaction.

Gameplay feedback:
- Entertaining and accessible gameplay (weight 0.42): The gameplay is described as entertaining, accessible, and dynamic. It features a unique combat system that involves button combinations and can be adjusted for difficulty. The combat is turn-based and story-driven, with a cel-shaded art style.
- Unique combat mechanics (weight 0.29): The combat mechanics are unique and involve real-time inputs tied to assigned pins. The game features a chain mechanic and a risk-reward system. The combat can be chaotic but is also described as experimental and engaging.
- Pin and badge system (weight 0.1): The game features a pin and badge system for character growth and customization. Pins can be leveled up or evolved and are mapped to button presses. This system drives exploration and combat.
- High grind requirement (weight 0.1): The game has a high grind requirement, with side quests providing minor stat boosts and character notes. Full completion and grinding aspects are mentioned, including boosting stats by eating at restaurants or equipping clothing.
- Team member attacks and sync mechanics (weight 0.04): The game features team member attacks in parallel and a sync meter that builds through timed follow-ups. Sound effects mark sync prompts and cooldown resets, adding to the strategic combat.
- Customizable difficulties (weight 0.04): The game offers customizable difficulties and optional challenges for difficulty tailoring. Adjusting difficulty changes combat intensity and badge drops.
- Connection to the first game (weight 0.04): The game is a sequel to a Nintendo DS game and features connections to the first game's universe. The final act includes characters from the first game, adding to the crossover appeal.
- Boss encounters and challenges (weight 0.03): Boss encounters demand movement and cooldown awareness. The game features challenging battles and puzzles, with boss Noise allowing players to replay bosses exclusively.
- Urban setting and exploration (weight 0.02): The game is set in an urban environment, specifically Shibuya, where players can run around and listen to random NPCs' thoughts. The exploration aspects and the setting are notable features.
- Shops and gear upgrades (weight 0.02): Shops sell gear governed by brand bonuses and provide upgrades and stats. This system adds to the customization and progression aspects of the game.
- Social network and grinding (weight 0.02): The game features a social network system and grinding aspects. Difficulty, level, badge drops, equipment, and food systems are part of the grinding mechanics.
- Chain battles and combat system (weight 0.02): The game features a chain system for consecutive battles. The combat system is notable for its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay.
- Difficulty and mob drops (weight 0.02): Different mobs have different drops on different difficulties. The game's difficulty is described as very easy even on Hard mode.
- Ability assignment and variants (weight 0.02): The game allows assigning abilities to party members and features variants of abilities with different stats. This adds to the customization and strategic aspects of combat.
- Reaper's game rules (weight 0.02): The game involves surviving the Reaper's game, with rules that have changed from the predecessor. The game features a group of characters working together to complete objectives.

Performance notes:
- Performance generally smooth with minor issues (weight 0.14): The game runs smoothly on various platforms, including PC and Steam Deck, with stable 60 FPS performance. However, there are occasional minor dips in performance, particularly during battles and when using certain pins with complex effect combos.
- Graphical issues and low quality (weight 0.1): Some players have reported issues with the game's graphics, including low-quality visuals and problems with 3D graphics. These issues can detract from the overall visual experience of the game.
- Frequent loads during field movement (weight 0.1): Players have noted that there are frequent loads during field movement, which can disrupt the gaming experience. This issue is specific to certain parts of the game and can affect overall gameplay smoothness.
- Steam Deck performance varies (weight 0.03): While the game generally runs well on the Steam Deck, there are instances where it chugs, particularly when certain menus pop up. This inconsistency can affect the overall performance on this platform.

Recommendations:
- Play the original game first (weight 0.33): Many players suggest playing the first game before this one to better understand the story and lore. This is recommended for both new players and fans of the series.
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.31): The game is widely praised for its overall experience, story, and action. It is recommended for fans of the original game, JRPGs, and action RPGs, despite some acknowledged flaws.
- Recommended for JRPG fans (weight 0.31): The game is highly recommended for fans of JRPGs, especially those who enjoy unique action combat systems. It is compared favorably to games like Persona and Kingdom Hearts.
- Recommended for specific platforms (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for Steam Deck users and those who have played the Final Remix version. It is also suggested to double dip if you have played it before.
- Gameplay tips for better experience (weight 0.02): Suggestions include not unlocking certain character relationships to save points for ultimate difficulty and lowering the brightness for a better visual experience.
- Hope for future updates (weight 0.01): Players express hope for a sequel and additional features like an official Chinese translation, indicating a desire for continued development and support.

Other player notes:
- Multiplayer and character creator wanted (weight 0.02): Players have expressed a strong desire for the inclusion of multiplayer features and a character creator in the game. These features are seen as essential for enhancing the gaming experience and providing more customization options.
- Personal connection to Shibuya (weight 0.01): Some players shared their personal experiences and connections to Shibuya, indicating a sense of nostalgia or attachment to the location featured in the game.

Emotions:
- Joy (weight 0.28): Players experience joy primarily due to the game's engaging combat system, captivating story, and memorable characters. The soundtrack, art style, and character designs are also frequently praised for enhancing the overall enjoyment and immersion.
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Frustration stems from repetitive gameplay elements, including grindy missions and combat. Players also express annoyance with pacing issues, excessive dialogue, and certain gameplay mechanics like limited pin slots and fixed camera angles.
- Disappointment (weight 0.18): Disappointment arises from the story and character development not meeting expectations set by the first game. Some players find the gameplay boring and repetitive, and the story lacking in charm and depth.
- Excitement (weight 0.14): Excitement is generated by the game's top-tier soundtrack, engaging combat, and fast-paced gameplay. The story and its mystery, along with the impressive transition to 3D, also contribute to this feeling.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Enjoyment comes from the game's spectacular visuals, amazing soundtrack, and unique art style. The gameplay mechanics and combat system are also highlighted as sources of fun and satisfaction.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Nostalgia is evoked by the soundtrack from the first game and the revisiting of Shibuya. Seeing main characters from the original game and classic tracks also bring back fond memories for players.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Satisfaction is derived from the game's smooth performance, well-written story, and top-tier soundtrack. The unique aesthetic and satisfying combat systems also contribute to this feeling.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation is felt for the game's unique aesthetic, innovative gameplay, and good combat system. The stylized art direction and enjoyable graphics are also highly valued by players.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Hope is expressed for future installments in the series and additional features like multiplayer and character creators. The complete plot and perfect ending to the previous game's story also inspire this emotion.
- Love (weight 0.03): Love for the game is driven by its character designs, combat system, and story. The character connections and overall experience make players fall in love with the series all over again.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from the game's naming convention and the difficulty in understanding the story without playing the predecessor.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): Immersion is achieved through the enjoyment of the story, writing, soundtrack, and urban atmosphere.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the unexpected depth and length of the game, which exceeds some players' initial expectations.}