Announced late last year, Neon Abyss 2 is heading into Early Access on PC at some point in 2025 (with a view to a full launch in 2026). Ahead of that, there’s a playtest in the works, and eager beavers can already apply for access over on Steam.
The good folks at Veewo Games were kind enough to send over access this week so I could take a look at the sequel to their now well-established indie roguelike. That being so, I grabbed my trusty wired controller and dived in for another round of procedural platforming.
What is Neon Abyss 2 all about, then?
Well I’m glad you asked, Dear Reader! Neon Abyss 2 is, much like its predecessor, a run ‘n’ gun roguelike platformer, and just like the original, it’s stylish, challenging, and built around item synergies.
While I haven’t played it as much as Dead Cells or even Fury Unleashed, I still found the first title to be rather engaging, and I’ve got the base game and all the DLC – it’s good stuff. Having said that, it’s not best in class, and so this sequel is a chance for Veewo to take that next step.
To that end, we are being treated to an action-platformer that takes the core concepts of the original, adds some accessibility features, and cranks up the quality of the pixel art to an absurd degree. As you can see in the bar where you respawn at the end of each run, the level of detail is impressive and yet it still retains the spirit of the original.
Running and gunning and having lots of funning
If you liked the first game, then you’ll be pleased to hear that this sequel is more of the same, but refined. The whole game looks just like the original, although Neon Abyss 2 is much more visually detailed.
The cyberpunk stylings remains, and it while it is prettier in every respect, it still feels like Neon Abyss. That includes the steep learning curve, which is once again present; it takes a bit of getting used to, although there is a simpler control scheme if you want it. Having noted that, the controls were slightly more refined in this new game, although I could have been imagining that, of course.
The level design, on the other hand, is very familiar. Once again we’re platforming around compact arenas, using twin sticks to move and strike/shoot in harmony. It’s a skill-based affair, and I don’t mind admitting to you, very privately of course, that I kept getting killed before the end of the demo. It’s nails, at least until you’re familiar with the controls.
There are five stages in the playtest, and each one is a series of interlinked rooms with mini-bosses to defeat on the way. The structural setup and your exploration of the world is much like it is in the first game, although everything is better looking here, from the detail in the backgrounds through to the enemy sprites and their animations, and of course your character – it has all been updated.
What else is new in Neon Abyss 2?
I’ve only played for a few hours, so it’s hard to talk about the depth of the interlocking gameplay systems, or how the new weapons synergise. What I can tell you about, however, is the new Faith system, which is introduced at the start of each run via a mask (there are several that you can choose between).
I believe that the Faith system is intended to make the game more accessible, and it does this by leaning into different gameplay systems and giving you a little help. For example, you can recruit more hatchmons (little creatures that fight by your side) or play a risky mini-game with the chance of winning extra cool rewards. Beware the basketball hoops, though.
Neon Abyss 2 already offers stunning pixel art visuals, as well as a tempting blend of chaotic gunplay, fun weaponry, and a number in-game items to help you define your playstyle. Importantly, the distinctive spirit of the first game appears to be very much present in this sequel.
To sum up, then, my first impression is very positive, and I think this is shaping up to be a really good action-roguelike. I already liked Neon Abyss and this follow-up looks to be an upgraded and refined expression of an already winning formula. This one has gone straight on the ol’ wishlist, and you can do the same via this link to Steam, should you wish.
