Neon Chrome Review

Neon Chrome, the twin stick shooter by developer 10tons, has finally made its way to the Nintendo Switch console. After being originally released on a number of different platforms, including mobile. The newest release gives owners of the Switch yet more gaming options. Set in a cyberpunk world where players take control of ‘assets’, they are tasked with taking down the Overseer, and putting an end to their ruling. With plenty of procedural content and near limitless replay value, does Neon Chrome make a good addition to the Switch line up?

Jumping into the title, players are given a character to control who has a number of different starting qualities. Once picked, it is time to take that asset and push through as many levels as you can. Being a twin stick shooter, you can expect to have a lot of impressive moments with a number of badass weapons. All while having a good amount of challenge along the way. The controls feel comfortable and at home on the Switch regardless of how you hold the Joy-Con controllers. With fast reactions and faster thinking, this title will keep you on your toes as you fight through the game's many procedurally generated levels.

Each of the levels are different in layout and where items and enemies are placed. Often included in a level are optional side routes to earn additional credits. You see in Neon Chrome, your progress is not just how far you make it through the game with one life, but how you choose to upgrade them as well. In between runs with your different assets, you can spend the earned credits on a number of permanent unlocks and upgrades giving you more options and a better chance of survival. This isn’t to say you cannot complete a run on your first life but you will have a hard time.

Even during a run you will have plenty of chances to adapt your character with new weapons, upgrades and even chances to unlock new perks found throughout the levels. Finding a playstyle that works for you, and adapting your character to counter the enemy types, that are spawning is the key to success. Which damage type would be better to use? What sort of fire rate do you need? These and many more questions are what help to turn Neon Chrome from a simple game into a well crafted experience. Not to mention that the boss fights within the game create new and exciting gameplay opportunities that keep the game fresh and enjoyable.

Add to that the stunning visuals, impressive soundtrack, gameplay elements like blasting through walls and you have yourself a rather solid experience. Sadly though when playing Neon Chrome on your TV in docked mode, the experience does see a few performance drops. Though not enough to ruin the experience, you can see the frame rate change if you pay close enough attention. That said though the game in handheld mode is fantastic with next to no bump on the road what so ever. Ideally this will be the way you’ll want to play Neon Chrome as you pick up and play it in small, manageable sessions.

Neon Chrome is a brilliant title that has plenty of content packed into it with well-designed gameplay mechanics at work to give players a solid title. With it’s roguelike elements that punish and reward you as you push ever closer to your goal and a range of ways to play. Neon Chrome is a twin stick shooter that is worth being a part of your library on the Switch. Though playing in docked mode has a number of minor issues that can be overlooked, the game is a blast to play in handheld mode. If you are looking for an engaging and challenging title you and pick up and play on the go then look no further than Neon Chrome.