Square Enix announced today that NEO: The World Ends With You releases on June 27th for PS4 and Switch. The game is also coming to PC via Epic Games Store sometime this summer. Check out the new trailer below:
Square Enix also revealed new key art for NEO: The World Ends With You. Kingdom Hearts fans with a keen eye should be familiar with some aspects of the key art by Tetsuya Nomura:
Story and Character Details
NEO: The World Ends with You launches for PS4 and Nintendo Switch on July 27, 2021. Yes, the game’s coming in just a few short months! In addition, a PC version will release on the Epic Games Store this summer.
Preorders for the console versions are live now. What’s more, if you buy the game before launch you;ll get Reapers’ Game Survival Set! It gives you two items that will help you survive in battle, by increasing your HP and allowing you to heal up mid-fight.
It also includes an arrangement of the track “Twister” that’s sure to get you pumped up and ready to go
What is NEO: The World Ends with You?
Ok, now you know when it’s coming out, but some of you may be wondering, what is it? And why are some Square Enix fans so excited?
You may have played RPGs before, but you’ve probably never seen one that oozes as much style as NEO: The World Ends with You. Well, not unless you played the original The World Ends with You – originally released back 2007 for the Nintendo DS.
The new game’s a follow-up to that beloved title, and features a fresh protagonist, Rindo, a brand new story that delves deeper than ever into the Reapers’ Game, a super-flashy action-based combat system, and some of the hottest threads this side of Tokyo Fashion Week.
The game’s story follows a young man named Rindo. What seems like another ordinary day in Shibuya takes a turn for the weird, when Rindo’s caught in the centre of a psychic battle in Scramble Crossing.
While he’s reeling from the craziness, a mysterious girl shows up and welcomes him to the Reapers’ Game. At first Rindo and his friend Fret play along – after all, if it’s just a game, there can’t be any serious consequences, right?
…right?
Soon they realise just how dangerous this game is – if you don’t win, you stop existing altogether.
Determined to return home, they must now face off against other Players in a battle for survival in Shibuya’s Underground (UG).
That’s just a brief summary. There’s much more to come, and to reveal everything right now would be incredibly uncool. We can give you a closer glimpse of the character conversations, which are presented with an awesome comics-inspired aesthetic.
Who are the main characters in NEO: The World Ends with You?
An RPG is only as strong as its cast, and NEO: The World Ends with You has some amazing characters to both play as and interact with.
Here’s a look at some of the main Players.
Rindo
Rindo is the main character in the story. This high school student is thrust unknowingly into the Reaper’s Game and forced to compete against other players for survival.
He’s an expert at using his phone to uncover information, and while not unsociable, he tends to wait for people to come to him for interaction.
Despite this, Rindo comes to serve as the de facto leader of the group called the Wicked Twisters.
Fret
This happy-go-lucky young man is classmate and friend to Rindo – or ‘Rindude’, as he affectionately calls his pal. Sucked into the game, Fret relies on his ability to get along with just about everyone he meets.
That said, despite Fret’s self-presentation as a natural conversationalist, you’ll notice he keeps things light, subconsciously dodging subjects that are too serious.
Nagi
Nagi’s youthful appearance means others often mistake her for a middle schooler, but she’s actually in college. She’s also incredibly perceptive and empathetic – she has an innate understanding of other people’s emotions. This also makes her openly disdainful towards those she deems superficial or deceitful.
She’s deeply passionate about her pastimes, and devotes a lot of time and energy towards her favorite games.
Minamimoto
Minamimoto has impressive psychic powers, and calculates every possible future based on his own unique formulas, taking action based on the results.
Early on, he saves Rindo and his allies from a dangerous situation, and then forces himself onto their team. He remains a bit of a mystery though – he seems to have his eyes set on something bigger than Rindo and pals…
Shiba
Within a year of his arrival, Shiba has worked his way up to the position of number one Reaper in Shibuya UG.
He’s also the Game’s Master, responsible for enforcing its rules and encouraging players to keep things hot.
His psychic powers a far beyond those of his fellow Reapers – so much so that none would dare disobey him.
Where is the NEO: The World Ends with You set?
The story takes place in modern day Shibuya, Tokyo. Although based on the real world, the city is portrayed with a unique artistic touch that gives it a real sense of style.
Some of the landmarks you might recognise include Shibuya Scramble Crossing…
And Tower Records…
There’s a lot more to explore and discover in the full game.
How does combat work in NEO: The World Ends with You?
In The World Ends with You series, you battle enemy Noise and Reapers using Psychs – psychic powers gained by equipping pins.
When you enter battle in NEO: The World Ends with You, Rindo will team up with fellow players. Each Player can equip one pin at a time – press the corresponding button to unleash its power.
There are more than 300 pins in the game, with effects ranging from attack, healing and ability buffs. You’ll want to experiment with different loadouts to suit each situation.
How does scanning work in the game?
One of the core Psychs that Rindo has access to is Scan. A simple press of a button will allow you to reveal fragments of people’s thoughts and see lurking enemies.
Scanning your surroundings lets you see what the people of Shibuya are thinking about. It’s a great way to get information so remember: ABS (Always Be Scanning).
While scanning, you’ll reveal enemy Noise. Come into contact with one and combat will start. If you’re able to attract multiple Noise symbols, you’ll start a chain battle for greater rewards.
Who’s writing the soundtrack for the game?
The original The World Ends with You had an incredibly fresh and memorable soundtrack by composer Takeharu Ishimoto (THRILL inc.), so it’s understandable that fans would want to know who’s working on the sequel.
Good news then, because the new game’s soundtrack is provided by… Takeharu Ishimoto! Not only has he composed loads of new songs, he’s also rearranged some tracks from the original game.
Yes, that includes Twister and Calling.
Pre-orders are going live across various retailers and players who pre-order via the Square Enix online store get a nice bonus. The special Reapers’ Game Survival Set includes two new items and an arrangement of “Twister” from the original game. Players who pre-order via the PSN Store or Switch eShop gain a special DLC set featuring Neku’s signature attire. In addition, Japanese Collector’s Edition gear for the game is coming to the west! Fans can pre-order the merch set here.
Lastly, the official website is available here. Stay tuned at Final Weapon for the latest Japanese gaming news and support us on Patreon!
