Players Like...

❤ Removing Extraneous Elements to Hone Platforming

The developers have stripped away the slower combat and exploration elements from the original game, instead honing in on delivering a tightly designed, fast-paced 3D platforming experience. Reviewers praise this shift, noting that the core platforming mechanics are the strongest aspect of the series, and Neon Splash allows this to take center stage.

❤ Precise, Responsive Movement

Players frequently highlight the game's "tight controls" and "slick, functional" movement, with one reviewer describing the character as controlling "like a wild ferret on a leash - fast, loose, and slippery." This high degree of mobility and maneuverability is core to the gameplay loop, enabling players to chain together complex platforming sequences.

❤ Maintaining Momentum for Speedrunning

The levels are designed to encourage speedrunning and quick navigation, with gold trophy times typically under 2-4 minutes. Reviewers praise the "constant momentum of precision platforming" and the sense of flow that comes from mastering the character's movement abilities, which include an aerial spin, grappling hook-style bird dash, and a rolling snake ability.

❤ Challenging Obstacle Courses with Varied Hazards

The levels present themselves as challenging obstacle courses, constantly introducing new hazards and obstacles for players to overcome. Reviewers describe the "surreal worlds, filled with bright neon colors" that test the player's mastery of the controls and movement mechanics, with the difficulty ramping up significantly in later stages and "remix" versions.

❤ Rewarding Mastery through Speedrunning and Leaderboards

The combination of tight controls, abundant movement options, and demanding level design creates a gameplay loop that is highly rewarding to master. Many reviewers highlight the joy of "speedrunning" the levels, competing for the best times on the game's leaderboards and continually refining their techniques to explore new ways to navigate the environments efficiently.