Neon City Riders

 Xbox One
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. TheXboxHub
    Mar 23, 2020
    70
    Neon City Riders on Xbox One is a refreshing ‘80s neon interpretation of The Legend of Zelda with plenty of inventive ideas, both in its game design and stylistic presentation. It is certainly not an experience for the faint and impatient, but it may be just the thing for players yearning for those brutal gaming experiences from that decade.
  2. TheSixthAxis
    Mar 28, 2020
    60
    Neon City Riders is a beautifully retro game, but certain elements feel like they were rushed and not fully developed. Its rich lore, character design and storyline make up for some of the lack of care or depth to the combat and character growth through the game. While I enjoyed the original setting and nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, it's not a game I would readily pick up again.

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Mar 13, 2020
    7
    Neon City Riders is a Top-Down Beat-em-Up with Metroidvania progression. You're Rick, a badass wearing a hockey mask, and you live in a wordNeon City Riders is a Top-Down Beat-em-Up with Metroidvania progression. You're Rick, a badass wearing a hockey mask, and you live in a word that has already survived an android uprising. In preparation to defeat the Four Super-Powered Gangs, you undergo a VR Training session to unlock your powers! After gaining four awesome superpowers in your VR training a dark figure interrupts and strips you of them! Now you have to venture into the gangs' territories and reclaim your powers so you can take all the gangs down and restore unity to Neon City. In concept, the idea of a free-roam linear game sounds great on the surface but can lead to some serious frustration. There is no real direction shy of some vague dialogue and purchasable and unlockable hints, like placing a holographic marker over people of interest, or a hint on your map. These hints aren't always useful, but once you have scoured over every area several times, and you start to find the pins and unlock your powers, you begin to realize the path you need to take. The games' combat action is great. With attacks that give projected paths, and wildly varying enemies the action is intense, and it's satisfying to finally beat one of the many Mini-bosses. Neon City Riders is not for the faint of heart and can be a time-consuming game. But if you enjoy this kind of gameplay, then this game nails it with a constant wit in the dialogue.… Full Review »
  2. IndieHideout
    Feb 14, 2021
    9
    I recommend Neon City Riders to anyone who enjoys figuring out games themselves and exploring. Beautiful open world with interesting puzzlesI recommend Neon City Riders to anyone who enjoys figuring out games themselves and exploring. Beautiful open world with interesting puzzles and boss fights. A top notch soundtrack. Highly recommended… Full Review »
  3. GamerGuysNGals
    Mar 19, 2020
    8
    "Neon City Riders"
    Reviewed By: Carless Yen
    Developer: Mecha Studios Publisher: Bromio Release :3/12/2020 Price:19.99 Platform: Xbox One    "Neon City Riders"
    Reviewed By: Carless Yen
    Developer: Mecha Studios
    Publisher: Bromio
    Release :3/12/2020
    Price:19.99
    Platform: Xbox One X

    So nothing drives me crazier than reading bad reviews on games because "They Are To Hard". I was looking over some before I started playing this just to get a idea what lied ahead for me. I read and heard things I always hear when ever a reviewer can't handle the challenge of the game. Things like unfair, impossible buggy, people will quit early, etc. I get so tired of this. I would love a reviewer to come out and just say it was to difficult for me so I lost interest or just plain couldn't do it. You will never hear that though , because some people have so much pride. Most the time I don't even know where it comes from, because they suck and quit at video games you'd figured they'd suck at and quit at most everything else. I'll tell you now there is nothing wrong with "Neon City Riders" I had no issues with it, and I actually find it to be quite brilliant.
    To me it actually felt like a classic Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis title. It reminded me of "Zelda: A Link to the Past" meets "River City Ransom" two games I was really quite fond of back then. The combat feels very much like a classic overhead Zelda title. Learning patterns, and counter attacking. You have to make your way through screens full of traps that require a lot of timing, and remembering the exact pattern. The story and just overall vibe really give me that River City feel where your trying to take back your town over ran by bullies. each boss has his own area, and each is unique with his own enemy and environment type. So it always feels really fresh as you advance. You will know early if you should maybe try another area first by the difficulty, but that is no issue because there is fast travel available.
    You start the game though with a tutorial that allows you to feel you at full power, and then quickly takes it all away. You learn the basics like buying food to heal, and talking to NPCs for extra quests. When you are put into the real world of the game you have nothing, and must grow in power. You will have plenty of people to talk to, to aid you on your journey. You will have to do fetch quests and such for them giving it a real RPG type feel on top of just a 2D beat em up. You will have a inventory and mission quest list, but still feel like you are mean't to I believe lost in a city and trying to be a hero.
    I loved the music it can feel repetitive at times sure, but it still fits in really well overall. I just loved the look of the game though. It really has a beautiful retro look, but with super high quality cut scenes. The story delivered by really amazing animation just pulls you in, and gives you a feel for each of the bosses. They each feel really epic in their own way. The Collector and The Gator were my two favorites. I think their areas were my favorites as well.
    Yes there is a real challenge I'll warn you ahead of time. A lot will probably give up, and that isn't the developers fault. That goes on the player. Not every game has to have an easy mode. Every game isn't made for everyone. Some people enjoy a challenge, and some people just have more skill and determination than others. We aren't all the same. I'm pretty good with a basketball and a hoop, but next to Jordan or Lebron I'd look very average. Same goes for gaming as well. Some people are just better with a keyboard or controller than others. When you lack that skill and you are a reviewer it's time to be honest and look at other aspects of the game to give opinion on maybe, or just admit it and leave it for some one else maybe. To me though I don't think it's to challenging If you actually put the effort in. If you learn the patterns, and actually take your time. To me it's just a overall great modern retro that deserves to be noticed , and played. I hope people don't see these negative reviews, and think it's bad or to hard because it is neither of those things.

    Pros:
    Awesome Animated Cut Scenes
    Wonder Retro Looking Graphics
    Cool Bosses,Characters, and Enemies
    Challenging Traps and Attack Patterns
    Bad Ass Protagonist in my Opinion

    Cons:
    Repetitive Music at Times
    Some May Give Up Early due to Challenge

    Overall: 8.4
    Neon City Riders is a perfect nod to the 16 bit era classics. It really feels like it could be a remaster to one of those classic titles that started it all. I grew up loving River City Ransom, and this took me back there for awhile. I really recommend to fans of that era.    … Full Review »