NEO TWEWY (NEO: The World Ends With You) has revealed new information on systems such as gameplay that would be introduced to the cult-classic’s sequel.
In an interview with 4Gamer, Game Director Hisayuki Ito talked about breathing new life into NEO TWEWY with updates to the series’ gameplay.
One of the biggest reveals from the recent trailer for the game was the new gameplay. Back on the Nintendo DS, combat was was waged using the touch screen, selecting the game’s pins to do attacks. The trailer however showed a more typical third-person camera, with the player seemingly controlling their entire party.
Unfortunately touch controls wont be coming to NEO TWEWY, though the developers did explain how you would be controlling the party. In the interview they mentioned that each pin would be bound to a button on the controller, and each character with the assigned Pin would attack on pressing it.
” You can actually equip [pins] at the same time, and in that case, you can move two characters with one button. In that case, you can move two characters with one button. If you push it further, you’ll be able to enjoy the sharp controls that are typical of [NEO TWEWY]”, says Ito.
Looking back at the gameplay trailer, it makes sense how they plan to do this. For the game’s combat segments you only control Rindo to move, although his teammates can be tagged in. Based on Ito’s explanation, it looks like each different character’s pin will be tied to a different face button, and assigning the same pin to multiple party members will probably boost the attack’s power, but in exchange for flexibility.
The World Doesn’t End With You
One other thing they shared was that the game would incorporate a bond system, allowing you to grow closer with your party members. According to Ito, the game will have different methods to raise each characters bond level, though he didn’t elaborate more on what kind of benefits it would bring.
Considering the original The World Ends With You’s focus on interpersonal relationships (hint: It’s in the name), it makes sense that NEO TWEWY would make it a more involved part of the game’s gameplay.
The World Ends With you has been on an upwards tick in popularity, ever since the game’s cameo at the end of Kingdom Hearts 3, followed by the announcement of an anime adaptation based off of the game. NEO: The World Ends With You was also announced after a mysterious countdown.