After a week of teasing, Square Enix delighted fans of the cult classic DS RPG The World Ends with You with the announcement of a sequel; NEO: The World Ends with You will be launching on Switch and PS4 sometime in 2021. Its predecessor released in 2007 and quickly gained a large fanbase for its stylish aesthetic, well-written character arcs, and unique battle system that took full advantage of both DS screens.
The game has been ported numerous times since, with the latest being an enhanced version for Switch. Gaming has changed since the original released and NEO: TWEWY is going to have update the gameplay in some modern ways, so here are just a few ideas for features the game should incorporate.
An Action-Oriented Combat System
What makes the original DS version of TWEWY stand head and shoulders above its ports is the way it utilized the handheld's top and bottom screens, as Neku was always paired with a partner throughout the game. While Neku was controlled with the stylus on the bottom screen, his partner was controlled with the face buttons on the top screen. Both characters shared a health bar and a light puck passed between the screens as combos went on, strengthening attacks. Yet, ports simplified this battle system to compensate for the lack of a second screen.
Since it's releasing for home consoles rather than handhelds, NEO: TWEWY is shifting to a 3D perspective, and this means combat needs a major overhaul. The best approach would be a system similar to action-RPGs like Kingdom Hearts or Ys. Fast paced and flashy combat would feel much more modern, and the game's stylish aesthetic lends itself well to making battles a visual spectacle.
Character Bonding Moments
One of the most fondly remembered parts of TWEWY is the cast. Every character is flawed and have their secrets. Not only do they grow as friends throughout the game, but also as individuals. Neku in particular has a rich arc full of personal growth. Unfortunately, that means his companions do take a slight backseat in the narrative.
NEO: TWEWY is drawing comparisons to Persona 5 on social media, though for superficial and trivial reasons. There is one aspect of Persona 5 that would be great for the game to draw inspiration from, though: Social/Confidant Links. When players aren't exploring dungeons in the Persona games, they're managing their everyday school life. A large part of that involves developing deeper relationships with party members and NPCs, which open up into full fledged mini-arcs. These optional stories give more insight into the characters players surround themselves with and let them have their chance to shine. It's a great way to develop stronger emotional connections to the cast, and a system like this fits perfectly with the overarching themes of TWEWY.
Greater Exploration
Like its predecessor, NEO: TWEWY is set in a fictional version of Shibuya, divided into districts. Moving between these districts was usually hindered by a specific gameplay element, such as walls that required completing certain objectives. This mechanic should be scrapped now that the game is in 3D, as being able to move around Shibuya and really explore the districts would help add more immersion. Seeing large crowds while being unable to interact with them physically would drive home the idea of the characters being trapped in a different plane of existence that exists simultaneously with "real world".
An Unconnected Story
This sequel needs to have its own identity, and that means staying as far away from the original game as possible. TWEWY fans are already being treated to an anime adaptation next year, and its cast have also popped up in the Kingdom Hearts series. The Switch port added a new scenario after the main storyline that teases a future adventure for Neku and his friends. So far the only connection between the two games is tied to a secondary character from the first, and that should be the full extent of it. These new characters deserve a chance to have their story told without ties to the original cast; a direct continuation of Neku's story should be its own game.
NEO: The World Ends With You is still in development, and is currently scheduled for a release on Switch and PS4 in summer 2021.