Mini Review: Project Neon (Switch) - A Capable New Neo Geo Shmup To Test Your Mettle
Project Neon is a vertically scrolling arcade-style shoot ’em up developed for Neo Geo and successfully funded through Kickstarter in 2019. Now available on Nintendo Switch, the game draws inspiration from classic arcade developers CAVE and Toaplan, targeting fans of traditional bullet-hell shmups with challenging, skill-based gameplay.
The game features streamlined presentation that prioritizes core mechanics. Players can customize their experience through rotation and scaling options, though the CRT filter is fixed. The game offers a single default difficulty level across two distinct play modes: Normal mode serves stages in linear order, while Course mode grants players the choice to select which of the first four stages to tackle from a total of five, allowing for personalized progression paths.
A notable feature for the Switch port is the inclusion of optional touchscreen controls, following the model established by CAVE’s iOS arcade releases. This accessibility option makes the game more convenient for handheld play but has sparked discussion in competitive gaming circles about how touchscreen input might impact scoring fairness and competitive integrity.
Project Neon demonstrates the viability of bringing Kickstarted arcade titles to modern platforms, offering Switch players a faithful retro shooting experience that respects the classic formula while adapting thoughtfully to its new hardware home.