NEO: The World Ends with You details Shoka, Kariya, and Uzuki, Replay and Pins systems, enemies, more

Square Enix has released new information and screenshots for NEO: The World Ends with You, which expands upon previously released details, as well as reveals new character Shoka, returning characters Kariya and Uzuki, and gameplay systems such as “Replay” and “Pins.”

Get the details below.

■ Story

It was just another seemingly ordinary day in Shibuya—but not for Rindo. He could tell something about the city felt different.

He soon finds himself caught in the telekinetic crossfire of a psychic battle unfolding in the Scramble Crossing. And before he can catch his breath, a girl with an ominous aura appears before him and welcomes him to the so-called “Reapers’ Game.”

With some trepidation, Rindo and his friend Fret play along, convincing themselves that a “Game” couldn’t have any serious consequences. It isn’t long, however, until they start having second thoughts.

Rindo’s instinct was right: something about this Shibuya is different. The boys’ confusion is compounded by fear when they learn the first rule of this Game: if you don’t win, you cease to exist altogether.

Dead set on returning home, they must now compete against other Players in a battle for survival in Shibuya’s Underground (or “UG”).

■ Characters (Updated)

Rindo (voiced by Paul Castro Jr. in English, Yuuma Uchida in Japanese)

One of the newest Players in the Reapers’ Game, Rindo is a high schooler to whom searching for info on his phone is second nature. He prefers to go with the flow, and although he doesn’t go out of his way to interact with others, he won’t turn them away if they come to him first.

Thrust into the Game without even realizing it, he now serves as the de facto leader of the Wicked Twisters.

Fret (voiced by Griffin Burns in English, Chiharu Sawashiro in Japanese)

Rindo’s happy-go-lucky classmate and fellow Player in the Reapers’ Game, Fret boasts the ability to get along with just about anyone. While he styles himself as a natural conversationalist, he prefers to keep things light, subconsciously avoiding subjects that are too serious. He enjoys walking around town with his buddy “Rindude.”

Nagi (voiced by Miranda Parkin in English, Mina Katahira in Japanese)

Another Player in the Reapers’ Game, Nagi is a college student whose youthful appearance leads others to mistake her for a middle schooler. She is deeply passionate about her pastimes, devoting all of her time and energy to her favorite games. Highly perceptive, she is acutely aware of others’ emotions, and shows disdain toward those she deems superficial and disingenuous.

Minamimoto (voiced by Andy Hirsch in English, Takayuki Fujimoto in Japanese)

A fellow Player in the Reapers’ Game, Minamimoto puts his impressive psychic powers to use when he saves Rindo and the gang from a tight spot early on, then forces himself onto their team.

He calculates every possible future using his own unique formulas and acts in accordance with the values he discovers, but he remains a mystery to all around him. He seems to have his sights set on something greater than Rindo and the gang.

Shiba (voiced by Shaun Conde in English, Daiki Hamano in Japanese)

Shiba currently ranks number one among the Reapers in the Shibuya UG, having worked his way to the top within a year of his arrival. He also serves as the Game’s Master, arbiter of its rules, and encourages its Players to keep things hot.

His psychic powers far surpass those of his fellow Reapers, ensuring that none dare disobey him.

Shoka (voiced by Bailey Gambertoglio in English, Akari Kitou in Japanese)

One of the Reapers in charge of managing the Game, Shoka is less than enthused with her job of monitoring the Players. Having grown bored of the Game in its current state, she not-so-secretly hopes someone will come along and shake things up, showing open disdain toward Players who are slow to learn the rules.

The hoodie she wears is a signature piece from Gatto Nero, a new brand that has recently taken Shibuya by storm.

Kariya (voiced by Andrew Kishino in English, Anri Katsu in Japanese)

Despite his veteran status among the Shibuya Reapers, Kariya has no career aspirations, content with working among the rank-and-file Reapers. Though he used to work alongside Uzuki, the two operate separately at present. Never seen without one of his trademark lollipops.

Uzuki (voiced by Kate Higgins in English, Satomi Arai in Japanese)

Although her mind was once solely focused on getting ahead, Uzuki seems to have outgrown her previous ambition for some reason or another—but her short temper hasn’t changed a bit. She used to work with Kariya, but currently she operates alone.

■ Locations (Updated)

NEO: The World Ends with You takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo. You may recognize some of the landmarks, but the city itself is depicted with an artistic touch unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Explore this wonderfully unique version of Shibuya!

—Spain Hill

—104 Building

■ Music

The game’s vibrant soundtrack is provided by Takeharu Ishimoto, who composed music for the previous game.

Not only has he written a slew of new songs, but he has also rearranged familiar tracks from The World Ends with You, including “Twister” and “Calling”!

■ Key Item: Reaper Pin – The Key to the Reapers’ Game

Reaper Pins serve as proof that one has been approved to take part in the Reapers’ Game.

Not only do these pins grant Players the ability to telepathically Scan their surroundings, but they also educe some of the wielders’ own latent psychic powers.

—Upon obtaining Reaper Pins of their own, Rindo and the gang are swept into a battle for their lives.

■ Game System: Replay – Replay the Past to Change Your Fate

Each member of the Wicked Twisters possesses their own unique psychic powers.

Rindo boasts the ability to turn back time within a given day, allowing him to alter some of his earlier actions in hopes of bringing about a better final outcome.

This Replay power proves indispensable in Rindo’s efforts to survive the Reapers’ Game.

■ Pins

Azamaru

A pin bearing the “Shockwave” psych. Slash at enemies with a flaming sword, then leap into the air before delivering one final hit.

Angelic Kick

Activate the powerful “Massive Hit” psych to unleash a swift aerial kick. Fully charge the attack to send your foes flying as well!

Glacial Getaway

The “Piercing Pillar” psych conjures an enormous icicle beneath your foes, sometimes sending them skyward.

■ Enemies

Players in the Reapers’ Game will face off against enemies known as Noise that come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from herds of smaller beasts to singular fiends that tower over your entire team.

Avoiding them literally won’t get you anywhere, as many missions require Players to erase Noise in order to proceed. Felling these foes will also provide you with powerful new pins, so rest assured that your efforts won’t go unrewarded!

—Some truly ferocious Boss Noise will stand in your way!

NEO: The World Ends with You is due out for PlayStation 4 and Switch on July 27 worldwide, followed by PC via the Epic Games Store later this summer.

View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

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