The original Neon Abyss is a roguelike run-and-gun shooter whose most memorable feature was the ability to wield a cat as a gun. I found the game to be whelming, but not overwhelming. Co-op support would surely have improved its staying power. Thankfully, Neon Abyss 2 from Veewo Games and Kepler Ghost will kick things up a few notches thanks to the inclusion of 4-player online co-op. The new Steam demo shows off that co-op support and lots more.
To play co-op in the demo:
- Start a game.
- Pause the game.
- Select System from the pause menu.
- Choose Back to the Bar.
- From the bar, press the button for Invite Friends (on an Xbox controller, it's the View/select button).
- Choose to Enter Cyberspace.
- Invite friends!
The demo shows off some impressive art direction and scope. Players will explore a randomized levels, collecting keys, grenades, and more, while hatching eggs (!) and battling foes. Reaching teleport points will allow the team to fast travel around the map. On the downside, the controls are a bit loose. I find the ability to jump with the left thumbstick annoying, to be honest. Hopefully the controls will become second nature after some practice.
Neon Abyss 2 will arrive on Steam Early Access on Thursday, July 17. Try the demo to see what the abyss has in store!