NEO: The World Ends with You is a sequel released some time after the original. This is always a challenging factor, testing players to rack their brains to recall a twisting plot that was fairly complex in nature. For what it’s worth, I’d definitely recommend reading or watching a plot summary before proceeding with NEO: TWEWY. One of the most common queries relates to the protagonist of the original game. Many are wondering whether Neku appears in NEO: TWEWY before making the purchase.
Now, obviously the essence of this very question will inevitably lead to spoilers, so we’ll do our best to keep these as light as possible. The contents below will list the main questions on this topic, from least spoilery to most. Have a think about what information you actually want to know and click based on how far down the spoiler rabbit hole you wish to go. We’ve also kindly placed images in between each question so you don’t accidentally go too far.
Is Neku in NEO: TWEWY?
Yes. Though the sequel starts with a brand new cast of characters, Neku does appear in NEO: TWEWY.
If that’s all you wanted to know, there you have it.
When does Neku appear in NEO: TWEWY?
It takes Neku a little while to show up, but he gets there eventually. Neku arrives for the game’s final act, but there’s still a fair way to go and you’ll likely get at least 10 hours of gameplay featuring Neku.
There’s also a side chapter set in an alternate reality called Another Day, which is unlocked after beating the game for the first time. This side story lasts a few more hours and also includes Neku.
Is Neku a playable character?
Yes, Neku joins your party as a playable character. As confirmed above, you get around 10 hours of Neku’s company where he is controllable alongside the rest of the party.
Neku’s character is done justice in NEO: TWEWY, expanding his character and respecting his legacy from the original game superbly. In fact, I probably preferred Neku in the sequel.
Is NEO: TWEWY a direct sequel?
The initial phases of the story contain a new playable party, but fans of the original won’t have to wait long for some references and familiar faces to appear.
Ultimately, the story does end up connecting directly to the original TWEWY and deals with several important plot points that were left up in the air. If you’re looking for original loose ends to be tied up, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re wondering whether you actually need to play the original game first, I would definitely advise it but as already stated you could probably get by with a plot summary online.
The original on DS is now ported as The World Ends With You: Final Remix on the Nintendo Switch and you an also snag a version called Solo Remix on iOS or Android.
Do any other characters from the original appear?
Yes. There are plenty of other characters from the original game, ranging from cameos to fleshed-out NPCs and more fully playable party members.
Some of the briefer appearances were slightly disappointing, but this is made up for by the heavy involvement of several other key characters along with Neku.
More specifically, Beat and Minamimoto from the first game are playable characters with the former spending a particularly long time in the party. Shiki and Rhyme also feature in the story, but are not playable.
Is NEO: TWEWY a good game?
Coming from someone who played and loved the original game, I honestly thought NEO: TWEWY took a long time to get going and I actually considered giving up on a couple of occasions. However, in the end I thoroughly enjoyed it and I was glad to have persevered through its slower moments.
Our full, spoiler-free review can be found below, so you can read NEO: TWEWY’s detailed dissection and decide whether it’s for you.
Hopefully that’s as much information as you wanted in respect of NEO: TWEWY, and Neku’s appearance.
Check out our spoiler-free review or some further tips below:
