Hands on with the upcoming CRKD NEO S controller, plus thoughts on Dustborn and Age of Mythology: Retold.
After first making a name for themselves with the popular Nitro Deck. CRKD is back at it to help rethink the way to play your Switch titles, this time with the new NEO S – a modern controller with seriously nostalgic vibes.
But what does that mean exactly? Well, the NEO S is an interesting proposition – shaped remarkably similar to the classic NES controller. Naturally, that means the rectangular shape isn’t likely going to gel with every gamer, but I was surprised that it wasn’t an ergonomic nightmare. In fact, my hands actually wrapped around the NEO S quite neatly which was helped along by a natural curvature on the backside of the unit that allows you to grip the device a little better and give your fingers somewhere more natural to rest.
Needless to say, despite many hours of play my hands never felt cramped or sore. That’s also partly due to the NEO S’s size, which is actually bigger than you might initially expect out of the box, though that extra girth should help those with slightly larger hands.
But while the CRKD NEO S certainly embraces some old school aesthetics, its internals make the most of many modern sensibilities. That means you can expect all your usual bells and whistles including wireless connectivity, Hall Effect thumbsticks to avoid stick drift, re-mappable back buttons, gyro controls and swappable stick tops.
The only caveat to that is for whatever strange reason the actual stick top on the NEO S will vary from unit to unit. On my Classic Clear Edition, for example, the default is a convex style similar to that of the PS3, while for others it’s the arguably more popular concave design. That’s not entirely a deal-breaker and my sticks were perfectly comfortable, but that balance between design and stick choice is something you’ll need to consider, especially because swapping will cost extra, which is disappointing that at least one alternative isn’t provided in the box.
Speaking of designs though, there are plenty to choose from here, from a range of colourful transparent options, POPeART Editions like Blossom and Splatter as well as a classic Retro Gold look. Honestly, there should be an option for most gamers, and if not there’s always the option to buy more – a fact that CRKD encourages via the CRKD True Collection System App which showcases extra detail such as the product number and rarity rank should you be into that kind of thing.
Love Gaming?
Get the latest Gaming news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
All in all, the NEO S is a well-built, flexible device that blends the modern and the nostalgic without too many compromises too much. Well worth looking into whether you’re playing on Switch, PC or iPhone.
The CRKD NEO S will be available in mid September through EB Games and JB Hi-Fi for $99.95.
Also out now…
Dustborn (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, XBO, PC)
Dustborn is certainly an interesting game. It takes place in an alternate version of America where JFK was never assassinated and things just aren’t in a great place because of it. Then there’s your lead Pax, who leads a ragtag crew of superpowered misfits as they attempt to deliver a stolen package across the Divided States of America.
Actually, playing the game isn’t always clear-cut either. A visual novel of sorts, Dustborn also has elements of a rhythm game and even combat sections thrown in for good measure. I say all this because the mix-mashed elements lead to a finished product that has plenty of style but can feel a bit disjointed, especially with an inconsistent pace.
The world itself is interesting and you will grow to become invested in the plight of your crew, but it can also be hampered by the writing which doesn’t always quite hit the mark. For a game the sets such a large focus on its conversations and words holding great power, that can feel problematic at times.
This doesn’t mean Dustborn isn’t worth exploring, but it’s an experience that may require a little bit of patience. Enter with that mindset and it may still be a road trip worth taking.
Age of Mythology: Retold (Xbox Series X/S, PC)
A remaster of the beloved 2002 original, long-time fans should be able to rest easy with the knowledge that Age of Mythology: Retold should do well to bring a whole new legion of followers to the series.
For those unfamiliar with Age of Mythology, the game follows the same basic RTS premise set by the likes of Age of Empires. Makes sense considering the same team is behind both titles. The main difference here though is that instead of Empires, you’re choosing between the Greek, Norse, Egyptian and Atlantean pantheons now, and the wealth of godly powers that allows (like lightning storms) to help deal with your foes.
If you’re familiar with the original you’ll likely be chuffed with the respectable visual overhaul, UI improvements and quality of life updates like being able to utilse god powers more than once per game which shakes up the strategical side of things considerably.
I should also note that I played Age of Mythology: Retold on Xbox Series X, and despite obviously being a PC-dominant title, it worked remarkably well with a controller. There’s obviously going to be a bit of a learning curve and not everything feels natural, but it shouldn’t be a barrier if you’re keen.
And as yet another Game Pass inclusion, if you’ve got a subscription, there’s little reason to not discover if Age of Mythology: Retold is worth praising for yourself.
For more on this topic, follow the Gaming Observer.
