Not only is Neon artfully designed to give subtle hints into her nationality, but she also has a Filipina voice actress and Tagalog in-game dialogue.
AFTER weeks of speculation, teasers, and rumors, Riot Games finally announced the newest Valorant agent, Neon, a Manila-born Filipina who is quick on her feet.
Late in 2021, the popular free-to-play first-person shooter game hinted at a new agent who casually speaks Tagalog.
Later, fans speculated that she would use an electric-based kit.
Developer Riot Games officially released Neon’s reveal trailer on January 6, giving players a preview of her abilities before she officially joins the game later this month with the new patch.
In the trailer, we see the new recruit unboxing her things and decorating her new bedroom while bopping to Filipina singer Ylona Garcia’s new single, “Entertain Me.”
From the walis tambo and guitar in her room to her singing using a hairbrush as a microphone, many Filipina could relate to Neon, who is voiced by Filipina voice actor Vanille Velasquez.
Since the launch of the trailer, Filipino fans have been praising the developers for putting close attention to the details and character design in making Neon truly Filipino.
In terms of gameplay, Valorant’s newest character stands out from all the other agents given her unique fluid movements, quick sliding movements, conjuring a double firewall, and finger guns.
Yes, finger guns. However, Riot has yet to release her official abilities and keybindings. Only one thing official is that she is a Duelist–Valorant’s dedicated killers.
For now, Valorant describes Neon as the youngest agent “who can outpace the rest of the roster, shocking the competition, and sliding straight into the fight.”
Tags: #videogame, #valorant, #neon, #riotgames, #filipinocharacter