‘Valorant’ introduces Manila-born agent Neon

A new agent is joining the next episode of the vastly popular free-to-play first-person shooter, Valorant.

In a two-minute cinematic trailer released on Thursday, Riot Games finally introduced Valorant’s 18th character: Manila-born agent Neon.

Although Neon’s role and abilities have yet to be officially revealed, the video showed off a sneak peek at what the new agent can do in the arena.

At the beginning of the clip, we can see the latest recruit settling in her new bedroom as she checks out the information on a tablet sent by Sage. We can also hear her briefly whisper “Hay, buhay…” before collapsing in her bed. 

As the Manila-born agent brings out her phone to play Filipina singer Ylona Garcia’s latest single, ‘Entertain Me,' the clip then showcases glimpses of the agent’s powers including an ability to sprint and slide while duking it out with the other agents.

Apart from her electric powers and the ability to hurl balls that bounce off walls, it also appears that Neon can also spawn two blue walls similar to UK agent Phoenix.

At the tailend of the clip, we then hear her say “Kontrolado ko ‘to” before using her Ultimate, which appears to be a beam of electricity that she fires through her fingers.

Outside her dream-like state, the trailer also provides some additional Filipino references to highlight Neon's heritage, such as a beach sunset background, a photo of an aspin, and a framed number 5 jersey of Gilas.

Watch the clip below:

Neon is set to join Valorant’s latest update, Episode 4: Disruption, which is set to go live sometime next week.  

First released by Riot Games on June 2, 2020, Valorant is a 5v5 character-based tactical shooter set in a near-future Earth. Neon will join previously announced agents Astra, Breach, Brimstone, Chamber, Cypher, Jett, KAY/O, Killjoy, Omen, Phoenix, Raze, Reyna, Sage, Skye, Sova, Viper, and Yoru.