SPARKS flew into the world of Valorant as they welcomed the newest agent in their roster, the Manila-born Agent 19, Neon. Also known as “codename: SPRINTER”, Neon hit the servers of Valorant last Jan. 11, 2022. Her release is part of the game’s ACT 4 wherein in every Act changes to the game is made. 

Neon Has Arrived       

The launch of Neon (Agent 19) has been hinted throughout the game and in Valorants’s social media accounts. Neon got an Agent Trailer posted in their Youtube channel last Jan. 6, 2022, which showcased Neon’s kayumanggi complexion and a Tagalog voice line saying “ Hay Buhay''. Filipino culture and visual references were also present in the trailer such as a “Pilipinas” basketball jersey, walis-tambo, and fabrics that resemble local Pinoy weaving. 

Game Changer

The so-called Agent 19, who will play a role in the game’s lore with her having “BioElectricity”, sets her to be one of the most unique characters in the game. Neon’s addition to the game, with her Sliding Ability in HIGH GEAR and the Lightning Bolt in OVERDRIVE, were greatly praised as she presents fun and unique features never seen before. Her in-game contract, which can be unlocked through playing, also shows Neon’s distinction through her titles as Zoomer and Electrifying, appropriate for her aggressive play style.  Neon is described to be the fastest agent in the game; with this, she took the role of DUELIST which puts her in the frontlines of the battle accompanied by the following special abilities: HIGHGEAR (Signature Ability), Relay Bolt (Basic Ability), FASTLANE (Basic Ability), and OVERDRIVE (Ultimate Ability). 

Pinoy Frontrunners

The Filipino representation continues with actress Vanille Velasquez as the voice of Neon. She recognizes this as a milestone for Filipino presence in video games. Velasquez, who has been a voice actress since the age of ten, made sure that Filipino language and culture is reflected in the game lines such as “Hoy! Grab the Spike!”,” “Ayos, that’s how we do it!”, and ”Tara na! Clock’s ticking.” 

Aside from Neon’s voice actress, the music that accompanies her release is by Filipino- Australian artist Ylona Garcia & 88Rising. The song entitled  “Entertain Me” was released as part of Neon’s Agent Trailer. It complimented Neon through its message of toughness and resilience, attributes that are both seen in her and in Filipinos.  

This achievement placed the Philippines in the gaming map and paved the way for more representation inside and outside of video games.  Neon has already been considered as one of the new “Metas” or Most Effective Tactics Available in the game. Neon’s presence in the storyline of the game will also continue to develop as her importance to the game’s lore will be more expounded and utilized. Hence, fans will surely never miss out on Neon.