If the name Alicyn Packard doesn’t ring a bell, odds are you are familiar with her signature voice or legendary characters in Rugrats or Cartoon Networks’ The Tom and Jerry Show. The award-winning voice actress recently took on a new role – Neon Red in Annapurna’s latest video game, Neon White.
Neon White is a thrilling first-person action game about exterminating demons in heaven. The player is “white,” an assassin selected from hell to battle villains to secure a spot in heaven. The addicting video game was created by Indie developer, Ben Esposito and serves as the newest addition to the Neon White Universe. Packard has joined the star-studded cast of critically acclaimed talent – Steven Blum, Courtney Lin, Zeno Robinson, Ben Lepley, and more.
Packard plays the female lead, Neon Red. Her character is a red-haired assassin with a fascinating past with each player. Stepping into this role has been far from easy for Packard, as she recorded during the height of the global health crisis via zoom. The actress worked closely with director Ashley Lambert to bring her animated character to life. The seasoned creative said the remote learning was “challenging,” but it pushed her to grow as a performer.
“The biggest challenge with remote recording is not having an engineer in studio, which meant I was responsible to adjust my own volume, stay on mic, and upload all the files after the session,” she previously explained. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Neon White universe. Annapurna makes some of the most unique titles out there, and I can’t wait to see how the fans resonate with the game.”
Neon White was officially released in early June, and is destined to be the video game of the summer. The exhilarating game is available on Nintendo Switch and PC.
Keep reading for our full Q&A with Alicyn Packard and let us know if you will be competing against demon slayers and if you discover massive short cuts. Leave tips and tricks at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
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Celeb Secrets: Congrats on landing a voiceover role in Annapurna’s latest video game, “Neon White!” How exciting is it to lend your voice on a video game that will be played by thousands across the world?
Alicyn Packard: “I’m thrilled to be voicing Neon Red on Neon White. The game has been getting amazing reviews across the board & it’s no surprise. Game developer Ben Esposito and Angel Matrix did an incredible job with the game play and anime inspired storyline. But hey now… why stop at ‘thousands of players’? How about M I L L I O N S! 😂 ”
CS: Is this your first time doing a voiceover for a video game? What made you want to audition for the role of Neon Red?
AP: “I’ve been acting in video games since my first game role as the female blood elf in the World of Warcraft expansion in 2007. However, there is something really special about Neon Red. When I read the audition sides, I fell in love with her. Once in a while, a role comes through that you really resonate with. Neon Red was that for me. I felt a natural connection and didn’t have to put anything on. I remember thinking, “this one’s mine,” and I guess it was meant to be.”
CS: Can you tell us more about your character Neon Red?
AP: “At first glance – Red is sexy, seductive, and mysterious. As the game unravels, we see more of her heart. Red is a badass assassin and a flirtatious femme fatale. While the game pays homage to anime classics like Cowboy Bebop, with a self-referential wit, it toes the line between embracing camp while portraying the depth of more intricate human emotions with honesty.”
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CS: We know you recorded a lot of this during the pandemic with director Ashley Lambert. What was that process like for you?
AP: “It was my first time working with Ashley, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to work with her again. Ashley has a deep respect for actors and was always eager to let me try new things. She brought a calm, grounded energy that was so refreshing. Even though I’m used to working fast, I never felt rushed, which is such a treat in this industry. Another very different experience was the entire crew in that room (well, Zoom room) was female. Along with Writer Ryann Shannon and producer Geneva Hodgson, Ashley created one of the best work environments out there. We need to do it again, stat. Sequel anyone?”
CS: Being a voiceover vet, what did you learn from recording this project at home in isolation?
AP: “Actually, I have a studio in my backyard where I’ve done a majority of my recording for years. Until the pandemic, it was about 50/50. But mostly, commercials and tv promos were recorded from home. We would go in for animation and video game records. I truly miss just being in the same room and creating art with others. Fortunately, some opportunities are back in the studio. However, sometimes it’s nice not to drive across town for a session!”
CS: Why should our readers pick up and play Neon White this summer?
AP: “Sooo many reviewers are saying it’s their favorite game in years! Trust the experts, right?”
CS: Do you have any career goals you would like to achieve this year?
AP: “To inspire more creativity, joy, and connection in the world.”
CS: Since we are Celeb Secrets, could you share a secret about the game that may surprise users?
AP: “Shhhh… not only did I voice Neon Red, but I also did the voice of the adorable kitten Angel Cat. Now you know!”
