Crossed Swords (Neo Geo)
Best described as Operation Wolf in medieval times, Crossed Swords is one of those unique instances where a tried-and-tested genre is taken in a refreshing new direction. Viewed from behind your character, the action takes you through a series of fantasy environments as you take down hordes of monsters. A sequel was released later, but only on the Neo Geo CD – that's also well worth a look.
Magician Lord (Neo Geo)
Described by many critics of the time as the Neo Geo's answer to Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Magician Lord is a tough-as-old-boots action platformer which stars a lead character who is capable of transforming into several different forms, including a fire-breathing dragon and deadly ninja. Showcasing some neat visuals and excellent music, this very early Neo Geo release has most certainly stood the test of time.
Windjammers (Neo Geo)
Arguably one of the greatest competitive video games of all time, Windjammers is so good it's almost reason enough to own a Neo Geo. The objective is to hurl a frisbee into your opponent's goal using a range of special shots, but you're also able to deflect incoming shots and spin them in the air for super-powerful attacks. A sequel recently launched on modern consoles, which is also utterly superb, but there's something about the purity of the original that keeps drawing us back. A must-have.
Neo Drift Out: New Technology (Neo Geo)
While the Neo Geo was never going to be powerful enough to deliver a convincing 3D driving game, it had a couple of excellent isometric ones – and Neo Drift Out is perhaps the most appealing. Based on the world of rallying, it features a diverse selection of tracks and some brilliantly skilled AI opponents, as well as a two-player competitive mode. Neo Drift Out proves that there was a lot more to SNK's system than just fighting games.
Neo Bomberman (Neo Geo)
Developed by the same team behind the excellent Super Bomberman series on the SNES, Neo Bomberman needs little introduction; it retains the same explosive gameplay the series has become famous for. The game's campaign mode can be played either solo or co-operatively with a friend, but it's the competitive battle mode which will attract the most attention; it's just a shame that only two people can play at once, due to the fact that the Neo Geo hardware doesn't allow for more players to be involved. Neo Bomberman is an MVS exclusive and never received an AES home release.
Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers (Neo Geo)
Created by Takashi Nishiyama, the brains behind Capcom's Street Fighter, Fatal Fury was intended to be SNK's smash-hit one-on-one brawler and certainly impressed in the early years of the Neo Geo. However, its sequels took things to the next level, with Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 delivering an experience which arguably wouldn't be bettered until Garou came along shortly afterwards. The bright, cartoon-like characters and swift, engaging action make this another solid Neo Geo fighting game.
Super Sidekicks 3: The Next Glory (Neo Geo)
The Super Sidekicks series saw multiple entries on the Neo Geo, each more refined than the last. This third instalment contains everything that makes SNK's soccer franchise so compelling; fast, arcade-style action, superb presentation and brilliant 'close up' sequences which really make you feel part of the action. Sure, it's nowhere near as complex as your typical FIFA outing, but it offers instantly gratifying, pick-up-and-play football action that is simply irresistible when there are two players involved.
2020 Super Baseball (Neo Geo)
Even if you're not a fan of the sport of baseball, we'd argue that you'll get some enjoyment out of 2020 Super Baseball. A futuristic take on the pastime boasting a mixture of human and robotic players, it uses the Neo Geo's sprite-scaling powers to brilliant use, offering a spectacle which still looks and sounds impressive, even today. Like most sports titles, it really comes alive when two players are involved.
Puzzle Bobble (Neo Geo)
Given how massively popular the Puzzle Bobble series went on to be, it's easy to forget that the very first game in the franchise was on the Neo Geo (although it wasn't exclusive – Taito also released a version for its B System arcade hardware). As you can imagine, the gameplay is very stripped-back when compared to later entries, but the addictive match-three mechanic is naturally in place, making this another solid two-player title for SNK's system.
Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo)
While the Samurai Shodown sequels added more characters and mechanics, it's the second outing which really sticks in the mind for us personally. After the groundbreaking original, Samurai Shodown II improved in almost every respect, offering a more diverse cast of fighters, improved visuals and tighter, more rewarding gameplay. An honourable mention must also go to the Last Blade pair of titles, which offer similar weapon-based action.
When did Neo Geo launch?
The Neo Geo Multi Video System (MVS) release date was April 26th, 1990, in Japan. It would launch in North America on August 22nd, 1990 and would come to Europe in 1991.
Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System (AES) would launch on July 1st, 1991, in Japan and North America.
What's the difference between Neo Geo MVS and AES?
Both the Neo Geo MVS (Multi Video System) and Neo Geo AES (Advanced Entertainment System) are technically identical. The MVS is the coin-op version of the system and was used in amusement arcades, while the AES is the home console version.
MVS and AES carts are physically different, so they cannot be used across both systems without modification (cartridge adapters are available).
Why was Neo Geo so expensive?
Because the console used cutting-edge arcade-quality hardware, SNK was forced to sell it at a premium. The Neo Geo AES launched in North America for $649.99 (equivalent to around $1,400 in 2023) – more than double the cost of consoles such as the Genesis and Super Nintendo.
Furthermore, the large amount of memory inside each game meant that cartridges cost around $200 each, with prices rising as games packed in larger ROM sizes.
Is Neo Geo region locked?
No. Neo Geo MVS and AES carts are not region locked and can be used on any MVS / AES system, regardless of origin.
How many games were released on Neo Geo?
157 games were officially licensed for release on Neo Geo. Many of these games were released across AES, MVS and Neo Geo CD, but each system has exclusive games. 148 MVS games exist, alongside 118 AES games and 98 Neo Geo CD games.
Why was Neo Geo discontinued?
SNK discontinued hardware production on the Neo Geo MVS and AES system in 1997, shifting its focus to the more powerful Hyper Neo Geo 64 arcade standard. Software continued to be produced until 2004, however.
Comments 14
Nice! I did not realize Crossed Swords was on eshop?! Also, that Nightmare In The Dark I had never known about until now. Would love to have a chance to play it. Maybe it'll come along sometime.
I hope HAMSTER continues to give us more NeoGeo classics, I'm still waiting for Double Dragon, Rage of the Dragons, Power Instinct Matrimelee, SNK vs. Capcom Chaos, Far East of Eden: Kabuki Klash, and Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer and even the non-Neo Geo games like Metal Slug 6, King of Fighters XI, Samurai Shodown 6, and Buriki One.
I've been wanting to play Nightmare in the Dark for the longest time now, but it inexplicably still hasn't been ported to Switch along with nearly ever other game on this list. Ah well, there's always emulation I suppose.
I'm also surprised Last Blade wasn't included. Both of those games are very high quality fighters. I've recently been playing the second one. I had played the first one quite a bit more in the past. Nice to see Neo Drift Out as that is super fun. That only got a Neo CD version, it seems. Shock Troopers is another great one and a game that's easy for me to come back to. That one only got an arcade release back in the day until compilations and Virtual Console came along. I would recommend Metal Slug X to those new to the series. The difficulty is more manageable and that final stage in Slug 3 is overwhelming. KOF98 is the best one in my opinion, but KOF97 is very close to it in feel and is a good one for those that want a story to the game, however much that is. I'd also throw Sengoku 3 onto the list. I really love that one too and there aren't a lot of beat-em-up games on the platform.
That’s a good list. I never really got into Neo Geo back in the day as I rarely got to visit arcades and the times I did they usually didn’t have any Neo Geo games. That said, I’ve played quite a few now and my favourites are definitely Metal Slug 1, Puzzle Bobble and Neo Turf Masters (“on the green!”).
@Diogmites Both Last Blades are excellent, but the additional characters in the second were good additions. The biggest obstacle for me was that they changed the Speed mode which threw off my play style, but I have since adjusted to it. KOF97 is the game that made me a big SNK fan. Even though it was right next to a Street Fighter 3 cabinet, when I saw KOF97 in action I just had to have it on my Saturn. It seems like KOF97 had a big impact on many. Metal Slug 3 is very well made, but the difficulty spikes and pacing of the end stage is off, I think, so it's not my favorite.
I love beat-em-up games. I know Sengoku 3 often gets the complaints you mentioned. And I didn't fully appreciate it on my first play through. It's a bit slower and a bit more defensive than most beat-em-ups, but once it clicked with me, it became one of my favorite games in the genre. But all anyone can do is try it for themselves. If it's not for you, that's fine. A little over a year ago, I revisited Capcom's Knights of the Round, which I previously thought was just okay, and it finally grabbed me and now it's among my favorites as well. So sometimes is worth going back in, but that's up to you.
There's a surprisingly great range of games there, although, obviously, a load of the big fighting games aren't present.
I'm surprised to see that many shmups, and I actually don't like these very much, even though I'm not a fan of the genre. Also I hate Magician Lord, and I'm puzzled so many people like it. It's almost impossible to beat because of a weird design choice.
@RootsGenoa I hear you regarding Magician Lord, I've never liked it. Unattractive visuals, and stiff, slow character movement, not to mention unforgiving difficulty. Cool premise, just poor execution.
no last blade, no samurai shodown. just no.
Great article! The Neo Geo is pretty much prime 90's greatness.
Great list. Thanks to Hamster, I own most of these digitally, or else on one of my Neo Geo Mini cabinets. My absolute favorite is probably Neo Turf Masters, a.k.a. Big Tournament Golf (Augusta National Cease and Desist Order Edition).
A while ago I googled for lists of the best Neo Geo games. I looked for ranked lists at least 25 games long. I ended up finding 7 qualifying lists with 132 unique games and a total of 410 separate entries. I assigned points based on rank and added it all up.
Here (in order) are the games from that Top 25 that didn't get an entry here:
Enjoyed reading this.
KOF 98 - this for me was when KOF surpassed SF for one one fighters. The execution, varied cast, balance etc were all fantastic.
I personally struggled with KOF97 - I just can’t get to grips with the sound although the underlying gameplay still shines.
A great console although I never knew anyone who had an aes in the 90s. It’s great that some many of these titles are now accessible to such a large audience.
Final point - whilst the Neo Geo CD does suffer from long loading times (although CDZ largely fixes this) it has truly awesome soundtracks and is more affordable these days. Recommended.
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