I bought the NEO GEO pocket, and that was a waste, but i still have it in my collection.
NGPC, best portable ever.
NGPC, best portable ever.
I think the PSP would like a word with you! :D Actually, as much as I love my PSP,
the Lynx, for whatever reason, is my top portable. I know people hate it, but, the games are intruiging to me, even all the crappy one's.
Whatever the case, NGPC does indeed rock, & I'd love to have a backlight on it. If this Neo Geo X thing comes out, I would appreciate NGPC support, if only for the backlight!
No-one seems to have mentioned the GT/TE in this thread. Are we taking it as a given that it's the greatest portable of the age?
I think the PSP would like a word with you! :D
I just found one of my old outlook post-it's from my Monster Hunter Freedom days, and I was missing 6 end-tier weapons, and a few titles. It would have taken a while, but it seems these are the last things I needed for every final weapon;
smolder dragonsword.....2 azure lao horns
inferno dragonsword ....2 lao rubies :(
Sanctioned blades...........8 az horns 5 thundersacs
Cursed Spirit.....................twisted black blos horn
Black Ruiner lance...........1 devil eye
Nocturne Gigaton.............7 strong grav wings (!!!)
The only prob. I had with the GBA was its noisy low-fi sound.
Why in the hell, did they use such a crappy sound chip, when everything else was so high-end?
The NGPC's soundchip was a bunch of bleeps and bloops. Did the GBC have a better soundchip?
The GBC? No. Much worse. GBC sound was basically identical to b/w GB sound.
To be %100 fair, the GBA probably is the best handheld ever. Its more or less as powerful as a SNES (greater in some ways, inferior in others) which means its basically all 2D games taken to their limit. It can do some polygonal bullshit, but luckily there is very little of it. The GBA library is amazingly massive and diverse, and the Micro and SP have some of the best screens and form factors of all time. The SP is probably the best since it can play games all the way back to b/w GB. Advance Wars 1, Astro Boy, Super Robot Wars J, Initial D, Drill Dozer, Metroid Fusion, Warioware Twisted, damn this system is good. People need to not get so hung up on the stuff like Bratz and Barbie and Army Men. It doesn't matter that shitsoft was made for it, what matters is that great stuff was made for it.
The PSP just doesn't have the diversity in software. Its more of a "big gun" in the sense that I'll buy a PSP game and get SUPER into it for quite a while...and then it just doesn't get used because there isn't enough software. The screen is amazing.
The DS is like this too. I'll get really into a Layton or Rhythm Heaven game and then put it back on the shelf.
The NEC handhelds aren't that great. HuCard-only battery hogs with unreadable screens. Very comfortable to hold, and absolutely cutting edge for the time, but very little use today. The LT isn't a handheld at all unless you wear a f*cking battery belt.
The NGP is probably second place for me. The game library is small, for sure, but they are such charming games. Aside form the Pachislot BS they are ALL amazing. Sure, the screen isn't backlit, which is a pain, but that's part of why you get FIFTY f*ckING HOURS of battery life. Try that on...anything else. Then there is the fact that this thing is SNK all the way and has the best 8 direction stick/pad to ever appear in the history of video games.
There are more, and I'm sure, careful though I am, I haven't picked out the only PSP games I like. Plus with its video and Internet capabilities, the PSP is the greatest handheld console yet made. I also like the DS, but for specific games like Layton and Ghost Trick.
Not quite true. The original brick Gameboy had a damn fine sound chip, and many of the best sounding games sound like shit on a GBC.
Not quite true. The original brick Gameboy had a damn fine sound chip, and many of the best sounding games sound like shit on a GBC.
because it was in the wrong hands.
There are more, and I'm sure, careful though I am, I haven't picked out the only PSP games I like. Plus with its video and Internet capabilities, the PSP is the greatest handheld console yet made. I also like the DS, but for specific games like Layton and Ghost Trick.
I disagree, the PSP makes my hand go numb with extended use, both the 1000 and 3000 models I own are guilty of this. It's an ergonomic nightmare.
The library of the GBA + GB easily crushes everything else.
It's really not fair to compare anything to mighty Nintendo.
A more interesting discussion would be: Of the runners-up, which one is best? (who earns 2nd. place?)
I agree, that's why I currently have 103 PSP games, & counting.
I've just never been this much into portable gaming since the PSP. I think one thing that helps(in regards to functionality), is that you can turn it off, without even saving, & turn it back on again, & you're right where you started. That's such a blessing for me(even though it eats up more juice), especially as I get older & have less & less time. You can kinda do that with the DS as well, it goes into sleep mode, though I don't know if it's recommended to do that for days on end. :-k
With Game Boy, Lynx, Game Gear, etc., you're lucky to have a save file, if maybe a password system.
Psp is great. Used it for uncoutable sessions of ridge racers and minna no golf. Absolut fantastic games
Nah, I hate sports, racing, & Call of Duty type stuff. 70% of those games are JRPG's. A few of them are poor, but still enjoyable.
Awesome, so there's no harm in leaving the DS for days on end like that.
Never got into the Final Fantasy Legend games, I had all 3, but, IIRC, they were part of the SaGa series, which I had mixed emotions about, mainly with the leveling up. I think Final Fanatsy 2 is similar, though, I haven't played thru that one yet.
Star Soldier collections
There is already a big thread talking about this thing, so we should probably merge.yeh sure I guessed the new console had probably been mentioned somewhere here before, I started the new thread more leaning towards the question on whether to pre-order the US version.
I just wanted to say thank you though for the Gamespot video link though. It confirmed the original aspect ratio is in tact and answered some other questions regarding the controller build (apparently the same as the original) and how the system docks (was shocked the whole thing opens up).
Came close to pressing that pre-order button on amazon.com a number of times already since it was made available there. I'll likely end of biting sooner than later.
They don't charge until the system ships I assume? Free shipping is also a cool bonus.
Gamestop can suck it.
Not too crazy about the loud "click" of the sticks, but overall the system looks great.
I still don't get it. $200 for a cheaply made Blaze handheld?
I bought this 3 years ago brand new for $50.
Not too crazy about the loud "click" of the sticks, but overall the system looks great.
That's the best part! Real microswitches!
I still don't get it. $200 for a cheaply made Blaze handheld?
I bought this 3 years ago brand new for $50. It emulates Neo Geo, PC Engine (Hu and CD), NES, SNES, FDS, Game Boy, Master System, Game Gear, Mega Drive, Mega-CD, CPS1, CPS2, Mame, 2600, Lynx, C64, plus many more. It has save states, full settings control for each emu, TV out, FM radio, MP3 and video playback, sound recorder, picture viewer, Flash and PDF viewers, the list goes on. 8 hours battery life with solid use, rechargeable via USB, 4GB of built in storage expandable via SD, oh and you can throw any rom you like on there.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/fjs/A320_zps425a2a54.jpg)
I'd like to point out that the handheld is NOT cheap feeling, just the dock.
Then again, the AES system used cheap plastic on the case too.
So do you just get AES mode set to US territory? Good luck ever beating Viewpoint or Sengoku.
From what I've read the video out is f*cking terrible, which surprises me absolutely not even a little, but the built in screen is nice. A lot of people seem to have bought this thing to use as a console more than a handheld, so those people are fuct, I guess.
Are you saying the thing looks worse than an AES using OEM composite out on an HDTV?
It's say to leave it in the dock and switch it on, the dock switch, to charge. This seems odd to me. I would think it should default to charge when off and in docking station. You have to leave the system on to charge?
It's mostly if not all software.
I see 3 main problems.
1. A wrong video resolution is used
The NEOGEO uses 320x224, but the NGX scales it to 320x240 and upscales it to 640x480 for HDMI.
Scaling 224px to 240px is a bad idea.
This also results in a 2nd problem that if you apply scanlines with a videoprocessor those are off.
Solution: don't scale to 240, just add 8px borders at top and bottom. Then scale pixel perfect to 640x480
2. The NEOGEO uses an odd video refresh rate 59.18hz, but HDMI requires 59.94hz
This results in tearing, no vertical sync possible.
Solution: speed up the emulation to 59.94Hz/60hz.
3. Sound lag.
Solution: Unknown. Probably just a bug, maybe hardware problems too?
this might make a decent MAME handheld oneday... cant wait to get mines!If you read further on you will also find out that there are several other emulators already loaded on the system. Also, different games have been successfully loaded to the onboard SD card and the Neo-Geo bios has been successfully changed. That did not take long......
But it's weird how different emulators were already found in the device. What is the purpose besides them possibly taking a nod to the homebrew community to find?
The neogeox gets more play time than the psvita. The buttons on vita are just too small and the layouts are awkard. My fingers cramp out only after playing a few minutes on it. I'm thinking about putting my vita on ebay.
I placed an order for this yesterday after watching a lot of positive reviews for it. I'm not much of a Neo Geo fan besides liking some of SNK's popular franchises. I've always thought the Neo Geo was niche and overpriced and kinda just ignored it because of that. I didn't want to invest the money into buying an actual AES nor did I kind of want to play the games on other consoles.
So this is a really good option for me as I mostly plan to hook this up to a TV and replicate the experience of playing these games on an actual AES. I know the Neo Geo X might not be AS good as original hardware, but most reviews are saying its pretty damn close and makes you feel like your playing the original system.
I'll post my thoughts on it once I've had some time with it.
Since I already have the money invested in the system, I might as well pick up this pack of games. I think the device is average, but hopefully this firmware update improves upon that.
I wish I had waited to get mine from Best Buy when they had the system for $100 and the extra controller for $25, then I wouldve been much happier with it!
Since I already have the money invested in the system, I might as well pick up this pack of games. I think the device is average, but hopefully this firmware update improves upon that.
I wish I had waited to get mine from Best Buy when they had the system for $100 and the extra controller for $25, then I wouldve been much happier with it!
$100?? Wow, never knew about that...dang, oh well. :/
What are you guys going to do with this thing when the battery goes bad? Is it a standard battery or some custom one you cant just order online?
What are you guys going to do with this thing when the battery goes bad? Is it a standard battery or some custom one you cant just order online?
Someone at the neogeo forums tore one open and found it's soldered to the pcb. I suppose it's still changeable (assuming you can find a replacement), but not easily.
Who officially said anything about improved HDMI output?
Just got one of these on a deals site for a steal, sounds like there are some cool improvement coming down the line so I'm excited :)
I was thinking about buying that device, but then I remembered the marvelous PSN Neo*Geo ports, with lots of extras, a music player (PSG?), etc. And the games doesn't look butt-ugly in HD by the way.
Just got one of these on a deals site for a steal, sounds like there are some cool improvement coming down the line so I'm excited :)
Link? It's cool looking hardware but I didn't want to make the plunge until the firmware and the A/V was improved.
Would be better off putting money on a supergun/mvs/multicart setup if you want to do neo geo without collecting. I can't believe the thing uses final burn alpha. [-( I'm glad people like it but the thing just seems like one big mess to me.
If the price drops to $75 or so I'll jump...I just don't need another portable system I'm never going to play laying around.
Blazing Star and Pulstar are only close to each other in the sense that they are both horizontal shooters and they both have "star" in the name. There isn't much else relating them.
Blazing Star and Pulstar are only close to each other in the sense that they are both horizontal shooters and they both have "star" in the name. There isn't much else relating them.
Also, they aren't releasing things in original order at all. Metal Slug, KOF 95, Real Bout Special, and World Heroes Perfect came with the unit and they were all 4-6 years into the Neo's life. It's true they aren't giving us the really late and impressive stuff like they should, but there is no relationship to original release order at all.
I've got the PS2 collection, I just want to be able to play Real Bout Special on a modern TV without lag with a modern joystick.
Dang. This sure is happening to a lot of people.
But then, Sony just bricked untold thousands of PS3s last week, and they're a multi-billion dollar corporation so...expecting more from Tommo is perhaps stupid.
The NGX stick is nearly identical to the AES one but not quite. With a bit of work (that Tommo should have done) you can make it perfect. I've used it on OSX and PS3.
The NGX stick is nearly identical to the AES one but not quite. With a bit of work (that Tommo should have done) you can make it perfect. I've used it on OSX and PS3.
What is this work of which you speak?
Check the firmware of your NGX (press the menu key at the game selection screen.) It is the 337 firmware that is getting bricked, if you have 330 you should be okay.
I updated mine, they didn't fix everything but my eyes do not want to bleed while playing in HDMI anymore. Just needs vsync and scanlines, really. Unforunately, my hacked SD card adapter doesn't work anymore. Good thing I have a spare X that I didn't update!
The case it comes in is an almost exact replica of the Neo Geo snaplock case. I haven't tried putting an actual neo cart in it, but it would probably fit fine. The plastics they use are different though, so it doesn't feel expensive like a real Neo case, but I'm fine with that. If I could somehow buy those cheaper cases for the price of a shockbox (around 8 bucks) I would get a bunch to replace some ratty cases I have.
I don't think that switch is actually connected to anything....
UPDATE... I noticed there is a small yellow switch on the SD card. I pushed this switch down (mine was up before) and repeated the update process... and got the double logo flash followed by the "update in progress" screen! Crossing my fingers...
UPDATE COMPLETE! The firmware was successfully downloaded and the handheld now recognizes the new game SD card. Seems like the card switch position was what did the trick for me
that sucks that the console didn't last. maybe it'll become more valuable in the future
that sucks that the console didn't last. maybe it'll become more valuable in the future
Only if people can figure out a proper battery replacement. These things are throw away products, much like tablets. They don't retain much collect-ability due to their design. The fact that SNK is disowning it will hurt that even more. It was the right call by SNK though, because the thing was junk. And also, new forum look is terrible. Just sayin.
are they even still for sale, who carries these things?
are they even still for sale, who carries these things?
It's still readily available on Amazon.com. I wonder if they will just pull inventory or do a fire sale to get ride of the remaining stock.
Just stick to emulating on a PC, PSP, or a Wii. Better results. One redeeming point for the thing is the battery life. I've gone 8 hours of play (not in one sitting) without need to charge mine.are they even still for sale, who carries these things?
It's still readily available on Amazon.com. I wonder if they will just pull inventory or do a fire sale to get ride of the remaining stock.
I'd be tempted to pick one up if it were to go on sale. A novelty item to say the least.
Tommo, Inc., today responded to the press release that appeared on the SNK PLAYMORE USA Corp website last week. Tommo, Inc. denies that any breach of contract exists in their agreement with SNK PLAYMORE USA Corp and are continuing to support and market the popular NEOGEO X GOLD entertainment system, its accessories, and games. Due to the popularity of the system, Tommo and SNK extended the agreement earlier this year until 2016. Tommo fully expects this agreement to be honored by all parties. To date, Tommo has performed all of its obligations under its license agreement with SNK and is disappointed by SNK’s sudden and unjustified termination of the agreement. Tommo has demanded that SNK retract its press release and any attempts to terminate the license agreement.
hahahaaha i wan't a neo geo so bad tho...
Hehe, this isn't much more far from emulating.
Hehe, this isn't much more far from emulating.
Like playing PCE games on the Turbo Everdrive.
One of the main pleasures of gaming is to put out a game of its original case, looking at its cover and manual, put the game in and eventually fire it up :)
One of the main pleasures of gaming is to put out a game of its original case, looking at its cover and manual, put the game in and eventually fire it up :)
I guess I'm doing it wrong, seeing as I get the most pleasure from PLAYING THE GAME!
You sound a bit like a collectard hoarder. :P
I enjoy it a bit too, but just a bit; actually playing the game is at least 3/4 the fun.
Hehe, this isn't much more far from emulating.
Like playing PCE games on the Turbo Everdrive.
Not the same. The experience of playing roms on the TED (or many other flash carts) is identical to playing the original hucards.
Hell I'd rather have a Neo Geo flash cart than a multi-cart.
Exactly. (Well, the earliest Neo-Geo games on multicarts have samples missing, but are otherwise identical.)Hehe, this isn't much more far from emulating.
Like playing PCE games on the Turbo Everdrive.
Not the same. The experience of playing roms on the TED (or many other flash carts) is identical to playing the original hucards.
The unaltered games on that MVS multi-cart are identical to playing the original carts.
Especially if it encouraged Neo Geo homebrew.
Exactly. (Well, the earliest Neo-Geo games on multicarts have samples missing, but are otherwise identical.)Hehe, this isn't much more far from emulating.
Like playing PCE games on the Turbo Everdrive.
Not the same. The experience of playing roms on the TED (or many other flash carts) is identical to playing the original hucards.
The unaltered games on that MVS multi-cart are identical to playing the original carts.Quote from: Black TigerEspecially if it encouraged Neo Geo homebrew.
The Neo-Geo CD has no lockout hardware or special discs or anything. There's your path to NG homebrew!
I'm i the only one feeling robbed by Tommo?
No, a whole bunch of idiots over on the NG forums are bitching too. While I feel that things could have been done better, I don't see reason to complain. I still get use out of mine and don't feel the cheapness that most seem to with it. But in an age where people feel the need to RGB mod the older systems to make them "enjoyable" again, whiners are expected. I still play my classics over RF and still get plenty of enjoyment from them. People are too damn spoiled nowadays.
Oh, dear, I smell some Neo-Geo AES snobbery here...
Games such as Fatal Fury and Last Resort load the whole game from CD in a single pass. If you're making homebrew that's better than FF and LR, then I suppose you have the right to put it exclusively on a cartridge and charge$300$730 for it...
Ever Try to play KOF 1999 on a Neo Geo CD?
posted by EvilEvoIXQuoteEver Try to play KOF 1999 on a Neo Geo CD?
Ever try playing games from an audio cassette/diskette that takes 30 mins to load approx 64k
AND if it's a multiload still has to load the next levels as well?
Speaking as a supporter of the AES on release, spending £400 on the system and £200 per game the 'AES snobbery' is a delusion among many of the Neo-Geo collectors. The vast majority of the games are mediocre at best. It wasn't until the KOF series and Slugs kicked off that the machine actually had some gameplay to match its gfx and sound as a home console.
If you never had an AES you didn't miss much.
It wasn't until the KOF series and Slugs kicked off that the machine actually had some gameplay to match its gfx and sound as a home console.Note the bold type.
Your list is interesting, especially as I have most of these on CD or have owned/played them on AES.
I think your definition of "quite epic" differs somewhat from my own.
I didn't say "all games stunk before 1995"
If you re-read my post I believe it said "The vast majority of the games are mediocre at best". Meaning that they were dull, second-rate, uninspiring and inferior - as the term implies in a thesaurus and "If you never had an AES you didn't miss much".
There is a big difference.
Posted by rtyperQuoteIt wasn't until the KOF series and Slugs kicked off that the machine actually had some gameplay to match its gfx and sound as a home console.Note the bold type.
The "Bigger, Badder, Better" AES was saturated with sub-par Final Fight and StreetFighter2 knockoffs. Whilst the shmups and action games were disappointingly few in quantity, the 16bitters had the far better selection.
The only ones on your list I would consider "quite epic" are a couple of the KOFs, SSs and Viewpoint.
You have to realise that 16bit consoles of that era "1990-1995" were home to games that far surpassed the gameplay of similar releases that the AES was throwing out whatever the genre. Discounting the AES graphical superiority (?) and its over reliance on fighting games even a 100% neo-fanatic would be crazy to deny this.
It would be interesting to make a like comparison to the games on your list, bar the fighters, although quality ports of arcade and AES fighters appeared on PCE and MCD, Fatal Fury, AOF and Final Fight to name a few. Titles developed specifically for the systems, Bare Knuckle etc easily outpaced these. If you would like me to compile a similar list of truly "quite epic" 16bit games let me know.
I'm sure readers would understand how little they missed.
Your list is interesting, especially as I have most of these on CD or have owned/played them on AES.
I think your definition of "quite epic" differs somewhat from my own.
I didn't say "all games stunk before 1995"
If you re-read my post I believe it said "The vast majority of the games are mediocre at best". Meaning that they were dull, second-rate, uninspiring and inferior - as the term implies in a thesaurus and "If you never had an AES you didn't miss much".
There is a big difference.
Posted by rtyperQuoteIt wasn't until the KOF series and Slugs kicked off that the machine actually had some gameplay to match its gfx and sound as a home console.Note the bold type.
The "Bigger, Badder, Better" AES was saturated with sub-par Final Fight and StreetFighter2 knockoffs. Whilst the shmups and action games were disappointingly few in quantity, the 16bitters had the far better selection.
The only ones on your list I would consider "quite epic" are a couple of the KOFs, SSs and Viewpoint.
You have to realise that 16bit consoles of that era "1990-1995" were home to games that far surpassed the gameplay of similar releases that the AES was throwing out whatever the genre. Discounting the AES graphical superiority (?) and its over reliance on fighting games even a 100% neo-fanatic would be crazy to deny this.
It would be interesting to make a like comparison to the games on your list, bar the fighters, although quality ports of arcade and AES fighters appeared on PCE and MCD, Fatal Fury, AOF and Final Fight to name a few. Titles developed specifically for the systems, Bare Knuckle etc easily outpaced these. If you would like me to compile a similar list of truly "quite epic" 16bit games let me know.
I'm sure readers would understand how little they missed.
Samurai Showdown was hardly a Street Fighter Knockoff. However the Neo was hampered by Arcade style gaming and you must be a fan of that style to enjoy the system and of course fighting games as well.
Samurai Showdown was hardly a Street Fighter Knockoff. However the Neo was hampered by Arcade style gaming and you must be a fan of that style to enjoy the system and of course fighting games as well.
Your list is interesting, especially as I have most of these on CD or have owned/played them on AES.
I think your definition of "quite epic" differs somewhat from my own.
I didn't say "all games stunk before 1995"
If you re-read my post I believe it said "The vast majority of the games are mediocre at best". Meaning that they were dull, second-rate, uninspiring and inferior - as the term implies in a thesaurus and "If you never had an AES you didn't miss much".
There is a big difference.
Posted by rtyperQuoteIt wasn't until the KOF series and Slugs kicked off that the machine actually had some gameplay to match its gfx and sound as a home console.Note the bold type.
The "Bigger, Badder, Better" AES was saturated with sub-par Final Fight and StreetFighter2 knockoffs. Whilst the shmups and action games were disappointingly few in quantity, the 16bitters had the far better selection.
The only ones on your list I would consider "quite epic" are a couple of the KOFs, SSs and Viewpoint.
You have to realise that 16bit consoles of that era "1990-1995" were home to games that far surpassed the gameplay of similar releases that the AES was throwing out whatever the genre. Discounting the AES graphical superiority (?) and its over reliance on fighting games even a 100% neo-fanatic would be crazy to deny this.
It would be interesting to make a like comparison to the games on your list, bar the fighters, although quality ports of arcade and AES fighters appeared on PCE and MCD, Fatal Fury, AOF and Final Fight to name a few. Titles developed specifically for the systems, Bare Knuckle etc easily outpaced these. If you would like me to compile a similar list of truly "quite epic" 16bit games let me know.
I'm sure readers would understand how little they missed.
Samurai Showdown was hardly a Street Fighter Knockoff. However the Neo was hampered by Arcade style gaming and you must be a fan of that style to enjoy the system and of course fighting games as well.
I know you believe that it was "ground breaking", but yes, it is just another SFII clone and less ground breaking or innovative for the genre than so many other games. This doesn't mean it's bad, it certainly was the best first entry of the early Neo fighters, but compared to everything before SFII, it's still just another SFII-inspired game. The Virtua Fighter series introducing 60fps animation and gameplay was a big evolution for the genre, but again it's still just another game aping SFII.
Your list is interesting, especially as I have most of these on CD or have owned/played them on AES.
I think your definition of "quite epic" differs somewhat from my own.
I didn't say "all games stunk before 1995"
If you re-read my post I believe it said "The vast majority of the games are mediocre at best". Meaning that they were dull, second-rate, uninspiring and inferior - as the term implies in a thesaurus and "If you never had an AES you didn't miss much".
There is a big difference.
Posted by rtyperQuoteIt wasn't until the KOF series and Slugs kicked off that the machine actually had some gameplay to match its gfx and sound as a home console.Note the bold type.
The "Bigger, Badder, Better" AES was saturated with sub-par Final Fight and StreetFighter2 knockoffs. Whilst the shmups and action games were disappointingly few in quantity, the 16bitters had the far better selection.
The only ones on your list I would consider "quite epic" are a couple of the KOFs, SSs and Viewpoint.
You have to realise that 16bit consoles of that era "1990-1995" were home to games that far surpassed the gameplay of similar releases that the AES was throwing out whatever the genre. Discounting the AES graphical superiority (?) and its over reliance on fighting games even a 100% neo-fanatic would be crazy to deny this.
It would be interesting to make a like comparison to the games on your list, bar the fighters, although quality ports of arcade and AES fighters appeared on PCE and MCD, Fatal Fury, AOF and Final Fight to name a few. Titles developed specifically for the systems, Bare Knuckle etc easily outpaced these. If you would like me to compile a similar list of truly "quite epic" 16bit games let me know.
I'm sure readers would understand how little they missed.
Samurai Showdown was hardly a Street Fighter Knockoff. However the Neo was hampered by Arcade style gaming and you must be a fan of that style to enjoy the system and of course fighting games as well.
I know you believe that it was "ground breaking", but yes, it is just another SFII clone and less ground breaking or innovative for the genre than so many other games. This doesn't mean it's bad, it certainly was the best first entry of the early Neo fighters, but compared to everything before SFII, it's still just another SFII-inspired game. The Virtua Fighter series introducing 60fps animation and gameplay was a big evolution for the genre, but again it's still just another game aping SFII.
I just don't see SNK as a complete ripoff and run at SFII. If anything World Heroes is nothing but rippoffs but is very tongue in cheek. The System is extremely successful lasting from 1990 to 2004 and the bulk of that being arcade income so it's hard to criticize such success. That said the system is an Arcade system with arcade games, you either like them or you don't. It has amazing shooters, legendary fighting, INHO the best in the Business Run and Gun, and some weird one off style of arcade games. It's nothing but a huge staple in the gaming industry of it's time.
If you play the Samurai Shodown series you will see it plays and looks nothing like Street Fighter, the weapon system alone changes the way the game plays entirely.
The problem is that you look at the street fighting game genre as a given and take for granted everything built around the SFII formula. Even the things from the first Street Fighter that SFII carries over aren't influencing everything after SFII, only SFII itself is. SNK actually hired every Street Fighter II team member they could to pump out variations on SFII for Neo Geo.
Samurai Spirits has some cool aspects that helped it stand apart from the other early SFII-cash-in games and influenced some other games which also never went full mainstream. But in the overall genre it isn't very original and therefore not really groundbreaking. Weaponlord is a much more groundbreaking weapons-involving fighter.
So how does Samurai Spirits "look nothing like" SFII and other street fighting games? The "weapon system" isn't very unique or complicated, coming after Time Killers. A game when compared to, really highlights SS's typical SFII movement, combos, progression, design, etc.
The problem is that you look at the street fighting game genre as a given and take for granted everything built around the SFII formula. Even the things from the first Street Fighter that SFII carries over aren't influencing everything after SFII, only SFII itself is. SNK actually hired every Street Fighter II team member they could to pump out variations on SFII for Neo Geo.
Samurai Spirits has some cool aspects that helped it stand apart from the other early SFII-cash-in games and influenced some other games which also never went full mainstream. But in the overall genre it isn't very original and therefore not really groundbreaking. Weaponlord is a much more groundbreaking weapons-involving fighter.
So how does Samurai Spirits "look nothing like" SFII and other street fighting games? The "weapon system" isn't very unique or complicated, coming after Time Killers. A game when compared to, really highlights SS's typical SFII movement, combos, progression, design, etc.
I'm not going to go full blown into debate mode here concerning everything you have said but I do want to make a few points.
1. Virtua Fighter plays and looks nothing like Street Fighter 1 or 2. There are no fireballs or other imaginary mystical type of attacks involved in the game outside of the magical 10 second 2 story jumps. Otherwise the gameplay mimics realistic hand to hand combat. No dizzies, no blood, etc either. If it draws inspiration from anything, it would be Karate Champ, though maybe 9 years late. Cashing in on the Street Fighter craze? Hardly.
2. Fighting games were popular before Street Fighter 2. They had always been good money makers in the arcade scene, whether it was a standard fare beat'em up like Double Dragon, Final Fight, or Ninja Gaiden, or something along the lines of Violence Fight, Pit Fighter, and Street Smart which were more one on one. Granted, Street Fighter 2 was a hit game and very popular.
If it had not come out though it would have had no impact on SNK's ealier fighting game development, as it was already on course as is prior to SF2's release. SNK already had plans set in motion. After SF2 they built on those plans and expanded them, but as is, they already knew what they had in mind when they developed the system with a 4 button control scheme prior to SF2.
3. Takashi Nishiyama and Hiroshi Matsumoto are the Capcom employees who originally left Capcom to go work for SNK. They did this a bit after working on Street Fighter 1. They had nothing to do with Street Fighter 2, and the development of Fatal Fury was taking place during the development of the Neo Geo MVS/AES, prior to the release of Street Fighter 2. Art of Fighting was developed right after they finished developing Fatal Fury 1, still prior to SF2 becoming a huge hit.
AOF was released in 1992. It wasn't just some 6 month rush job to cash in on SF2. No SNK fighter was, and most every SNK fighter brought far more inovation to the table concerning borrowing from and improving upon the gameplay from SF1 then Street Fighter 2 ever did.
Neither game was rushed out the door to copy nor cash in on SF 2, and neither franchise share the same control scheme or combo system SF2 used, let alone story development (Fatal Fury and AOF's plot are both far more mature themed and more developed as shown during gameplay story scenes).
The only thing they borrow from Street Fighter anything is Street Fighter 1 on the special move motions, which I mean hey, they have that right I suppose, since they were developed by the guys who originally came up with it. Capcom later lost more employees, but supposedly it was due to staff being tired of rehashing SF2 in updates.
4. Pretty much any fighting game developed by SNK after AOF and Fatal Fury 1 tended to avoid copying Street Fighter 2 all together (No comment on Data East or other developers who borrowed from both SNK and Capcom). The few that do directly borrow control schemes from Street Fighter 1, which started the whole light/med/strong attack and special move system are like Fatal Fury 2/Special, and Samurai Showdown 1 and 2 (3-5 came up with new control schemes), and the KOF series.
Street Fighter 2 is just as guilty as any of them since developed under a different staff it borrowed from/copies gameplay from SF1. Honestly outside of better/smoother controls and more interesting characters and visuals, and the ability to dizzy your opponent, Street Fighter 2 hardly innovates at all from SF1.
5. On the topic of Time Killers. Time Killers in no way borrows from Street Fighter 2 in character design, control scheme, plot, visuals, nor audio. Time Killers presented a very mature/brutal fighting theme involving dismemberment. For its credit, the game did not copy off of Mortal Kombat neither. Time Killers was developed and released around the same time as MK. Time Killers control scheme involves the direct use of the left and right limbs and head. Pressing both arm or leg buttons results in added attacks that use both limbs.
Also worth noting. Visually, on a technical level, and though many wont agree due to personal preference of Japanese versus American style artwork, Time Killers also visually surpasses most games released during its time period due to its 32-bit visuals (Large characters, vivid higher resolution graphics). The hardware also used an advanced sound chip by Ensoniq, who made the Ensoniq Soundscape audio card. Spec wise CPS-1 couldn't not keep up with Strata's hardware. This same hardware powered Blood Storm and Street Fighter :The movie (the arcade ver., not the shit home version)
6. If Samurai Showdown borrows from anything besides Street Fighter 1, it would be Time Killers and also Blandia (the sequel to Gladiator from 1986).
Going back to SFII and Samurai Showdown the game mechanics, style, and fighting tactics are completely different. It is quite an original game, AOF 1-2 further deviates from the norm on the fighting engine alone, completely different. But that's what the games are here for go play them
And see, it's always fun to try a new style especially if you have preconceived notions about them, you will be surprised.
I liked Time Killers a lot.
That is all.
Who cares if something is entirely 'original' or not? Either it's fun or it ain't.
This is also back in the Internet's infancy where the most people had might have been LYNX text access or AOL, so the only advance notice you had of these games coming out was magazines. You'd get like 1 or 2 screenshots, then boom - the machine would be in your arcade and ready to play.
Miss those days.
This is also back in the Internet's infancy where the most people had might have been LYNX text access or AOL, so the only advance notice you had of these games coming out was magazines. You'd get like 1 or 2 screenshots, then boom - the machine would be in your arcade and ready to play.
Miss those days.
Some American produced games were tested here near me before general release. Mainly because for one, companies like Incredible Technologies and Midway were one state over, and two, we had 4 major arcade game vendors for the state all right by me along with a few mini arcades in this city located at bowling alleys, etc. Due to that I got to play Mortal Kombat before it seemed to get any real coverage in the game mags back then. Oddly enough Mk took the spot in the local arcade that Narc had maintained for a long time.
other than ticket earning games, there is essentially no reason to get to the arcade in 2013.
QuoteGoing back to SFII and Samurai Showdown the game mechanics, style, and fighting tactics are completely different. It is quite an original game, AOF 1-2 further deviates from the norm on the fighting engine alone, completely different. But that's what the games are here for go play them
And see, it's always fun to try a new style especially if you have preconceived notions about them, you will be surprised.
Then how is this possible?
(http://superpcenginegrafx.net/misc/svc1.png)(http://superpcenginegrafx.net/misc/svc2.jpg)
Try playing Karate Champ, Yie Ar Kung Fu, Pit Fighter, Urban Champion and other pre-Street Fighter street fighting games and then decide if Samurai Spirits and AOF are completely different from SFII.