Best Neo Geo Games

Blazing Star (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK /

Developer:

Yumekobo

Release Date:

19th Feb 1998 (USA) / 2nd May 2017 (UK/EU)

How do you possibly follow up Pulstar, one of the best shooters on the Neo Geo? Well, developer Yumekobo (formerly known as Aicom) pulled it off with Blazing Star, which takes the same CGI-led visual approach but dials the action up a notch. Everything about this game screams excess; the graphics are intense and eye-catching, while the audio is constantly fighting for your attention – the high-pitched voice-over can actually get a little annoying, in fact. Overall, however, this is one of the best shmups on the console – and perhaps even one of the most notable of the ’90s in general.

Neo Turf Masters (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK /

Developer:

Nazca

Release Date:

1996 (USA) / 25th Jul 2008 (UK/EU)

Arcade golf games have to tread a fine line between realism and quick-fire appeal, and Neo Turf Masters is arguably one of the best examples of the genre. Big, bold visuals combine with instantly accessible gameplay to create one of the most memorable representations of the sport ever to grace a gaming platform; it’s utterly infectious and will hold your attention for a long time, even if you’re not a fan of golf in general. A pint-sized Neo Geo Pocket Color version was released a few years later and is equally essential.

Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK /

Developer:

SNK

Release Date:

11th Nov 1999 (USA) / 11th May 2017 (UK/EU)

Technically part of the Fatal Fury series (it’s even called Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves in some cases), Garou is considered by many SNK fans to be the absolute pinnacle of the developer’s powers in the one-on-one fighting arena. Featuring silky-smooth animation, bold sprites, excellent music and a deep and rewarding game engine, this is a true legend of the genre – hence the fact it has been re-released on multiple systems since it hit the Neo Geo all those years ago. If you’re a fan of this style of game, then chances are you already own Garou and don’t need to be educated on its brilliance.

Pulstar (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK /

Developer:

Aicom

Release Date:

28th Aug 1995 (USA) / 21st Dec 2017 (UK/EU)

Developed by Aicom, which would later create the equally amazing Blazing Star, Pulstar is often compared to Irem’s R-Type – which shouldn’t be all that surprising when you consider that Aicom was formed by former Irem staffers. Its CGI visuals are unique and well-animated, and the difficulty level is stern enough to keep you hooked for prolonged periods. The music, too, is notable; it was composed by former Capcom staffers Harumi Fujita and Yasuaki Fujita. While its successor Blazing Star would offer a more intense experience, Pulstar is equally as worthy of your time and attention.

Twinkle Star Sprites (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

ADK

Release Date:

25th Nov 1996 (USA) / 6th Dec 2018 (UK/EU)

A unique combination of puzzle game and competitive shooter, Twinkle Star Sprites sees you clearing the screen of enemies, which, in turn, creates hazards on your opponent’s side of the screen. The gameplay is wonderfully nuanced and will keep you busy for some time in the single-player mode – but, once you get another person involved, Twinkle Star Sprites becomes one of those essential social gaming experiences which take over your life. A must-have if you enjoy two-player titles.

Nightmare In The Dark (Neo Geo)

Developer:

AM Factory

Release Date:

27th Jan 2000 (USA) / 27th Jan 2000 (UK/EU)

Nightmare In The Dark was a relatively late release for the Neo Geo MVS (no AES version exists), hitting arcades in 2000. Because of this, it’s gone down as something of a hidden gem in the system’s library; it plays like a single-screen Bubble Bobble clone, albeit one with a rather spooky setting. You take down enemies by hitting them with fireballs from your lamp; hit them enough, and they will turn into a giant fireball which can be used to destroy other foes. The visuals and music are utterly fantastic, making this a title you should seek out as soon as possible.

Last Resort (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK

Release Date:

23rd Mar 1992 (USA) / 1st Jun 2017 (UK/EU)

An early attempt at a horizontally-scrolling shmup for the Neo Geo, Last Resort is perhaps best known for its dark and foreboding presentation (comparisons to the anime movie Akira have been made), but it has killer gameplay to match. Taking inspiration from Irem’s seminal R-Type, Last Resort features a drone which operates very much like the Force Pod from Irem’s aforementioned classic. Tight controls and a welcome challenge make this another essential Neo Geo shmup.

Crossed Swords (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

HAMSTER

Release Date:

1991 (USA) / 23rd Aug 2018 (UK/EU)

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.

Neo Drift Out: New Technology (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK /

Developer:

Visco

Release Date:

28th Mar 1996 (USA) / 28th Mar 1996 (UK/EU)

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)

Publisher:

Hudson Soft /

Developer:

Produce!

Release Date:

1st May 1997 (USA) / 1st May 1997 (UK/EU)

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.

2020 Super Baseball (Neo Geo)

Publisher:

SNK /

Developer:

SNK

Release Date:

20th Sep 1991 (USA) / 23rd Aug 2012 (UK/EU)

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)

Publisher:

Taito

Release Date:

21st Dec 1994 (USA) / 20th Dec 2018 (UK/EU)

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.