The Shock Troopers games are probably the standout games on that list, particularly the first one. Jungle music aside it’s a pretty sweet game. NAM-1975 and Magician Lord are also great but there is seemingly a gulf between early Neo titles to the later ones. Early games seemed a little more varied compared to the proliferation of fighters later on in the Neo’s life. But I blame the timeframe for that, fighting games were the popular choice back in the mid to late 90s. You were never going to get Riding Hero 2 back in the midst of the Street Fighter 2 craze.
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Originally posted by Arashikage View PostBut I blame the timeframe for that, fighting games were the popular choice back in the mid to late 90s.
Because the Neo Geo was released in 1990, developers were still catering for what was popular in the '80s. So you got action games, scrolling beat 'em ups, and something like Blue's Journey. After that, you only saw a few Neo Geo games that weren't fighters or shooters.
It's a shame really, because it would be great if the Neo Geo library was far more diverse. But the huge craze for fighting games from 1991 onwards meant that publishers/developers were firmly focused on that booming genre.
I definitely like most of the games listed though, even if some of them feel a bit basic/limited. Top Hunter and Spinmaster are two gems that have very nice graphics and feel good to play. The Shock Troopers games and Ninja Commando are also high quality run-'n-gun titles.
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Originally posted by Leon Retro View PostIt's a shame really, because it would be great if the Neo Geo library was far more diverse. But the huge craze for fighting games from 1991 onwards meant that publishers/developers were firmly focused on that booming genre.
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Originally posted by Asura View PostThere was another aspect to this too; the desire for fighting games was partially driven by the actual arcade manufacturers.
It's interesting to note how the fighting game genre has stayed strong ever since 1991. Other old school genres became quite niche over time, but fighting games are still a very popular genre.
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Originally posted by Leon Retro View PostIt's interesting to note how the fighting game genre has stayed strong ever since 1991. Other old school genres became quite niche over time, but fighting games are still a very popular genre.
I think they were huge in the 16-bit era, then games like Tekken were big in the 32-bit era, but I feel their popularity waned a bit after that. Tekken Tagand Soul Calibur were big, but I don't think there was a hit on the scale of something like the original Virtua Fighter or SFII. Street Fighter IV kinda brought it back.
I think fighting games have retained their popularity within the gamer niche; I just mean mainstream appeal here. An example (super-subjective for a moment) was that when SFIV came out, I was on the train and heard a load of football fans on the way to a match talking about whether they preferred Guile or Blanka; one of them mentioned about SFIV, and another honestly asked "what happened to SFIII? Did they ever even do one?"
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Originally posted by Asura View PostYou think so? Personally I feel they've had a resurgence.
I think they were huge in the 16-bit era, then games like Tekken were big in the 32-bit era, but I feel their popularity waned a bit after that. Tekken Tagand Soul Calibur were big, but I don't think there was a hit on the scale of something like the original Virtua Fighter or SFII. Street Fighter IV kinda brought it back.
In comparison, the fighting game genre has been consistently popular since 1991 when SF2 took the genre to another level. Of course, the overall popularity of the genre may have dipped at certain points, but publishers have always embraced the genre as relevant through all generations. There has definitely been a strong resurgence in popularity since the 360/PS3 though. I'd say shoot 'em ups are still a very niche genre, despite the indie scene catering to people who still crave them.
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Top Hunter is a quality game; took me years to find out what it was after seeing it on GamesMaster...
Shock Troopers is one of my favourite games on the system, great shooter with a top soundtrack. I also really liked Ninja Commando when I had it on CD.
Drift Out is the only other one on the list that I’d really bother with, although I can’t play it with a stick, needs a CD controller.
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Originally posted by _SD_ View PostTop Hunter is a quality game; took me years to find out what it was after seeing it on GamesMaster...
Originally posted by _SD_ View PostShock Troopers is one of my favourite games on the system, great shooter with a top soundtrack. I also really liked Ninja Commando when I had it on CD.
Originally posted by _SD_ View Postalthough I can’t play it with a stick, needs a CD controller.
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