In case you missed the epic news last week, the Neo-Geo is making a return to retail! The Neo-Geo AES+ is stepping aside emulation and is full form gaming hardware, complete with the ability to play classic cartridges. New ones will be re-released as well, including Neo Turf Masters, Metal Slug, Magician Lord and more. It’ll drop this November, and retro enthusiasts are already all over it.
So far, these are the games coming out for it:
- Metal Slug
- The King of Fighters 2002
- Garou: Mark of the Wolves
- Big Tournament Golf
- Shock Troopers
- Samurai Shodown V Special
- Pulstar
- Twinkle Star Sprites
- Magician Lord
- Over Top
But you know there’s room for more, yeah? Well, we’ve got five instant classics that we think would be right at home on this new hardware. Whether PLAION REPLAI will have the ability to get them back out is a question. Regardless, here are the games we absolutely want to see again. We’d snap them up in a heartbeat!
Viewpoint
Developed by Aicom and released by Sammy in 1992, Viewpoint is a one-of-a-kind shooter. It works in an isometric fashion, akin to Zaxxon, but is a far more evolved shooter. You’ll guide a ship through numerous challenging stages, overcoming foes and using awesome power-ups. Oh, and get this, it’s two player!
The game saw ports on the home front, including the Sega Genesis and the original PlayStation. But let’s be honest, it’s right at home on the Neo-Geo. And though Sammy is quite busy these days on the Persona front, I’d love to see them work with PLAION to get this back out again. Not only would it be affordable, but it’d find a new generation of players. And with “shmups” being so beloved these days, that’s a win-win.
Sengoku 3
Made in 2001, this follow-up to the hit Sengoku series is the most solid entry to date. You take control of four different characters as they carve up ninjas and other demon enemies down to size. You do this through stylish combos and secondary items. Plus you can acquire power-ups, as well as food items that keep your energy bar from depleting.
This is one of the all-time great beat-em-ups, so a re-release just makes sense. We’d love to get our hands on the classic Neo-Geo version again, if only to make fine use of the returning arcade stick. Now let’s go cut them down to size!
Metal Slug XX/Metal Slug 7
Now Metal Slug 7 is a curious choice. Why? Because it never actually came out for the Neo-Geo. SNK actually made it for the Nintendo DS back in 2008. But it was a stellar hit, a game that delivered every bit of goodness. Don’t worry, it did see the light of day on other consoles, thanks to its reformation as Metal Slug XX.
Regardless, it’s time for the game to come home again and make its proper Neo-Geo debut. The original Metal Slug is on its way, so why not keep going with the whole series? And by that, I mean giving 7/XX its proper due on the platform of choice. Would it take some work? Sure. Would it be worth it? Abso-frickin’-lutely.
Neo-Bomberman
Speaking of rare games that deserve a chance on the home market, let’s talk Neo-Bomberman. Hudson Soft actually published this for arcade play way back in 1997, where it became an instant hit with fans. Curiously, though, it never got a home release. Not sure why it didn’t (probably a decision by Hudson at the time), but there’s no better time for a re-introduction than now.
I’m sure some kind of deal can be reached with Konami (the rights holder to the series) to give it a second shot. And I have a feeling it’d probably sell pretty well with the Bomberman hardcore community. Plus it has the ten different characters for the battle mode, where you can mow down AI opponents. That lets you get plenty of practice for when the real deal emerges with an online compatible game. Kaboom!
Crossed Swords 2
I love Crossed Swords. It’s easily one of my favorite Neo-Geo games. So of course, I was giddy when a sequel was released in May 1995. And Crossed Swords 2 remains one of the best releases for the original console. I do wish it had an arcade release, but, hey, gotta save something for the home crowd.
And speaking of the home crowd, I’d highly enjoy seeing it make a return. It’s a complete blast to play with its perspective, and you’ve got all sorts of baddies to cut down to size. The hack and slash action, combined with the role-playing elements, are sure to win new players over. Plus, you never know, we could see a part three if it’s popular enough. Please?
What Neo-Geo AES+ games do you want to see down the line? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to pre-order yours here!
Need more retro goodness in your life? Read all about the forthcoming He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction!
