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.