The most expensive console of its day, the Neo Geo brought arcade-perfect gaming home, queen of the fighting game: The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, Garou. This Top 30 gathers the best of SNK's machine, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize, each title with its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value — among the most sought-after cartridges.
"Clear refinement of the gameplay and a better balanced roster, with Iori stealing the show. Artistic turning point of the series, gorgeous on Neo Geo CD. Easily one of the best KOF."
"Absolute peak of the classic Garou trilogy, with full roster, mastered system and legendary balance. Inputs stay carved in the fingers. A pillar of SNK versus."
"Fantastical beat them up with medieval sets and magical weapons. Sequel snappier and clearer than the first entry. A solid brawler to savour in co op."
"Extremely snappy and readable versus puzzler, perfect for rage filled sessions. Stylish cast, catchy music and solid balance. One of the console's best puzzlers."
"Burning peak of the series with Advanced and Extra modes and the Orochi arc in apotheosis. Unforgettable visuals, cult soundtrack. For many the perfect KOF, hard to argue with."
"Jet entry, faster and more accessible than its predecessors. Fun roster and colourful stages. The most immediate entry of the classic trilogy, genuinely pleasant."
"Superb fourth Samurai Spirits, tougher and more demanding than its predecessors. Refined roster, subtle animation and twilight mood. A peak of the classic series."
"Sequel more generous in characters and options, with the same singular gameplay. The first person view stays disorienting but immersive. Better finished than the first."
"Dynamic top down ninja action with varied locations and swarms of enemies. Spectacular special moves and pleasant co op. Often forgotten but charmingly funky."
"Saurus mecha run and gun with health bar mechanic and two player mode. Busy animation, tasty steampunk vibe. A little overlooked darling in the catalogue."
