Neo Geo Games: The 25 best games for the SNK console

The Neo Geo in brief: AES, MVS and Neo Geo CD

The Neo Geo was launched in 1990 by SNK in two forms that share the same hardware. The MVS (Multi Video System) equips arcade rooms: one console can hold several cartridges, from one to six depending on the model, which allows operators to offer several games without changing machines.'AES (Advanced Entertainment System) is the salon version, first offered for rental in Japan and then sold to the general public.

The principle is revolutionary for the time: at home, you play exactly the same games as in an arcade. But the AES costs nearly $650 at its release in the United States, and each cartridge can exceed $200. In 1994, SNK launched the Neo Geo CD, It was much cheaper thanks to the CD format, but was penalized by very long loading times. The console was supported for more than ten years, with about 150 games, until the last titles were released in the mid-2000s.

Version	Type	Support	What needs to be remembered
Neo Geo MVS	Arched design	MVS cartridges	One to six cartridges per game console, the most common games
Neo Geo AES	Living room console	AES cartridges	The same games as in the arcade, at a price of gold
Neo Geo CD	Living room console	CD-ROM	Cheaper games, but long loading times

AES, MVS or CD games: which version to choose?

The games are the same on all three platforms, but not their price or their comfort. AES cartridges are the most sought after by collectors, with their large box and manual, and therefore the most expensive. The MVS cartridges, Arcade games, which are intended for arcades, often cost much less, but you need a console or an appropriate system to play them at home.

The Neo Geo CD games They are the most affordable, with loading times that can sometimes be long. The AES and MVS cartridges are not compatible with each other without an adapter. To simply play the best NeoGeo games, an all-in-one console avoids all of these choices (see below).

The top 10 best Neo Geo games in a nutshell

The top 10 at a glance, before the details of the 25 games.

#	Game	Genre	Year
1	Metal Slug 3	Run and gun	2000
2	The King of Fighters '98	Combat	1998
3	Garou: Mark of the Wolves	Combat	1999
4	Samurai Shodown II	Sword fight	1994
5	Metal Slug	Run and gun	1996
6	The Last Blade 2	Sword fight	1998
7	Blazing Star	Shooter game	1998
8	Windjammers	Sport	1994
9	Neo Turf Masters	Sport / golf	1996
10	Shock Troopers	Run and gun	1997

Our ranking of the 25 best Neo Geo games

1. Metal Slug 3 (2000)

The culmination of the series and, for many, the best run and gun ever created. Metal Slug 3 takes the formula to its limits: branching levels, vehicles in chaos (camels, elephants, submarines), zombies, giant crabs and aliens, up to an endless final level that sends the soldiers into space. Every screen is filled with details and visual gags. Two players make for a joyful and explosive chaos, and proof that the pixel art of the Neo Geo has never been surpassed.

2. The King of Fighters '98 (1998)

Dubbed «The Slugfest», this episode is a «dream match» that brings together almost all the fighters from the previous episodes, without a script to justify them. The principle of teams of three characters, the remarkable balance of the cast, and the precision of the controls have made it an absolute reference in the 2D fighting game. Even today, KOF '98 is played competitively and considered one of the best episodes in the saga.

3. Garou: Mark of the Wolves (1999)

The sequel to Fatal Fury takes the series into a new era. Terry Bogard, now an aging mentor, leaves the lead role to Rock Howard, the son of his sworn enemy Geese. The character animation is rare in its finesse, the environments are stunning, and the «Just Defense» system rewards players for blocking at the last moment. A late masterpiece, released while SNK was experiencing major difficulties.

4. Samurai Shodown II (1994)

The ultimate sword fighting game. In feudal Japan, every slash can drain a huge portion of your health bar: you don't hit the buttons; you wait for the right moment. Haohmaru, Nakoruru, Genjuro and their rivals face off in stunning settings, with an umpire in the background and objects thrown onto the field. This episode is often considered the best in the series.

5. Metal Slug (1996)

The first episode, developed by Nazca, a team of former Irem employees. It sets the scene for what will become the series' legend: pervasive humor, bearded prisoners to be freed, weapons to be collected, and above all, Metal Slug, a small tank that can be piloted. The animation is incredibly rich, with enemy soldiers panicking in the collapsing environments. Although shorter than its sequels, it remains a model of balance.

6. The Last Blade 2 (1998)

Less known than Samurai Shodown, The Last Blade 2 is nevertheless one of the best games on the console. Set in Japan at the end of the 19th century, it blends swords, magic, and spirits, with settings inspired by prints and very moving music. The two combat styles, one focused on power, the other on combinations, offer real depth to demanding players.

7. Blazing Star (1998)

The most spectacular shoot'em up on the Neo Geo. Six ships to choose from, a shoot-on-the-fly action, bosses that fill the entire screen and a frantic pace from start to finish. Developed by Yumekobo, a team from Aicom, it pushes the console's hardware to its limits with its explosions and very fluid animations. A technical demonstration as well as an excellent game.

8. Windjammers (1994)

A simple concept: a frisbee, two players, a field and goals. But behind this simplicity lies one of the best two-player games of all time. Each character has their own special shots, the frisbee bounces off the walls, and the games quickly become electric. Longtime cult classic in arcades, Windjammers even spawned a sequel years later, proof of its status.

9. Neo Turf Masters (1996)

Signed by Metal Slug studio Nazca, Neo Turf Masters proves that golf can be exciting. The courses in Japan, Germany, Australia and the USA are magnificent, the game is easy to learn in just a few seconds, and every birdie is celebrated with an energetic animation. A game that even appeals to those who don't like golf.

10. Shock Troopers (1997)

A fast-paced action game that leaves no room for rest. You choose your soldier from among eight mercenaries, either solo or in teams of three that you can switch between, then you rush through jungles, factories, and armored convoys. The paths become separated depending on the player's choices, and the action is so dense that the screen seems to constantly explode.

11. Fatal Fury Special (1993)

The enhanced version of Fatal Fury 2 brings together sixteen fighters, including Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Mai Shiranui, with a surprise guest appearance for the best players. The two-plane combat system, which allows players to move forward or behind the action, makes it one of the most notable fighting games of the time. It was also the foundation for the universe that would be found in King of Fighters.

12. Pulstar (1995)

Often compared to R-Type, from which it borrows its module and its charged shots, Pulstar impresses with its pre-calculated graphics, very ambitious for the time. The levels feature biomolecular structures, asteroids, and fiery worlds. It is also renowned for its difficulty: a beautiful, demanding, and merciless shoot'em up.

13. Metal Slug X (1999)

A revised and corrected version of Metal Slug 2. The slowdowns of the original are gone, the levels have been revamped, and the weapons and enemies are more numerous. For many fans, this is the best way to discover the second episode, with its mummies, aliens, and still-as-calm-as-ever humor.

14. The King of Fighters 2002 (2002)

After several episodes with a script, KOF 2002 brings back the «dream match» with an immense cast and the return of three-team matches without support fighters. Fast, aggressive and generous in combos, it has become one of the favorite episodes for competitive players.

15. Twinkle Star Sprites (1996)

A shooter like no other, developed by ADK. The screen is split in two and each player destroys the enemies on their side to send attacks to the opponent, who can in turn send them back. Beneath its cute manga-like appearance, it is a fearsome duel game that has become a cult classic among fans of original games.

16. Real Bout Fatal Fury Special (1997)

The most enjoyable episode of the Real Bout subseries. The fights are fast and fluid, the combos are easy to execute, and the cast brings together the iconic characters from Fatal Fury in stunning settings, from the beach to Japanese temples. An excellent balance between accessibility and depth.

17. Art of Fighting 2 (1994)

The series Art of Fighting featured huge characters, a camera that zooms in with the rhythm of the fight, and faces that stand out under the blows. This second episode, centered on Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia, is renowned for its difficulty, but it still impresses with its highly cinematic staging.

18. Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy (1994)

A colorful action and platformer where Roddy and Cathy, two bounty hunters, free four planets invaded by space pirates. You can jump between the foreground and background, grab enemies to throw them, and pilot robots. A generous and humorous game, ideal for two players.

19. Magician Lord (1990)

One of the very first games on the Neo Geo, released at the launch of the console. The magician Elta traverses gloomy and gothic levels and can transform himself thanks to magic orbs: dragon, samurai, ninja… Its graphics made a strong impression at the time and already showed what the machine had in store. Be careful, it is said to be very difficult.

20. Last Resort (1992)

A shoot'em up with a dark and post-apocalyptic atmosphere, very inspired by R-Type. Its shooting mode, which can be directed and launched, adds a real tactical dimension. The scenes of ruined cities and giant robots make it one of the most beautiful shoot'em ups of the console's early days.

21. Sengoku 3 (2001)

The latest episode of the Sengoku series is a nerve-wracking sword fighting game, where you face demons in a fantastical Japan. Combos are executed with fluidity, each character has their own special attacks, and the visuals are stunning. One of the best beat'em all games of the Neo Geo's final days.

22. Waku Waku 7 (1996)

A completely wacky fighting game from Sunsoft. Seven characters parodying the clichés of Japanese animation clash to collect seven magic balls, with pervasive humor and highly expressive animations. Behind the parody lies a solid combat system that is appreciated by experts.

23. Magical Drop III (1997)

The best puzzle game on the console. You have to catch and relaunch colored bubbles to form lines of three, and the chains trigger at a crazy speed. In duel mode, each combo sends bubbles to the opponent. The characters are inspired by tarot cards, and the game quickly becomes addictive.

24. Baseball Stars 2 (1992)

The arcade version of baseball, simple and colorful. You choose your team, you hit, you run, and the matches are fast-paced. The scenes of the big moments, like home runs, add a lot of rhythm to a sport often considered slow. A perfect game to play with two people without knowing all the rules.

25. King of the Monsters 2 (1992)

Giant monsters inspired by Kaiju films battle in the middle of cities, destroying everything in their path. This sequel adds action sequences where you advance through levels before facing huge bosses, from New York to Paris. A perfect diversion, especially for two players.

The best Neo Geo games by genre

The Neo Geo is best known for its fighting games, but its library of titles shines in many other genres as well. Here are our recommendations, genre by genre.

Genre	Our recommendations
Combat	The King of Fighters '98, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Fatal Fury Special, KOF 2002
Sword fight	Samurai Shodown II, The Last Blade 2
Run and gun	Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug, Metal Slug X, Shock Troopers
Shooter game	Blazing Star, Pulstar, Last Resort, Twinkle Star Sprites
Sport	Windjammers, Neo Turf Masters, Baseball Stars 2
Beat 'em all and action	Sengoku 3, Top Hunter, Magician Lord, King of the Monsters 2
Puzzle	Magical Drop III

The best Neo Geo games for two players

The Neo Geo was designed for arcades, where two players played on the same console. Here are our best choices, for both cooperative and competitive play.

At two	Our favorite games
Cooperation (run and gun)	Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug, Metal Slug X, Shock Troopers
Cooperation (beat'em all)	Sengoku 3, Top Hunter
Cooperation (shoot'em up)	Blazing Star
Duel (combat)	The King of Fighters '98, Garou, Samurai Shodown II, The Last Blade 2
Duel (sport)	Windjammers, Baseball Stars 2, Neo Turf Masters
Duel (shared screen)	Twinkle Star Sprites, Magical Drop III

Honorable mentions

They came close to making the top 25 and they deserve to be kept in mind:

• Aero Fighters 3 : a nerve-wracking vertical shooter full of humor.
• Super Sidekicks 3 : SNK's arcade football game, fast and spectacular.
• Street Hoop : from three-on-three basketball, ideal for two people.
• Ninja Commando : a futuristic run and gun that travels through time.
• NAM-1975 One of the first games on the console, a third-person shooter.
• Point of view : an isometric 3D shooter with a unique style.
• Rage of the Dragons : a two-team combat game, late and well-crafted.
• Samurai Shodown V Special : one of the last games for the console, for fans of sword duels.
• Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad The sequel to Shock Troopers, shorter but still explosive.
• World Heroes 2 Jet : a fighting game that brings together historical characters.

How to play Neo Geo games today?

Neo Geo games have never been easier to find, but not all solutions are equal, especially when it comes to budget.

1. The original Neo Geo AES

It's the dream of collectors, but it costs a lot: expect several hundred euros for the console, and the most sought-after AES cartridges, like Metal Slug, easily exceed 1,000 euros. MVS cartridges, intended for the arcade, are more affordable but require an adapted system.

2. The Neo Geo Mini and the reissues

In 2018 SNK released the Neo Geo Mini, a small console with about forty games built in. Many Neo Geo games have also been reissued on current consoles, notably in the ACA NeoGeo collection. Convenient, but you often have to buy the games one by one.

3. A retro all-in-one console like the GearMaster

Connected via HDMI to your TV, the GearMaster brings together more than 100 Neo Geo games, including all those in this category, alongside 20,000 classic games from 70 consoles. You choose the game, you get a wireless controller and you play, two against two on Metal Slug or King of Fighters.

Solution	Budget	List of Neo Geo games	Game for two
Originating Neo Geo AES	Very high	One cartridge per game	Yes
Neo Geo Mini	Moderated	About forty	With a second controller
Re-releases on current consoles	One purchase per game	At your choice	Yes
GearMaster	One single purchase	More than 100	Yes, wireless controllers

To see all the available titles, see the List of Neo Geo games from GearMaster, That of Neo Geo CD games, or the Full list of the 70 consoles.

How did we choose these games?

To compile this ranking, we took into account three criteria: the impact of the game at its release, its reputation among players, and the enjoyment it still provides today. We also made sure to represent all genres of the console, from fighting games to shooters, through sports and puzzles, so that everyone can find their next Neo Geo game to (re)discover.

Want to play with friends? Discover our retro games for 4 players, And for Sega fans, our ranking of Best Mega Drive games.

Frequently asked questions about Neo Geo games