03-25-2020, 09:10 AM
Guide: Every ACA Neo Geo Game On Nintendo Switch, Plus Our Top Picks
<div><div class="media_block"><a href="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/large.jpg"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/small.jpg" class="media_thumbnail"></a></div>
<figure class="picture strip"><a title="Best ACA NEOGEO Games" href="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/best-aca-neogeo-games.original.jpg"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/best-aca-neogeo-games.900x.jpg" alt="Best ACA NEOGEO Games"></a></figure>
<p>Much like Hamster’s <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/guide_every_arcade_archives_game_on_nintendo_switch_plus_our_top_picks">Arcade Archives series</a>, the company’s line of Neo Geo titles – which goes by the bespoke title ‘ACA NEOGEO’ to separate it from the rest – has been a regular fixture of the weekly Nintendo Switch eShop download lists. With over a hundred releases under the ACA banner, Hamster has done sterling work getting these games on Switch and into the hands of fans who may never have experienced them before.</p>
<p>SNK’s Neo Geo was a beautiful system that fused arcade and home console hardware, but at a cost. The significant financial outlay require for Neo Geo ownership meant it was out of reach of the average gamer back in the day. Fortunately, the games below will cost you a fraction of what they originally sold for and come with a multitude of presentation options to tailor the experience to your liking on Switch.</p>
<p>Below we’ve listed every ACA Neo Geo release available on Switch eShop to date and it will be updated as new titles are released. The games are displayed in alphabetical order, although you can go to our <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/browse?sort=date&title=series%3Aaca_neogeo">games database and sort by Release Date or User Rating</a>. Please note that the Arcade Archive releases are NOT included here. Check out our separate <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/guide_every_arcade_archives_game_on_nintendo_switch_plus_our_top_picks">guide for Arcade Archive games on Switch</a> for more info on Hamster’s non-Neo Geo Switch gems.</p>
<p>And if this huge list is a tad overwhelming, you’ll find our picks of the best ACA Neo Geo games on Switch at the bottom. No prizes for guessing it contains a lot of fighters.</p>
<h2>ACA Neo Geo Switch eShop releases – Complete list<br /></h2>
<p><em>Looking at that list and don’t know where to start? Then check out our picks of the best ACA NEOGEO games – in no particular order – to get you off on the right foot.</em></p>
<h2>The best Switch ACA Neo Geo games…<br /></h2>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/garou_mark_of_the_wolves"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4f8dd14515a06/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/garou_mark_of_the_wolves"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4ebb683b3cb94/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>11th Nov 1999 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>11th May 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>The first fighter in our picks of Switch’s finiest ACA Neo Geo offerings, and it certainly won’t be the last. <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/garou_mark_of_the_wolves">Garou: Mark of the Wolves</a></strong> is a classic of the genre; the perfect fusion of depth and beauty that will appeal to hardened veterans of 2D fighters and button-mashing newbies alike. By 1999 the Neo Geo hardware was nearly a decade old and SNK’s mastery of it is in full evidence here. It’s one of very few games we’d recommend <em>everybody</em> buy, even those who actively dislike fighters (yes, apparently they exist). This game is just too pretty to miss. We could sit and watch animated gifs of Garou’s backgrounds for hours. <em>Essential.</em></p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/sengoku_3"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/0adb6135d8bad/sengoku-3-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Sengoku 3 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/sengoku_3"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/17e55fab571f1/sengoku-3-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Sengoku 3 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Noise Factory</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>2001 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>5th Sep 2013 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>A side-scrolling beat ’em up in the classic mould, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/sengoku_3">Sengoku 3</a></strong><strong></strong> is a straightforward and satisfying example of a genre that needs little explaining to begin with. With plenty of variety and attacking options, it’s a fun blast whether you’re playing solo or you’ve enlisted a friend for the ride. We put it on our list of the <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/feature_best_nintendo_switch_beat_em_ups">best beat ’em ups on Switch</a>, so its inclusion here should be no surprise.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/last_blade_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/a2ce54de91d2c/last-blade-2-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="The Last Blade 2 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/last_blade_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/827213b1cc64c/last-blade-2-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="The Last Blade 2 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>25th Nov 1998 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>6th Dec 2012 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>As with many of the best fighters, seemingly simple mechanics hide a lot of depth and <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/last_blade_2">The Last Blade 2</a></strong> is a fine example. An extremely enjoyable game with fantastic presentation and a host of fighting modes to get stuck into, the balancing of <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/last_blade">the first entry</a> is arguably better, although the sequel has more characters and options available. Whichever one you go for, you’ll be guaranteed a fine-looking fighter with plenty of personality, so you can’t really go wrong.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/metal_slug"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/60e58c7436f1b/metal-slug-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Metal Slug (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/metal_slug"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/9c0a4a8ac963d/metal-slug-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Metal Slug (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Nazca Corp.</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>1996 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>9th May 2008 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>If you’re looking for an old-school shot of satisfying gameplay without endless options and upgrade systems and RPG-like progression, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/metal_slug">Metal Slug</a></strong> is the no-nonsense antidote to modern-day complications. It might feel a little <em>too</em> simplistic by modern standards, but there’s something about the purity of its approach which makes it an absolute blast and a lovely palette cleansers before diving into something more faceted on Switch. Nazca Corporation’s run-and-gun may have debuted in 1996, but it’s got the beating heart of an ’80s action icon (and a brain to match). <em>Fabulous.</em></p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/king_of_fighters_98"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/9c307ee3e2969/king-of-fighters-98-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="The King of Fighters '98 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/king_of_fighters_98"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4e788655e5efa/king-of-fighters-98-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="The King of Fighters '98 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>23rd Sep 1998 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>30th May 2013 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>If you’re into King of Fighter games, you’ll find a whole bunch available on Switch. If we were pushed, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/king_of_fighters_98">The King of Fighters ’98</a></strong> would probably be our pick of the bunch. It’s got a huge cast, the same tight, deep gameplay you’ve come to expect from SNK and is still regarded one of the best fighters ever made well over 20 years since release. Similarly to Garou, we’d buy it just to ogle its visual loveliness.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/waku_waku_7"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/73fc5132677d5/waku-waku-7-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Waku Waku 7 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/waku_waku_7"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/7c5f7df1d0863/waku-waku-7-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Waku Waku 7 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>Sunsoft</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>21st Nov 1996 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>3rd Mar 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>You like fighters, right? If you’re reading this list we sure hope so. If you’re after something a little unusual, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/waku_waku_7">Waku Waku 7</a></strong> serves up a 2D scrapper decidedly different from umpteen KoFs and Fatal Furies – a welcome break even given the quality of those series. This, too, is a sequel, to 1995’s underwhelming <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/galaxy_fight_universal_warriors">Galaxy Fight</a></strong>, but despite a small roster Sunsoft packed this game with spectacularly colourful cartoon visuals and a bunch of in-jokes and irreverent parodies to make it feel fresh and unique in a system library overflowing with quality games in this genre. This was the first game ACA Neo Geo game Hamster brought to Switch and a lovely breath of fresh air.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/blazing_star"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/229a4c9a342cb/blazing-star-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Blazing Star (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/blazing_star"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/f0962d29bcecf/blazing-star-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Blazing Star (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Yumekobo</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>19th Feb 1998 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>2nd May 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>There was a time when <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/blazing_star">Blazing Star</a></strong> was beyond the reach of all but the most affluent gamer, but now anyone with a Switch can download and enjoy this brilliant shmup for the price of a (pricey) pint. The thrill of owning something that was once so inaccessible shouldn’t overshadow just how good this game is, though. The difficulty ramps right up towards the end, but if you’re a fan of <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/02/feature_best_nintendo_switch_shmups">shoot ’em ups</a>, this is a treasure you won’t want to be without.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/magical_drop_iii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/6a49046927d47/magical-drop-iii-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Magical Drop III (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/magical_drop_iii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/be3ac5e836d18/magical-drop-iii-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Magical Drop III (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>Data East</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Data East</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>1995 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>14th Jan 2011 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p><em>What’s this?</em> A Neo Geo game that isn’t a fighter? Yes, you might not have expected a puzzle game on this list but despite the shared genres of several entries here, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/magical_drop_iii">Magical Drop III</a></strong> is a fantastic balloon-firing puzzler that you should definitely investigate. It mde our list of the <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/02/feature_best_nintendo_switch_puzzle_games">best puzzle games on Switch</a> and shows that there was more to the Neo Geo library than an endless parade of gorgeous 2D fighters. Puzzle fans should definitely check this out.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/aero_fighters_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/bd315594c835d/aero-fighters-2-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Aero Fighters 2 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/aero_fighters_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/8ce76efe153eb/aero-fighters-2-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Aero Fighters 2 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Video System</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>1994 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>3rd Aug 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>A vertical shooter (you know, <em>for variety</em>), <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/aero_fighters_2">Aero Fighters 2</a></strong> is an easy recommendation thanks to its varied locales, multiple piloting options, large roster of enemies entertaining boss battles and multiple endings. Throw in 2-player and the usual Hi-Score and Caravan modes and what’s not to like? <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/aero_fighters_3_neogeo">The sequel</a> is also available, although with its fixed-pairings for 2-player mode we’d download Aero Fighters 2 first and go from there.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/samurai_shodown_ii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4e476fa96ad33/samurai-shodown-ii-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/samurai_shodown_ii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/b79c4457df0de/samurai-shodown-ii-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>28th Oct 1994 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>8th Aug 2008 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>Still one of the best fighters available on the console (and there are <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/feature_best_nintendo_switch_fighting_games">a fair few to choose from now</a>, if the list above has whetted your appetite), <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/samurai_shodown_ii">Samurai Shodown II</a></strong> improved on the original with new fighters and tweaks and fine-tuning to the mechanics to accompany the already stonkingly lovely sprite work. This should be in your library, whether you life fighters or not. Yes, we realise that’s the third time we’ve recommended a fighting game to non-fighting fans. <em>They’re just so purdy!</em></p>
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<p><em>Ah, how we love that SNK artwork; all those grins and round chins! Thank you for scrolling to the very bottom. With so many games to choose from we’re just scratching the surface with the games above.</em> <em>Let us know which of Hamster’s ACA Neo Geo games you’ve most enjoyed–and which ones you’d avoid–with a cheeky comment below.</em></p>
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https://www.sickgaming.net/blog/2020/03/...top-picks/
<div><div class="media_block"><a href="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/large.jpg"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/small.jpg" class="media_thumbnail"></a></div>
<figure class="picture strip"><a title="Best ACA NEOGEO Games" href="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/best-aca-neogeo-games.original.jpg"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/15573ea507856/best-aca-neogeo-games.900x.jpg" alt="Best ACA NEOGEO Games"></a></figure>
<p>Much like Hamster’s <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/guide_every_arcade_archives_game_on_nintendo_switch_plus_our_top_picks">Arcade Archives series</a>, the company’s line of Neo Geo titles – which goes by the bespoke title ‘ACA NEOGEO’ to separate it from the rest – has been a regular fixture of the weekly Nintendo Switch eShop download lists. With over a hundred releases under the ACA banner, Hamster has done sterling work getting these games on Switch and into the hands of fans who may never have experienced them before.</p>
<p>SNK’s Neo Geo was a beautiful system that fused arcade and home console hardware, but at a cost. The significant financial outlay require for Neo Geo ownership meant it was out of reach of the average gamer back in the day. Fortunately, the games below will cost you a fraction of what they originally sold for and come with a multitude of presentation options to tailor the experience to your liking on Switch.</p>
<p>Below we’ve listed every ACA Neo Geo release available on Switch eShop to date and it will be updated as new titles are released. The games are displayed in alphabetical order, although you can go to our <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/browse?sort=date&title=series%3Aaca_neogeo">games database and sort by Release Date or User Rating</a>. Please note that the Arcade Archive releases are NOT included here. Check out our separate <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/guide_every_arcade_archives_game_on_nintendo_switch_plus_our_top_picks">guide for Arcade Archive games on Switch</a> for more info on Hamster’s non-Neo Geo Switch gems.</p>
<p>And if this huge list is a tad overwhelming, you’ll find our picks of the best ACA Neo Geo games on Switch at the bottom. No prizes for guessing it contains a lot of fighters.</p>
<h2>ACA Neo Geo Switch eShop releases – Complete list<br /></h2>
<p><em>Looking at that list and don’t know where to start? Then check out our picks of the best ACA NEOGEO games – in no particular order – to get you off on the right foot.</em></p>
<h2>The best Switch ACA Neo Geo games…<br /></h2>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/garou_mark_of_the_wolves"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4f8dd14515a06/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/garou_mark_of_the_wolves"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4ebb683b3cb94/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>11th Nov 1999 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>11th May 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>The first fighter in our picks of Switch’s finiest ACA Neo Geo offerings, and it certainly won’t be the last. <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/garou_mark_of_the_wolves">Garou: Mark of the Wolves</a></strong> is a classic of the genre; the perfect fusion of depth and beauty that will appeal to hardened veterans of 2D fighters and button-mashing newbies alike. By 1999 the Neo Geo hardware was nearly a decade old and SNK’s mastery of it is in full evidence here. It’s one of very few games we’d recommend <em>everybody</em> buy, even those who actively dislike fighters (yes, apparently they exist). This game is just too pretty to miss. We could sit and watch animated gifs of Garou’s backgrounds for hours. <em>Essential.</em></p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/sengoku_3"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/0adb6135d8bad/sengoku-3-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Sengoku 3 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/sengoku_3"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/17e55fab571f1/sengoku-3-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Sengoku 3 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Noise Factory</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>2001 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>5th Sep 2013 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>A side-scrolling beat ’em up in the classic mould, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/sengoku_3">Sengoku 3</a></strong><strong></strong> is a straightforward and satisfying example of a genre that needs little explaining to begin with. With plenty of variety and attacking options, it’s a fun blast whether you’re playing solo or you’ve enlisted a friend for the ride. We put it on our list of the <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/feature_best_nintendo_switch_beat_em_ups">best beat ’em ups on Switch</a>, so its inclusion here should be no surprise.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/last_blade_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/a2ce54de91d2c/last-blade-2-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="The Last Blade 2 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/last_blade_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/827213b1cc64c/last-blade-2-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="The Last Blade 2 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>25th Nov 1998 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>6th Dec 2012 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>As with many of the best fighters, seemingly simple mechanics hide a lot of depth and <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/last_blade_2">The Last Blade 2</a></strong> is a fine example. An extremely enjoyable game with fantastic presentation and a host of fighting modes to get stuck into, the balancing of <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/last_blade">the first entry</a> is arguably better, although the sequel has more characters and options available. Whichever one you go for, you’ll be guaranteed a fine-looking fighter with plenty of personality, so you can’t really go wrong.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/metal_slug"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/60e58c7436f1b/metal-slug-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Metal Slug (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/metal_slug"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/9c0a4a8ac963d/metal-slug-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Metal Slug (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Nazca Corp.</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>1996 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>9th May 2008 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>If you’re looking for an old-school shot of satisfying gameplay without endless options and upgrade systems and RPG-like progression, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/metal_slug">Metal Slug</a></strong> is the no-nonsense antidote to modern-day complications. It might feel a little <em>too</em> simplistic by modern standards, but there’s something about the purity of its approach which makes it an absolute blast and a lovely palette cleansers before diving into something more faceted on Switch. Nazca Corporation’s run-and-gun may have debuted in 1996, but it’s got the beating heart of an ’80s action icon (and a brain to match). <em>Fabulous.</em></p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/king_of_fighters_98"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/9c307ee3e2969/king-of-fighters-98-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="The King of Fighters '98 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/king_of_fighters_98"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4e788655e5efa/king-of-fighters-98-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="The King of Fighters '98 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>23rd Sep 1998 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>30th May 2013 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>If you’re into King of Fighter games, you’ll find a whole bunch available on Switch. If we were pushed, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/king_of_fighters_98">The King of Fighters ’98</a></strong> would probably be our pick of the bunch. It’s got a huge cast, the same tight, deep gameplay you’ve come to expect from SNK and is still regarded one of the best fighters ever made well over 20 years since release. Similarly to Garou, we’d buy it just to ogle its visual loveliness.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/waku_waku_7"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/73fc5132677d5/waku-waku-7-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Waku Waku 7 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/waku_waku_7"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/7c5f7df1d0863/waku-waku-7-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Waku Waku 7 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>Sunsoft</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>21st Nov 1996 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>3rd Mar 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>You like fighters, right? If you’re reading this list we sure hope so. If you’re after something a little unusual, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/waku_waku_7">Waku Waku 7</a></strong> serves up a 2D scrapper decidedly different from umpteen KoFs and Fatal Furies – a welcome break even given the quality of those series. This, too, is a sequel, to 1995’s underwhelming <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/galaxy_fight_universal_warriors">Galaxy Fight</a></strong>, but despite a small roster Sunsoft packed this game with spectacularly colourful cartoon visuals and a bunch of in-jokes and irreverent parodies to make it feel fresh and unique in a system library overflowing with quality games in this genre. This was the first game ACA Neo Geo game Hamster brought to Switch and a lovely breath of fresh air.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/blazing_star"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/229a4c9a342cb/blazing-star-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Blazing Star (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/blazing_star"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/f0962d29bcecf/blazing-star-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Blazing Star (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Yumekobo</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>19th Feb 1998 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>2nd May 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>There was a time when <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/blazing_star">Blazing Star</a></strong> was beyond the reach of all but the most affluent gamer, but now anyone with a Switch can download and enjoy this brilliant shmup for the price of a (pricey) pint. The thrill of owning something that was once so inaccessible shouldn’t overshadow just how good this game is, though. The difficulty ramps right up towards the end, but if you’re a fan of <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/02/feature_best_nintendo_switch_shmups">shoot ’em ups</a>, this is a treasure you won’t want to be without.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/magical_drop_iii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/6a49046927d47/magical-drop-iii-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Magical Drop III (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/magical_drop_iii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/be3ac5e836d18/magical-drop-iii-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Magical Drop III (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>Data East</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Data East</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>1995 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>14th Jan 2011 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p><em>What’s this?</em> A Neo Geo game that isn’t a fighter? Yes, you might not have expected a puzzle game on this list but despite the shared genres of several entries here, <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/magical_drop_iii">Magical Drop III</a></strong> is a fantastic balloon-firing puzzler that you should definitely investigate. It mde our list of the <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/02/feature_best_nintendo_switch_puzzle_games">best puzzle games on Switch</a> and shows that there was more to the Neo Geo library than an endless parade of gorgeous 2D fighters. Puzzle fans should definitely check this out.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/aero_fighters_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/bd315594c835d/aero-fighters-2-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Aero Fighters 2 (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/aero_fighters_2"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/8ce76efe153eb/aero-fighters-2-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Aero Fighters 2 (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>Video System</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>1994 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>3rd Aug 2017 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>A vertical shooter (you know, <em>for variety</em>), <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/aero_fighters_2">Aero Fighters 2</a></strong> is an easy recommendation thanks to its varied locales, multiple piloting options, large roster of enemies entertaining boss battles and multiple endings. Throw in 2-player and the usual Hi-Score and Caravan modes and what’s not to like? <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/aero_fighters_3_neogeo">The sequel</a> is also available, although with its fixed-pairings for 2-player mode we’d download Aero Fighters 2 first and go from there.</p>
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<div class="list-hero" data-subject="games/neogeo/samurai_shodown_ii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/4e476fa96ad33/samurai-shodown-ii-artwork.900x250.jpg" width="900" height="250" alt="Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo)"><a class="cover" href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/samurai_shodown_ii"><img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/b79c4457df0de/samurai-shodown-ii-cover.cover_small.jpg" alt="Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo)"></a></p>
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<p><span>Publisher: </span><strong>SNK</strong> / <span>Developer: </span><strong>SNK</strong></p>
<div class="release"><span>Release Date: </span><strong>28th Oct 1994 (<abbr title="United States / North America">USA</abbr>)</strong> / <strong>8th Aug 2008 (<abbr title="UK / European">UK/EU</abbr>)</strong></div>
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<p>Still one of the best fighters available on the console (and there are <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/feature_best_nintendo_switch_fighting_games">a fair few to choose from now</a>, if the list above has whetted your appetite), <strong><a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/games/neogeo/samurai_shodown_ii">Samurai Shodown II</a></strong> improved on the original with new fighters and tweaks and fine-tuning to the mechanics to accompany the already stonkingly lovely sprite work. This should be in your library, whether you life fighters or not. Yes, we realise that’s the third time we’ve recommended a fighting game to non-fighting fans. <em>They’re just so purdy!</em></p>
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<p><em>Ah, how we love that SNK artwork; all those grins and round chins! Thank you for scrolling to the very bottom. With so many games to choose from we’re just scratching the surface with the games above.</em> <em>Let us know which of Hamster’s ACA Neo Geo games you’ve most enjoyed–and which ones you’d avoid–with a cheeky comment below.</em></p>
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https://www.sickgaming.net/blog/2020/03/...top-picks/