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Metal Slug 3, fan-chosen Neo Geo games coming to PSN
SNK Playmore will port select games from its Neo Geo back catalog to the PlayStation Network starting with next year's release of the classic run-and-gunner Metal Slug 3 for the PlayStation 4, PS3, and PS Vita. Metal Slug 3 saw an upgraded Steam release earlier this year boasting online multiplayer and leaderboard support. An Xbox Live Arcade version was released in 2008. SNK Playmore is polling fans to determine its next PSN release among a list of 15 possible games. Featured candidates include competitive shoot-'em-up Twinkle Star Sprites, acclaimed golfing sim Neo Turf Masters, and combo-driven brawler Sengoku 3, along with classic fighters like Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Samurai Shodown 5 Special, and The Last Blade 2. [Image: SNK Playmore]
Square Enix sues SNK over past copyright infringement allegations
Square Enix announced that it brought a declaratory judgment suit against SNK Playmore as a response to previous accusations of copyright infringement. SNK sued Square Enix in May, claiming the Final Fantasy publisher used copyrighted SNK characters without permission in the High Score Girl manga. SNK alleged that characters from The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown were used more than 100 times without permission. Following the lawsuit, police collected evidence in early August from Square Enix's offices, and the publisher stated it "has been cooperating fully with police investigations since the domiciliary search, and will continuously maintain the cooperative stance with good faith." Square Enix is now seeking an authoritative opinion from the Osaka District Court to determine that it has not infringed on SNK's copyright and will "prove the point through civil procedures." [Images: Square Enix]
Metal Slug X files are out there on Steam, releases in Oct.
A new Steam page reveals that come October 2, run-and-gunners can party like it's 1999 when SNK side-scroller Metal Slug X hits the portal. After reaching mobiles 18 months ago, the laser-toting, camel-riding, sometimes-mummified re-release of Metal Slug 2 is coming to PC with a $8 price tag. If you pre-purchase you can bring that down to $6. According to the Steam listing, there's support for both local and online two-player co-op, as well as online leaderboards and the standard six-mission arcade and mission select modes. Full controller support is also available, but sadly, Windows XP support is not. Sorry, XP.
SNK sues Square Enix, claims copyrighted material in manga
Authorities in Japan are investigating the claim that Square Enix uses copyrighted SNK characters without permission in the manga High Score Girl. SNK filed a lawsuit against Square Enix in May, and police visited Square Enix offices on August 5 to collect evidence, Sankei News reports (as translated by Kotaku and C-Sword on Shoryuken). High Score Girl includes characters from SNK's The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown more than 100 times, SNK claims. Square Enix says SNK never asked it to stop publishing the manga. High Score Girl is making the jump to anime, and SNK realized the infringement when a production company asked to use SNK's copyrighted characters and sounds in the show, the report says. Pages of the manga in the SRK forum show High Score Girl also depicts Capcom's Street Fighter and NetherRealm's Mortal Kombat arcade games. [Images: Square Enix]
Musical brawler The Rhythm of Fighters out now on iOS, Android
SNK Playmore has released The Rhythm of Fighters, a touchscreen-based iOS and Android rhythm game based on its long-running King of Fighters franchise. Similar in setup to SNK's Dreamcast obscurity Cool Cool Toon, The Rhythm of Fighters challenges players to tap and swipe the screen according to on-screen prompts. Combos cause your on-screen character to pummel his or her opponent, and winning matches grants you level-ups that result in increased damage and other stat boosts. The Rhythm of Fighters is priced at 99 cents, and additional characters and songs are available via in-app purchase. [Image: SNK Playmore]
Classic run-and-gunner Metal Slug 3 coming to Steam in February
SNK's run-and-gun action game Metal Slug 3 will launch on Steam in February. The arcade game first arrived in 2000, later leaping to multiple platforms like XBLA in early 2008, the Wii Virtual Console in May 2012 as well as iOS and Android in 2012. The Steam version will feature online cooperative multiplayer, leaderboards and cloud save support. In addition to the mobile ports, the Steam version was handled by DotEmu, a specialist in retro game adaptations. The developer previously brought the Double Dragon Trilogy to mobile and also took Another World to Mac, iOS and Android. DotEmu is currently hosting a closed beta for Metal Slug 3 on Steam.
PSA: King of Fighters '97 sneaks onto iOS, Android devices
If you're too impatient to see how Legend of Raven turns out under the guide of former King of Fighters developers, King of Fighters '97 can help you relive an iteration of SNK's fighter on iOS and Android devices. The pre-existing four button layout is still an option, but a new six button sprawl provides an alternative control scheme. The game's listing mentions an "SP button," meant to make pulling off special moves a bit more feasible without the tactile feedback a real fight stick would provide. The port also unlocks characters from the get-go that were originally hidden away in the Neo Geo version. Considering its 35-character roster and support for Bluetooth multiplayer, $3.99 isn't a bad asking price. Much more affordable than other recent options for replaying Neo Geo classics have been, at least. Update: Included mention of King of Fighters '97 coming to Android as well.
Tommo denies breach of contract, will continue selling Neo Geo X plug-and-play console
Tommo Inc. has responded to SNK Playmore's recent termination of its licensing and distribution agreement over the Neo Geo X Gold retrogaming console, claiming that no breach of contract took place. Tommo will continue selling the Neo Geo X handheld unit, its companion plug-and-play console, and all related accessories at retail. Noting that the two companies recently extended their licensing agreement through 2016, Tommo now demands SNK to "retract its press release and any attempts to terminate the license agreement." Though SNK advised customers to contact retail sources for Neo Geo X Gold returns and exchanges, Tommo announced that it will continue to provide customer service and warranty support for the unit and its games. Debuting late last year, the Neo Geo X Gold is a portable console and plug-and-play unit that includes several games originally released for SNK's 16-bit Neo Geo system. Tommo followed up the console's launch with five additional game pack releases, expanding the system's library to more than 30 games.
Tommo to continue to sell Neo Geo X Gold through 2016, denies breach of contract
Well, this is awkward. Two days ago, SNK Playmore announced the death of the Neo Geo X Gold -- today, the handheld's manufacturer has demanded a retraction. According to Tommo, it has a standing contract with SNK to produce and support the handheld console through 2016 and "fully expects this agreement to be honored by all parties." Moreover, the company claims that it has performed all of its obligations as a licensee, asserting that SNK has no reason or grounds to terminate the agreement. For now, the company says it will continue to sell the Neo Geo X Gold system as well as its arcade stick and assorted game collections. It's a messy situation, to be sure, but at least it's delaying the device's inevitable fate as a collector's item. Check out the statement for yourself after the break.
SNK orders Neo Geo X Gold manufacturer to stop producing, selling units and games
The License and Distribution Agreement between TOMMO Inc. and SNK Playmore involving production of the Neo Geo X Gold line of products was "terminated" on October 2, a statement on SNK's site revealed this week. The post describes SNK's demand that TOMMO "immediately cease any and all manufacturing, distribution, marketing and promotion" of the Neo Geo X Gold and its line of Neo Geo X Classic games. SNK has also demanded that TOMMO cease sales of the SNK Neo Geo X Arcade Stick and that they remove it from the shelves of both physical and digital shopfronts. Despite SNK's statement, the Neo Geo X Gold line of products is still available for purchase at some retailers at the time of this writing.
King of Fighters 13 Steam Edition out for PC
In keeping with the long, storied tradition of releasing PC versions of fighting games long after they've been released everywhere else, King of Fighters 13 Steam Edition is now available for PC, nearly two years after its console release in late 2011. Steam Edition will run you $30 and includes upgraded Story, Training and Online modes, as well as new graphical options for ensuring smooth performance. Steam Edition also includes three packed-in DLC characters: Old-school Iori Yagami, NESTS Style Kyo (read: KOF '99 moves) and Mr. Karate. The game has Steam Trading Cards as well, which means the money you earn selling Mai Shiranui cards can be put towards Thai lessons for King of Fighters Online.
King of Fighters Online footage features familiar faces, isometric places
King of Fighters Online, the Thailand-only PC MOBA set in the KOF universe, entered beta last week on September 4, and as a result match videos are starting to crop up online. As we can see from this 30-ish minute demonstration, the game features all the expected MOBA trappings (click-to-move, action bars, loitering next to turrets, etc.) in addition to familiar KOF characters and their signature moves. The game is being developed by South Korean studio Dragonfly, and is published in Thailand by True Digital Plus. The client is available to download on the official King of Fighters Online website, with the only barrier to entry being that of language. So far, no announcements have been made with regards to expanding KOFO into other markets, but we're keeping an eye on it just in case.
King of Fighters 13 Steam beta extended to Sept. 6
An ongoing closed beta for King of Fighters 13 on Steam has been extended to September 6, SNK has announced through Facebook. Anyone who pre-purchases the game through Steam gets instant access to the online beta. King of Fighters 13 launches on Steam next month, on September 13. In addition to closed beta access, those who pre-purchase can also knock $5 off the price, bringing the game down to $25 up until launch. The Steam edition of King of Fighters 13 is an upgraded version of the console game, featuring enhanced online, story and tutorial modes in addition to three special DLC versions of fan-favorite characters Iori, Kyo and Mr. Karate.
King of Fighters 13 hitting Steam on September 13
King of Fighters 13 has found a home on Steam, hitting PC on September 13 for $30. Buy it before launch day and get it for $25, 17 percent off. Those who want to jump into the action early can apply to be a Steam Edition beta tester now, and SNK Playmore will pick 300 players in a lottery drawing on August 19. The Steam Edition features online, tutorial and story modes upgraded from the console version, and includes three DLC characters – "Iori with the Power of Flames," "NESTS Style Kyo" and "Mr. Karate" – available right from the start. We had an inkling that King of Fighters 13 would come to Steam when it showed up in the distributor's database in February, and again last week when a trailer popped up.
King of Fighters XIII: Steam Edition trailer points to imminent port [update]
King of Fighters XIII looks very likely to be on its way to Steam, after a new trailer was found in the portal's database. The vid, currently viewable on Steam, ends with a logo detailing a 'Steam Edition' of the SNK fighter. KoF XIII was first discovered on Steam's database in February along with several other games like Dyad and Fez, some of which have now released on the service. Entries for KoF 2002: Unlimited Match and KoF 1998: Ultimate Match were also unearthed back then, but the KoF XIII trailer provides solid indication that particular game is headed to Steam in the near future. No official announcement has been made. SNK Playmore's latest entry in its almost 20-year-old fighter series arrived in Japan's arcades in 2010 before coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 a year later. Joystiq's resident King of Fighters, Jordan Mallory, doled out four stars in his review, deeming it "hands down the best, most polished and solidly constructed King of Fighters game there's ever been." Update: The trailer has since been removed from Steam. You can view a copy uploaded to YouTube (via Shoryuken) here.
PlayStation Plus deploys free Metal Slug XX this week
Metal Slug XX, compatible with both PSP and PS Vita, is this week's new recruit for the PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection. PS Plus subscribers can grab SNK's run-and-gunner gratis starting tomorrow - the usual asking price is $20. Metal Slug XX is an altered version of Metal Slug 7 on the Nintendo DS. It features additional ad-hoc co-op and mini-games on top of the core DS game. The series is known for its expressive sprites, powerful weaponry, insane boss battles and blatant disregard for bullet rationing.
Samurai Showdown 2 slices into iOS, Android
The classic Neo Geo fighting game, Samurai Shodown 2, is now on the iOS App Store and Google Play. The port features customizable controls in the form of virtual touchscreen buttons, which can be placed outside of the game's visual area in "window mode." All 15 characters are included, and multiplayer matches can be played over Bluetooth. Slicing things up with Haohmaru, Jubei and the rest of the gang costs a relatively premium price of $8.99.
More Neo Geo X classics arriving June 25 [Update]
Update: This article originally listed these products' collective release date as June 6, which is incorrect. The actual release date is June 25, and the body of this post has been changed to reflect that. Original: Those looking to play some new games on their Neo Geo X consoles can now preorder five volumes on Amazon for $25 each that, in total, include 15 of the system's classic games. Neo Geo X owners also have the option to pay $80 for a Mega Pack that contains all 15 games. The game packs will be available on June 6 June 25, according to Amazon's listings. While we knew these games were coming, here's how they are spread out across the five volumes: Volume 1: Sengoku, Metal Slug 2, Top Hunter Volume 2: Samurai Shodown 3, Savage Reign, Super Sidekicks 3 Volume 3: The King of Fighters '96, Blazing Star, Kizuna Encounter Volume 4: Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Shock Troopers, World Heroes 2 Jet Volume 5: The Last Blade, Blue's Journey, Art of Fighting 3
Metal Slug X runs and guns to iOS, Android
SNK Playmore recently launched Metal Slug X on iOS and Android. The run-and-gun game is a remake of the Neo Geo game Metal Slug 2, and includes online leaderboards, customizable controls and local multiplayer via bluetooth.Metal Slug X, which shouldn't be confused with Metal Slug XX, can be downloaded through iTunes and the Google Play store for $3.99. %Gallery-181198%
Neo Geo X hands-on
When the Neo Geo AES hit the scene 20 years ago, it was one of the largest, most powerful and most expensive game consoles the market had to offer, ringing in at a steep $650. Used AES machines aren't much cheaper, and modernized slim variations don't cost a penny less than the original hardware, either. A full home console might be a bit outside of the average gamer's budget, but SNK's 20th anniversary Neo Geo X hits a little closer to home: $200 for a portable handheld, 20 pre-loaded games, a faithful recreation of the original console arcade stick and an AES-shaped charging / controller dock that pipes video and audio out to a proper television. The end result? A handheld dressed up in a home console's skin. This is something we needed to see -- we spent some time with the setup to give it a once over.
