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Former King of Fighters devs seek funding for original 2D fighting game
Indie publishing partner and localization studio Nyu Media seeks funding for Yatagarasu Attack on Cataclysm, a 2D fighting game developed by a team of former SNK staffers. Originally released to western audiences back in April, Yatagarasu promises "a fighting game that everyone can enjoy by creating a simple structure and straightforward gameplay without the clutter of lots of unnecessary features." The enhanced crowdfunded version will boast a dynamic commentary system, and will offer at least 10 playable characters at launch. Yatagarasu's funding goal is set at $68,000, though Indiegogo's flexible funding system ensures that the developers will receive all pledges, regardless of whether the team meets its goal. Pledges will fund additional characters, dual-language commentary, and an English localization, among other features.
Daily iPhone App: Metal Slug X is a faithful, though flawed recreation
SNK's slowly been releasing all of its great old Metal Slug games from the Neo Geo library, and just recently, it worked its way up to Metal Slug X, which I think is the fourth iteration of the series? It's hard to keep track -- there's like 20 of them out there in history. At any rate, if you've ever played a Metal Slug game before, you know what to expect here: You control a soldier that runs on a constantly moving 2D battlefield, firing away at enemies and dodging all sorts of colorful incoming fire. The Metal Slug games are known for their high-quality 2D animation, and this game is no different at all -- the sprites are extremely complicated, well-designed, and while the action gets frenetic, it's extremely well-drawn and produced. This is actually an updated version of the game on iOS, with new bosses, new weapons, full Game Center integration and even multiplayer over Bluetooth. Unfortunately, even with those additions, Apple's iOS devices still aren't really the ideal way to play a game like this, as the onscreen controls are less than extremely precise, and putting your fingers on the virtual buttons tends to block out the action. Not to mention that these games tend to be fairly hard, and using virtual controls makes them even harder. But if you're going for this one already, you're probably a Metal Slug fan, so you'll know the drill. Metal Slug X is available now for US$3.99 as a universal version. If you've never tried the series and want to see what it's like, I'd say wait for a sale, as SNK regularly drops the prices on these as well.
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 additional game cart, system update, travel case and 'Rocket' cable slated for April launch
You've blasted your way through the 20 games that come built into the Neo Geo X, so what's next? Last month, rumors the handheld had been discontinued suggested that was your lot, but the truth was less worrying: the limited edition Gold bundle run had come to an end. Now, Tommo Inc has detailed the first of five additional game cartridges for the portable. Neo Geo X Classics: Volume I will add three titles for you to wear your thumbs down on: Metal Slug 2, Sengoku and Top Hunter. The cart is due to hit North America in April for an unspecified price, and those that pick one up will get a "Rocket" high-speed data transfer and charging cable gratis, as well as the Neo Geo X System Update 1.0, which we expect to hear more details on shortly. A travel case for the handheld is also in development, and is expected to be released the same month. Hit up the PR to see all the games the five expansion carts will ultimately offer, although chances are, some of you are playing them already.
Neo Geo X production to continue, more games/peripherals on the way
This week's reports that Japanese Neo Geo X production had come to a halt are only somewhat correct, Engadget has learned. In actuality, only production of the Neo Geo X Gold Limited Edition model has ceased, which was always part of the plan. You know, it being a Limited Edition product and everything."Tommo will be continuing to support the NEOGEO X format going forward with more games, peripherals and software updates, as well as more units of the console hardware," Tommo told Engadget. "The NEOGEO X Gold System Limited Edition Collection Series that includes Ninja Masters, was always planned to be a limited edition product."Further elaborations were not made concerning what said games and peripherals might be. Considering that the original Neo Geo AES didn't really have peripherals though, save for a memory card and an adapter that let the AES play arcade cabinet cartridges, we're curious about what Tommo might come up with.
Report: Neo Geo X production ceases in Japan
Manufacturing and production of the confusingly irresistible Neo Geo X has come to a halt in Japan, according to Siliconera's translation of Gamer's report. Shipment of the device has also ceased, meaning that Japan's existing stock of the retro gaming handheld/console is all they're going to get.It's unclear whether this development will affect the device's availability in North America or other territories, although it has been said that the end of hardware production doesn't translate to the end of software production -- more Game Cards are reportedly on the way. We've reached out for more information and will update if new information becomes available.
Neo Geo X hacked to run Unibios, unofficial game ROMS
After witnessing the fall of the DS, DSi, 3DS and PlayStation Vita, it's no surprise to hear that the Neo Geo X has succumbed to the talents of the homebrew community, but it is a little shocking how easy the handheld was to conquer. Upon cracking the device open, enthusiasts were surprised to find no copy protection to speak of -- just a lightly glued MicroSD card. The folks on the Neo Geo forum wasted no time experimenting, and soon found that the handheld's Bios and game ROMs can be successfully swapped for new games or custom loaders. Substitute files need to retain the name of the file they replace, and swapped games remain mislabeled in the Neo Geo X menu, but the trick has already allowed some users to install the popular AES Unibios. The community hopes that the discovery will eventually allow them to tweak the handheld's TV-out resolution and enable manual switching between AES / MVS game modes. It's hardly a "hack," considering the SD card is completely unprotected, but it's a good start. Check out the source link below to peer at the device's insides, or just to watch the community in action.
Deepworld, You Don't Know Jack, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, and more available now
We're deep in the holiday season at this point, and right now that means dozens (if not more) of game developers out there are getting their best and brightest titles out onto the App Store, making sure they're all ready to download when the Christmas rush rolls around. Here's a look at some of the biggest new App Store releases today. Deepworld isn't brand new, but it is out for the iPad -- it's a great sandbox-style building game that we've been covering here at TUAW for quite a while. It's available as a free download right now. Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a great music game that originally appeared on the 3DS, but has now brought its Final Fantasy-based music/RPG gameplay to iOS. It's available as a free download with two songs to play, though if you want more, you'll have to buy them with in-app purchases. You Don't Know Jack has been on iOS before, but today we've got a brand new (free!) version of the title that appears to be ported from the Facebook version. It features the same old quiz show gameplay, now with updates from your friends through the big blue social network. Fluxx is a really incredible card game, and it's now been ported over to iOS as well. You can buy the whole thing for $2.99. Mike Lee's new Lemurs Chemistry game is available for $1.99. SNK has released a port of the original Metal Slug as a $1.99 game. As expected, Disney's Monsters Inc. Run has appeared. It's a mashup of Mega Run and the great Pixar movie, available for 99 cents. Zooniverse is a brand new free-to-play zoo building game from Chillingo. This isn't a new app, but Finger Tied finally got its big level sharing update, so definitely download that and check it out. If you don't have it already, the app is 99 cents. And finally, for those of you who appreciate soccer/football and managing it, Football Manager Handheld 2013 was released by Sega. The game's $9.99, and... it looks complicated. There you go! Stay tuned for full reviews and more insight on these apps and all of the others due out this holiday season here on the site.
Neo Geo X coming to Europe December 6th for £175 / €199
As we pointed out, European gamers will be able to pew-pew or grapple on the go with the Neo Geo X alongside their US counterparts on December 6th, and now we know for how much and where: £175 in the UK and €199 elsewhere at Funstock. For that sum you'll get the handheld with a 4.3-inch screen, joystick, game card, AES-style charging dock with HDMI output and 20 pre-installed retro games -- with more arriving soon. So, if you're up for kicking it 1990s style that side of the pond, grab it at the source.
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.
Neo Geo X is still super boss, now comes in Limited Edition with an extra game
Nintendo's Wii U isn't the only gaming console launching this holiday -- portable Neo Geo hardware is arriving on December 6, and it's called the Neo Geo X. The somewhat pricey handheld is now available for pre-order, and incentivizing that pre-order is the promise of an extra game (ADK-developed fighting game Ninja Master), bringing the total of pre-loaded game software to 21 titles. This "limited edition" version still costs the same $200 that the normal version does, and it still comes with the same variety of supplementary hardware we've seen before (that $130 standalone remains date-less, sadly). For the full list of games in the LE, head past the break (spoilers: it's all the previously revealed 20 games, plus Ninja Master).
Neo Geo X handheld gets standalone $130 price tag
If you wanted to relive your past arcade glories, but weren't looking for a whole peripheral package, the Neo Geo X is now going to let you do that. While the forthcoming handheld was expected to arrive bundled with nostalgia-tinged hardware, a lower-priced solo handheld is also on the cards. Priced at $130, the makers aren't divulging any more detail on 4.3-inch handheld's precise launch date, but we'd guess that the single unit will match the pricier bundle's December launch date.
Neo Geo sale has PS3 and PSP games at half-off
SNK is hosting a month-long half-off sale on a handful of Neo Geo games for PS3 and PSP. PSN games drop to $4.50 apiece and PSP games are $3.50; the Neo Geo Station Bundle Pack of 10 games for PS3 runs $40.The SNK sale includes Metal Slug and Metal Slug 2, Fatal Fury, Shock Troopers and The King of Fighters '94 - '96. Check out the complete list under the big blue button below.
Neo Geo X Gold gets worldwide December release date, $200 price tag
Just when you were wondering if it was all just vaporware, the Neo Geo X has finally received a worldwide release date of December 6th after missing its original Q2 window. The 20th anniversary reboot of the retro gaming system -- now branded the Neo Geo X Gold -- has a suggested retail price of a cent under $200, and for that you get the handheld and the newly detailed peripherals shown above -- a joystick and a charging dock that doubles as TV out (via HDMI or RCA). The specs have changed somewhat since the initial announcement and the handheld is now showing off a 4.3-inch LCD, a little bigger than the 3.5-inch previously announced, while the list of pre-installed titles looks just as healthy as it originally did -- see the source link for the full list.
'Neogeo X Gold' portable arrives this December for a whopping $200
Despite the fact that 20+ years passed since you last played Neogeo, its portable rebirth this December will be shockingly expensive at $200. Tommo Inc. announced the handheld console's December 6 launch date for North America overnight, and put detail to the various pre-installed software it comes packed with (King of the Monsters and Samurai Showdown 2 are our personal highlights, but the full list of 20 games is below the break). The system also comes with the charging dock and joystick you see above, included in the $200 price.Beyond being a handheld Neogeo – which, admittedly, is pretty neat –the system doubles as a home console and can be hooked up to TVs/monitors via HDMI or traditional RCA. As such, an external joystick works with the device (though we'd suggest keeping that joystick locked to your domicile rather than take it on the go).It's unclear what retailers will carry the Neogeo X Gold just yet, but Tommo works with the usual brick-and-mortar suspects (Best Buy, Amazon, GameStop, etc.) Distribution in Europe and Asia is being handled separately, and no prices or dates are given for either territory.
Project Unity stuffs 20 classic consoles into one: if you can't play it, it's probably too new (video)
Most gamer who want to play with more than one or two vintage console platforms often turn to software-based emulators that may or may not be above-board. How about stuffing all of the authentic hardware into one controller and one base unit? Modders at Bacteria's forums have developed Project Unity, an attempt to natively address 20 consoles across 17 actual platforms folded into a single device. The gamepad, arguably the centerpiece, includes two each of analog sticks and directional pads, along with multiple shoulder buttons and a central button grid that can either be used to steer an Intellivision or fill in for otherwise missing controls. Stuffing the unique controller hardware into one gamepad obviously presents problems with board sizes and the laws of physics, so much of the relevant circuitry sits in modified NES cartridges. Our only dismays are the lack of original Xbox support and the slightly imposing challenge of aggregating and modifying that much classic gaming componentry in one place -- if you're more concerned about convenience in your retro gaming than preserving the original feel of that Sega Master System or SNK NeoGeo, though, you've just found Utopia.
Diabolical Pitch, less diabolical SNK savings on Xbox Live this week
This week on Xbox Live is the premiere of Diabolical Pitch for Kinect, and, for when your arm inevitably gets tired, savings on SNK games that use the normal controller. From today through the 9th, King of Fighters '98, 2002, and Sky Stage, Metal Slugs 3 and XX, and Trouble Witches are all 50% off. Rockstar is holding a "Max Payne sale" as well, with 33% savings.Next week will see the arrival of Fez and a Call of Duty DLC sale. We wonder how the network will handle the combination of those two events.
Neo Geo X goes official, celebrates Grandpa's 20th anniversary
We've already seen the device in the real world, but now it's confirmed -- this portable Neo Geo is legit and heading to both the US and Europe. Blaze is crafting the retro gaming handheld with SNK's blessing and 20 baked-in titles confirmed, including Metal Slug, King of Fighters '94 and -- yes -- King of the Monsters. It'll tie into the Neo Geo's 20th birthday and the manufacturer promises that the new device will deliver the same arcade thrills "in a more affordable manner," although there's still no pricing specifics. Check the press release below for the full game selection and expect a release some time in Q2.
Rumor: SNK releasing a new Neo Geo for your pocket
It's not really a followup to the Neo Geo Pocket, but it is a portable device with a bunch of Neo Geo games on it. Currently known only as "Neo Geo Portable Device" (not the product's final name), the handheld is a bit bigger than an iPhone and comes packing two gigs of storage, plenty of buttons, a 4.3 inch screen, SD card slot, headphone jack and an A/V out jack, according to Japanese site Famicom Plaza.And, thanks to official SNK licensing, it comes pre-loaded with 20 Neo Geo titles -- North American versions, no less -- including classics like Metal Slug, Fatal Fury Special, Sengoku, King of the Monsters, Magician Lord and more. Famicom Plaza provided no details as to when or where the device will be released.That's assuming the product is real at all, of course. The select button above is labeled "menu" in a different picture, for example, which seems a bit odd. We've contacted SNK to confirm the device's existence.
SNK's new Neo Geo: 20 retro classics in one modern handheld
We rubbed our eyes a little when they first landed on this fine looking specimen, just to make sure they weren't deceiving us. But no, this really does appear to be a new handheld Neo Geo. We've seen SNK make inspired controllers, bring its catalog to other platforms and even make handhelds before, but nothing like this. The iPhone-esque body and 4.3 inch screen house a D-pad, shoulder and front buttons while hiding 2GB of storage inside -- pre-loaded with 20 classic titles (yes Fatal Fury and League Bowling included, and all in English). There's also an SD slot which we really really hope is for more games, as well as an AV output for some good old big-screen action. Famicon Plaza claims it's a licensed product not yet in full production, so there's no whiff of availability just now. When it does finally land, we hope it's not at a 2012 equivalent of grandad's $600+ price tag.
