Old gamer wants to return to neo geo

[geesewannabe]

Hi Guys

I used to own an AES system back in 1994.
I LOVED fighting games and shooters.
I remember when i heard that KOF 94 was coming out, i was so excited, i was only about 13.
I used to rent the neo games from a local shop as £150 a cart was a little expensive.
I played the hell out of some classic games which at the time were ahead of the times. Fatal Fury Special (one of the first with super moves) Art of fighting 2, KOF 94, Sam Show 1+2 (LOVE 2) and so many others. I was pretty good as well, beatings most guys twice my age. I knew all the moves for most characters and even liked spicing it up by playing against my friends with the worst characters.
Anyway that was then, i sold my AES to buy a saturn and never got to play any further neo games as the rental shop closed. No KOF 95 onwards, no Fatal Fury after FF3 (which i only played on the neo cd)
I really feel that I missed out on some classic games.
I am now 24 and work in London played the hell out of Halo 2 (waiting for 3) but have started emulating on my laptop all the old neo games. (have not played them as i have no arcade joystick) Thing is no one i know plays 2d fighters (losers) or wants to learn.
I would very much like to get back into this dying artform before is gone forever.
Any ideas guys.................

[phry]

Welcome Geesewannabe.

I also remember when Samurai Showdon 2 and KOF 94 came out. I could not afford to even dream about buying an AES but pumped many a 50p into the seafront's Neo Geo arcade cabinet. About a year ago I got into emulation and wanted to rediscover the games I played in my youth. This resulted in Neo emu and drove my attention to this site! I didn't beleive how many great games I'd missed out on. Catching up is fun! ;D

I would very much like to get back into this dying artform before is gone forever.
Any ideas guys.................

As for me getting back into Neo, it first started with buying controller adapters for my PC (ps2 controllers to usb), then buying console versions of SNK games, particularly on the Dreamcast and PS2. This, in term led to me buying a Neo Geo mvs kit (arcade board). Just got Mark of the Wolves for it. Gaming bliss!

I wouldn't say the artform is dying. It's just appreciated by fewer, yet die-hard fans. I guess it's better for a few people to love something rather than the majority just liking it. That SNK Playmore is still releasing titles is testament to this.

[tsimnami9999]

hi geese welcome aboard!!youll be surprised how active the neo scene is still .it was still having neo geo games released up to couple of years ago !!really good ones too!snk are releasing new games on ps2 etc so plenty to read /play etc .i can tell you this is the best neo site on the net ive seen (heres to you kaz!)enjoy geese neogeoforlife! ;D ;D ;D

[boogiepop]

Welcome to the forums!
Well this is certainly THE place to get back into things, especially since you're from England. I'm sure you could find a few Londonites here to game with.
As for catching up, it sure is awesome (no waiting for release dates, cheaper, no horribly bad game purchases with a glance at a review or two). I never owned a neo back in the day but I just bought an mvs and it's pretty sweet if you've got the cash to burn. Certainly a lot cheaper than collecting aes.
Oh, and finally, it's nice to hear that there are still people out there who appreciate old games. I grew up on Robotron 2084, Asteroids, Maniac Mansion, Donkey Kong, etc. and the memories of those long lost gaming days will always be dearest to me.

[geesewannabe]

Hi Guys

Thanks for getting back to me.

A few years ago I picked up a dreamcast just to play capcom vs. snk, which for me also a dream game as I also loved street fighter, night warriors etc. Later I got an Xbox and picked up capcom vs. snk 2 but it was such a nightmare to play with that standard controller (I had the original big ass fat ones) that I only gave it a few games before returning it rather than sully my memories of my great fighting days. (great shame)
I have always meant to give it another go and after discovering this forum I will.

Can anyone recommend a PC arcade joystick that works with the MAME emulators? (twin or single)

I now have got most of the KOF to try (which ones should I skip/play to death)

Every seems to love mark of the wolves (I was such a fan of fatal fury special, I did not even know this game existed until recently)

I replayed Sam Show 2 on my Xbox neo emulator recently for hours (I really feel that game has not dated at all, I still sweat at the final boss)

I've seen KOF XI, looks good, how does it compare to the old fighters?

Let me know what you guys think and what newer games to can recommend to a old school fighter who wants to catch up.

Regards

Geesewannabe

[werD]

Yar! Welcome aboard (thats a new one)!

For sticks, here's some links:

I know that you might find this one retail (plus it is multi platform):
www.x-arcade.com/
This one has its own joysticks and buttons, whilst others tend to go for pats from arcade manufacturers (such as Happs)

Another one similar to X Arcade. You'll have to like purple .
www.hanaho.com/Home/index.php

This one runs of real arcade parts and can be customized. Very expensive though (in my book anyways).
www.slikstik.com/index.htm

This site's really good for arcade related reviews. This link goes to a review of a bunch of different sticks.
www.retroblast.com/reviews/controller2.html

Finally, you can build your own. It's not really that hard. It's basically a box with holes for the controls. The great thing about going this route is you have complete choice over what parts you want. For example, if you tend to like the Japanese style sticks (such as Sanwa), it's hard to find a pre-made controller that comes with them (whereas if you built a controller, you could order them).
Three sites to look at are Build Your Own Arcade Controls:
arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm

Ultimarc:
An encoder is required to interface the controls with the computer, and you can get one (plus all the parts, including Japanese style joysticks) here.
www.ultimarc.com/

Happs:
Makes the controls seen in almost all of North America. Not sure what manufacturer makes European controls.
www.happcontrols.com/


You said you were having trouble finding people to play 2D fighters etc. with you?

There's a client for Mame that's called Kaillera that allows for online play. While traffic is sparse at best, you can usually find some to play with. A good idea would be to get a controller first, keyboards make life very difficult! Here's the client with a bunch of emulators:

www.kaillera.com/download.php

Hope this helps,
Drew

[geesewannabe]

Yeah Thanks WerD

I am currently using an Xbox 360 controller to play my neo classics until I can get something more suitable, I have to use its left digital 360 controller though which is not the best.

I do like the look of most the sticks on the above links, nice.

Wont be long now until I am ready for some serious fighting action.

Regards

Geesewannabe

[rugal2000]

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