Neo-Geo Gets Support
Following the previous REPORT coverage of the current situation within the financially strapped SNK and their presence in video amusement, we have suddenly been lucky to be the repository of more information from behind the scenes regarding the future of the Neo-Geo Multiple Video System (MVS). The one piece of information emanating from entranced team members at SNK (and those remaining loyal executives) is that SNK will not be able to consider any more MVS games! The majority of new releases from this point onwards will come from third party support. With over 110,000 legal and counterfeit MVS systems in operation, this could make some third party developers very profitable, explaining the sudden interest by Capcom in offering their support.
This opportunity of success in supporting the loyal MVS operation and player base explains the growth of the Japanese developer BrezzaSoft (check out their new website). This is a group of over 40 developers, the majority of which have jumped ship from SNK’s previous R&D team (and in some cases before that, from Capcom). Working on a number of SNK licenses independently, the group has become the target of great interest, on a par with that interest generated by the breakaway SEGA AM teams like Wow Entertainment. A second team has also emerged from SNK. Though a little shy on reporting their future plans, these teams now having a relatively free rein have leaked information to Shocking Alberto, giving the clearest ever glimpse of the opportunity of software that could find its way onto the MVS before the end of the year.
King of Fighters 2001: Dream Match Revival
SNK/BrezzaSoft
Here we have yet another eagerly awaited arcade fighting title.
Samurai Shodown V
SNK/?
This sequel to the popular slash 'em up is dependent on the support of a third party developer.
Data East’s Ghost Lop
SNK/Data East
Ghost Lop is a puzzle game from the once great arcade developer who is now limited to rare releases.
New Soccer Game
SNK/BrezzaSoft
This next game in the sequel of soccer titles comprises action and tactics (although not graphics) to rival Virtua Striker 3.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves 2
SNK/?
The important sequel in the Fatal Fury dynasty is another influential license worth cultivating.
Crystal of Kings
SNK/BrezzaSoft
Gauntlet, Japanese style. Here is a top down 3D action game from the oldest of the 2D architectures.
Internationally, companies like Gelvin in Europe and Apple Photo Systems in America find themselves in very strong positions regarding their support of what is available for the installed base of MVS units. As said in previous REPORTs, Capcom’s sudden interest in supporting releases of SNK licenses means that in the coming months, a version of King of Fighters could appear under a Capcom distribution wing. Some observers have even hinted at the possibility of CPS 2 or 3 versions of some of these games, though the promised MVS version of Capcom vs. SNK never appeared (the game was planned for a joint platform release). Possibly KoF, or even a version of Metal Slug, could make that transition.
For the Neo-Geo MVS, celebrating an amazing twelfth year in operation, hopes of an upgrade path have been shelved, as has the remaining video amusement operation within SNK. The ‘GigaChip’ performance enhancement for the existing MVS cartridge has not hindered the system's current ranking, finding strong support in Asia and Europe, though hopes of a major step forward in performance has been slow to be established. Teams like BrezzaSoft and another smaller breakaway independent team will supply titles for the time being, but as said before, how long this stays a route for these developers or a means for Capcom to scoop up some very influential licenses for their own Naomi/CPS architecture is another question.
