First off, I'd like to say that I have only played the crystal system and evolution soccer for about 1 hour. Within that hour the crystal system and evolution soccer have managed to instill upon me an impression that I am going to share with you all now.
------THE GOOD-------
The first thing that I noticed about the crystal system is how small the unit actually is. Think about the size of an MVS cart and you get the idea. As far as the size of the cart goes, think about 2 atari 2600 games right next to eachother.
There is no doubt in my mind that the crystal system is being seriously considered as the successor for the MVS system. Aside from the obvious link to Playmore distributor Brezzasoft, playing the crystal system "feels" exactly like playing the neo geo--only with MUCH better resolution and graphical output.
After playing evolution soccer, there is no doubt in my mind that this title was supposed to be called, "Super Sidekicks 5" As far as I am concerned, Evolution soccer IS the sequel to Ultimate 11.
-On a side note, my brother (who hardly knows anything about the neo geo) walked into the room as I was playing, and said "that looks like an updated Super Sidekicks"
The gameplay in Evolution Soccer is nearly identical to the gameplay in the Super Sidekicks series (aside from a few advances in mobility, passing, and shooting.)
The graphics are probably 30% to 40% better (if that means anything to you)with NO slowdown. Infact, sometimes it feels like it is moving a little too fast.
The fields, player models, refs, and soccer ball all look really good.
You can hear the game in English or Spanish..which is pretty cool also.
The graphics are pretty damn nice for the second game on the system. When I compare the first soccer games on each system: Evolution Soccer vs. Super Sidekicks 1 and how far the Super Sidekicks series came along on the neo, I get goosebumps in anticipation as to what this system is actually capable of.
----THE BAD------
The crystal system:
Nothing bad at all. This system has the potential to really take a firm grasp on the 2D arcade industry and strangle it to death. I have owned the PGM, and now own the Crystal system--I have to say that the PGM won't live much longer as soon as developers get more time with the crystal system.
Evolution soccer:
Evolution soccer doesn't feel 100% complete. It almost feels like Evoga was rushing at the end to try and cram in what they wanted but didn't take the proper amount of time to make sure that everything blended to gether right.
Don't get me wrong, I am only talking about little things such as:
-The intro scene when the teams are taking the field (not done well at all)
-the crowd looks pretty bad
-the cut scenes are entirely too short and, so far, ALWAYS repeat the same thing each time that you score.
------------------------------------------------
In the end, I am extremely excited about the potential that the crystal system has. I feel that soon enough we will see the games that will push the 2D genre past anything that we can even imagine....and it could be done on the crystal system.
I am also excited about Evolution soccer. It is definetly a pick up and play game. One that you would like to play for a while at first and then from time to time with friends and family after that. The game is challenging and fun, especially for those that like soccer. However, if you have had your fill of soccer games on the neo..then this one is not for you. This is a game for those that are in for a quick game of "who is the best"....very similar to NBA JAM for basketball fans.
I am very satisfied with my purchase at the moment.
I await to hear of either another game coming out on the system....or an invitation to take it to ebay in the upcoming months.
If you have any questions, please post, I'll answer them all.
Mike out.
------THE GOOD-------
The first thing that I noticed about the crystal system is how small the unit actually is. Think about the size of an MVS cart and you get the idea. As far as the size of the cart goes, think about 2 atari 2600 games right next to eachother.
There is no doubt in my mind that the crystal system is being seriously considered as the successor for the MVS system. Aside from the obvious link to Playmore distributor Brezzasoft, playing the crystal system "feels" exactly like playing the neo geo--only with MUCH better resolution and graphical output.
After playing evolution soccer, there is no doubt in my mind that this title was supposed to be called, "Super Sidekicks 5" As far as I am concerned, Evolution soccer IS the sequel to Ultimate 11.
-On a side note, my brother (who hardly knows anything about the neo geo) walked into the room as I was playing, and said "that looks like an updated Super Sidekicks"
The gameplay in Evolution Soccer is nearly identical to the gameplay in the Super Sidekicks series (aside from a few advances in mobility, passing, and shooting.)
The graphics are probably 30% to 40% better (if that means anything to you)with NO slowdown. Infact, sometimes it feels like it is moving a little too fast.
The fields, player models, refs, and soccer ball all look really good.
You can hear the game in English or Spanish..which is pretty cool also.
The graphics are pretty damn nice for the second game on the system. When I compare the first soccer games on each system: Evolution Soccer vs. Super Sidekicks 1 and how far the Super Sidekicks series came along on the neo, I get goosebumps in anticipation as to what this system is actually capable of.
----THE BAD------
The crystal system:
Nothing bad at all. This system has the potential to really take a firm grasp on the 2D arcade industry and strangle it to death. I have owned the PGM, and now own the Crystal system--I have to say that the PGM won't live much longer as soon as developers get more time with the crystal system.
Evolution soccer:
Evolution soccer doesn't feel 100% complete. It almost feels like Evoga was rushing at the end to try and cram in what they wanted but didn't take the proper amount of time to make sure that everything blended to gether right.
Don't get me wrong, I am only talking about little things such as:
-The intro scene when the teams are taking the field (not done well at all)
-the crowd looks pretty bad
-the cut scenes are entirely too short and, so far, ALWAYS repeat the same thing each time that you score.
------------------------------------------------
In the end, I am extremely excited about the potential that the crystal system has. I feel that soon enough we will see the games that will push the 2D genre past anything that we can even imagine....and it could be done on the crystal system.
I am also excited about Evolution soccer. It is definetly a pick up and play game. One that you would like to play for a while at first and then from time to time with friends and family after that. The game is challenging and fun, especially for those that like soccer. However, if you have had your fill of soccer games on the neo..then this one is not for you. This is a game for those that are in for a quick game of "who is the best"....very similar to NBA JAM for basketball fans.
I am very satisfied with my purchase at the moment.
I await to hear of either another game coming out on the system....or an invitation to take it to ebay in the upcoming months.
If you have any questions, please post, I'll answer them all.
Mike out.