Top 15 NeoGeo MVS Games
Arcade Gyro’s Top 15 Neo Geo Games
Well, here we are—my second blog post! Today, I’m going to share my Top 15 Neo Geo arcade games—the ones I’d take with me to a deserted island, alongside my big red. These games are in no particular order, but they all hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, I’d always gravitate toward the Neo Geo Big Red and the Capcom Big Blue machines. My time was almost exclusively spent between these two, often with a SNK fighting game in one hand and a pocket full of quarters.
A huge part of my love for Neo Geo comes from my deep affection for full-contact karate—hence the heavy presence of SNK’s fighting games in this list. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of variety here, from shooters to beat-'em-ups. Neo Geo has something for everyone, and these 15 games are the ones I would never want to be without.
And a quick side note: my journey into the home arcade hobby began with a 2-slot Big Red I bought from a local video rental store. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I had to sell it. Fast-forward a few years, and one of my favorite gifts from my late wife was a surprise 4-slot Big Red for our 5th anniversary. Those memories will always stay with me.
With that said, here’s my Top 15 Neo Geo list. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a comment and share your own list!
1. Blazing Star
What can I say about Blazing Star? It's not just one of the best games on the Neo Geo—it’s one of the best shmups of all time. The visuals and music are fantastic, but it’s the gameplay that really stands out. The difficulty progression is spot-on, and the replay value is through the roof. I have countless memories playing this on my Big Red, both solo and with my best buddy. When I finally got my own Big Red, this was the first cart I grabbed.
2. Garou: Mark of the Wolves
This one is easily in my top 5 fighting games—and top 10 greatest games ever. Garou is SNK’s answer to Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, and let me tell you, it’s one hell of an answer. The character roster is stellar, the graphics are beautiful, and while the music isn’t the best, who really cares when the gameplay is this smooth? This game has some of the most satisfying combos and supers, making it one of the best competitive fighters ever.
3. Iron Clad
I’m kind of cheating here since Iron Clad was never officially released for the MVS, only for Neo Geo CD, but it was later ported to MVS, and I’m lucky enough to have the cart. This game blends Blazing Star and R-Type elements with unique branching paths and smooth gameplay. It’s a bit on the easy side, but it’s so much fun to play, and the graphics are top-notch.
4. The King of Fighters 2000
The King of Fighters 2000 is pure fun to play with friends. The roster of characters is fantastic, and the striker system is one of the best in the KOF series. The gameplay is tight, the system is deep, and there’s endless replay value. For me and my buddies, this is one of the go-to KOF titles for some competitive fun. Not to mention the introduction of Vanessa and Ramon—two of the coolest characters to join the series.
5. The King of Fighters 2002
If KOF 2000 is a blast, KOF 2002 is the dream match come true. In my opinion, it’s the best of the dream matches—better than KOF 98 in terms of balance, roster, visuals, and audio. It’s also a lot more fun and competitive. While I could never get into KOF 98, 2002 is my ultimate KOF dream-match game.
6. The Last Blade 2
This is an absolute masterpiece. The game is slow, methodical, and beautiful. While Samurai Shodown focuses on fast, aggressive gameplay, Last Blade 2 takes a more strategic approach with gorgeous artwork and satisfying, precise gameplay. There’s something so rewarding about landing that final blow and cutting your opponent in half. If you’re into fighting games, this is a must-own.
7. Neo Turf Masters
I never thought I’d love a golf game, but Neo Turf Masters is a classic. It’s the game that helped me bond with my wife. We’d play it for hours, smoking, drinking, and laughing. It’s easy to pick up but tough to master. The mechanics are solid, and it’s surprisingly fun. Even my kids and friends enjoy playing it today. It’s a great game for any collection.
8. Real Bout Fatal Fury 2
Real Bout 2 is my favorite Fatal Fury game. The two-plane system was a unique innovation, and it’s a shame it wasn’t used again. The game is fast-paced and plays like a dream. The character roster is solid, with new faces like Rick Strowd, who became one of my favorites. The animation is gorgeous, and the game’s energy is just unmatched.
9. Samurai Shodown II
Samurai Shodown II is one of the most influential games in fighting history. It’s methodical and precise, and the combat flows beautifully. It introduced SNK’s version of fatalities—yes, I said fatalities, and they were actually cool. Great art, great music, and an amazing roster. This one is a classic for a reason.
10. Samurai Shodown IV
Samurai Shodown IV is the complete opposite of Samurai Shodown II—it’s fast, frantic, but just as methodical. This was the game my best buddy and I would play nonstop, and even though I’d only win about 10 out of 30 matches, it didn’t matter. The sprites are stunning, and the fatalities are brutal. This game is an absolute blast.
11. Samurai Shodown V Special
For me, Samurai Shodown V Special is the perfect blend of the mechanics and vibe from SS2 and SS4. It’s probably the one I’m best at, which is always a bonus! The art, the music, the backgrounds—everything just clicks. It’s definitely my favorite of the three Samurai Shodown titles on this list.
12. Sengoku 3
*There’s a reason I love Sengoku 3—it’s one of the best beat-'em-ups ever. Along with D&D: Shadows Over Mystara and Knights of Valour 2, it’s part of the holy trinity of beat-'em-ups. The gameplay is fantastic, with a deep roster of characters and plenty of combo potential. The backgrounds are gorgeous, and it’s just a blast to play, especially with friends or my kids.
13. Shock Troopers
Shock Troopers is a fast-paced, top-down shooter that’s just pure fun. The gameplay is smooth, and it’s a game you can pick up and play for 10 minutes or an hour. While the sequel, Shock Troopers 2, isn’t quite as good, the original is still a classic and holds up today. It’s one of those games you can easily get lost in.
14. Prehistoric Isle 2
Prehistoric Isle 2 is another fantastic shmup that’s a total blast to play. Dinosaurs and helicopters—what more could you want? The gameplay is incredibly addictive, with an awesome variety of levels, enemies, and jaw-dropping firepower. The boss fights are intense and often leave you on the edge of your seat. You’ll definitely find yourself shouting "Oh!" or "Whoa!" at the screen more than once. It’s a wild ride, and one of the most fun shmups out there.
15. SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom
This game is SNK’s take on the legendary Capcom crossover. It’s a love letter to Super Street Fighter II Turbo, and they absolutely nailed it. The gameplay is fast and furious, and the roster is packed with legendary characters from both SNK and Capcom. If you’re a fan of either, this is a must-play.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Now, for the fun part—my first giveaway! I’m giving away an Aero Fighters 2 MVS cart, complete with a Shockbox. To enter, be one of the first 20 people to leave a comment on this post. Just tell me who you think is the most overrated and most underrated Marvel or DC character. Once we hit 20 comments, I’ll roll a D20 die to pick a winner. I’ll reach out to the winner directly to arrange shipping.
Thanks for reading, and good luck!
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