***** * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * **** * * * ** "330 Mega Pro-Gear Spec" * * * * * * * * ** * * ***** * * * * @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @ @@@@@@@@@ @ @@@ @@@ @@ @@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@@@ @@ @@ @ @@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@ @@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@ @@@@@ @@@ @@ @@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@ @@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@@ @@@ @@@ @@ @@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@@@ @@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@@@@ @ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@@@ @@ @ @@@@@@@@@@ @@ @@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@ @@@@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@@@ @@ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @ @@@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @ @@ @@@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@@@ @@ @@@ @@ @@@ @@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ TM "Bigger, Badder, Better" NEO GEO Frequently Asked Questions list - (c) 1994 By Ralph A. Barbagallo III Disclaimer: HEY! This list is in no way endorsed or connected with SNK Home Entertainment. Sorry for the MEGA delay getting this out... but hey, I'm a lazy bastard! -What is the NEO GEO? The NEO GEO is the home version of SNK's arcade MVS (Multi-Video System). The MVS allows the arcade operator to house many different video games in one cabinet. The NEO GEO allows home play of these games via special cartridges which are essentially the exact same software found in the MVS with few if any changes. In the arcade, the MVS is found in several different setups. The first, is the one game console. Essentially an MVS unit with a single game in the cabinet. There is also the 2 game/2 console setup which gives 2 independent screens for 2 player multilink games (i.e. Riding Hero etc.). The most common is the 4 game setup, but there is also a 6 game model as well. -What are the capabilities of the NEO GEO? The NEO GEO is an outstanding home system. Of course, it's the most expensive (so far) but here's what you get as far as hardware capabilities. Microprocessors: 14mhz 68000, Z80 Resolution: 320x224 Palette: 65,536 Maximum Colors On-Screen: 4,096 Maximum Sprites On-Screen: 380 Voices of Sound: 7-Digital, 8-FM (one source says it has 22 voices, 7 digital??) The NEO GEO also has extensive sprite and background scaling abilities, omnidirectional scrolling, and other astounding audio visual features. -What hardware is available for the NEO GEO? Due to the relatively small number of NEO GEO users, not too much has been released in the way of peripherals etc. However, there are a few: NEO GEO Joystick: Pretty self-explanatory. This 8 way, contoured, rather large stick is the only input device I know of for the NEO GEO. There may be other joysticks that do work for the NEO GEO (Apollo?), but I am not aware of them. This joystick has the standard 4 buttons and two function buttons on the top of the unit. Its large size and heavy base give it that 'arcade feel'. NEO GEO Memory Card: This is the best piece of hardware available for the NEO GEO. This tiny device allows 19-27 game positions to be saved on a single card. Positions can be saved so that a game can be restarted from a saved level etc. Therefore, earlier levels don't have to be repeated etc. This card also works with the arcade unit so your saved games can be resumed in the arcades as well. NEO GEO RGB Cable: Available from several sources, this cable allows the NEO GEO system to be used with an RGB monitor such as the Commodore 1084S etc. I'm not sure on the manufacturer but I've seen it in several catalogs for around $30 or so. ARCADE STICK: This third party product from Game Innovation is a sturdy-looking joystick featuring multicolored buttons in a 6 button layout with two start/select buttons over the joystick. It also works on the Genesis, DUO, and SNES. ULTRA STICK: Another third party product from Game Innovation, this multi-system stick (including NEO GEO) is a cordless unit for tangle-free play. It looks similar in design to the original NEO GEO stick, but with Rapid Fire etc. ULTRA PAD: Finally! A wireless control pad for the NEO GEO. This is another multi-system controller from Game Innovation that does work on the NEO GEO. It has a 6 button layout with options for rapid-fire etc. Also available are Nylon carry bags, and padded system organizers that allow easy transport for the home unit. Call SNK for more info. (see the end of the FAQ for SNK's number) -What games are available for the NEO GEO? In the U.S., all games that you find in the NEO GEO MVS unit either are available for the NEO GEO home unit, or will be shortly. Most games are produced for the MVS first and then produced in cartridge format for the home system a short time later. The arcade versions usually cost a lot more than the home versions initially, but then drastically drop in price after the game gets a bit older. *NOTE: Some of these games are Japanese releases, but you still can get them at an importer. 'Nam-1975 (46 Mbits) :Action/Shooter 2020 Super Baseball (46 Mbits) :Sports (baseball) 3 Count Bout (106 Mbits) :Sports (wrestling) Alpha Mission II (55 Mbits) :Shooter Andro Dunos (34 Mbits) :Shooter Art of Fighting (102 Mbits) :Fighting Art of Fighting 2 (?? Mbits) :Fighting Baseball Stars Professional (50 Mbits) :Sports (baseball) Blue's Journey (47 Mbits) :Platform Burning Fight (54 Mbits) :Fighting Crossed Swords (50 Mbits) :Action/Adventure Cyber-Lip (50 Mbits) :Action/Adventure Dunk Stars (?? Mbits) :Sports (basketball) Fatal Fury (55 Mbits) :Fighting Fatal Fury II (106 Mbits) :Fighting Fatal Fury Special (?? Mbits) :Fighting Football Frenzy (48 Mbits) :Sports (football) Ghost Pilots (55 Mbits) :Shooter Joy Joy Kid (45 Mbits) :Platform/Strategy King of the Monsters (55 Mbits) :Action/Fighting King of the Monsters II (74 Mbits) :Action/Fighting Last Resort (45 Mbits) :Shooter League Bowling (26Mbits) :Sports(bowling) Magician Lord (46 Mbits) :Adventure Mah Jong (50 Mbits) :Puzzle/Strategy Miracle Adventure (?? Mbits) * :Platform Mutation Nation (54 Mbits) :Fighting New Mah Jong (55 Mbits) :Puzzle/Strategy Ninja Combat (46 Mbits) :Action/Fighting Ninja Commandos (54 Mbits) :Action/Shooter Puzzled (46 Mbits) :Puzzle Raguy (45 Mbits) :??? Riding Hero (42 Mbits) :Driving Robo-Army (46 Mbits) :Action Samurai Showdown (118 Mbits) :Fighting Sengoku (55 Mbits) :Action/Fighting Sengoku II (107 Mbits) :Action/Fighting Soccer Brawl (46 Mbits) :Sports (soccer) Super 8 Man (46 Mbits) :Adventure Super Side Kick (54 Mbits) :Sports (soccer) The Success of Legend Joe (46 Mbits) :Sports (boxing) The Super Spy (55 Mbits) :Action/Adventure Thrash Rally (46 Mbits) :Driving Top Players Golf (62Mbits) :Sports(golf) Viewpoint (74 Mbits) :Shooter Wind Jammers (?? Mbits) :Sports (frisbee) World Heroes (82 Mbits) :Fighting World Heroes 2 (146 Mbits) :Fighting *NOTE -some are arcade releases only (at the moment)- * Coming Soon: Crystalis (around 200 Mbits) :Adventure Fighter's History Dynamite * :Fighting Magician Lord 2 :Action/Adventure NBA Basketball :Sports(Basketball) Reactor :Platform Samurai Shodown 2 (around 200 Mbits) :Fighting Spin Masters * :Platform Super Side Kick 2 :Sports (Soccer) The Survivor (around 200 mbits) :Fighting Top Hunter :Action/Platform Viewpoint 2 :Shooter World Heroes 2 Jet :Fighting * By Data East of Japan -Are Japanese NEO GEO carts compatible with the U.S. system? Yes. They can be used without any modification. Be aware that some countries use the PAL television standard and that cartridges coming from those areas (i.e. U.K. etc.) may be in PAL. Apparently they can be played but the screen will be jumbled a bit, etc.... -What is the largest NEO GEO game? I'd say that's World Heroes 2 which clocks in at 146 Megabits. The smallest is League Bowling at 26 Mbits which is still larger than all of the bigger SNES and Genesis carts. Soon, the 200 Mega Shock titles will debut which will up the ante once more. -Who are the NEO GEO 3rd party game manufacturers? There are several. Some of the 3rd parties' games are released under SNK's label but there are many independent game companies gearing up for future NEO GEO titles. American Sammy, ADK, Visco, Wave, Data East of Japan, and Sunsoft have signed on. There have been rumors of possible Palace, Activision, and Electronic Arts involvement but it doesn't look like those companies may develop for the NEO GEO after all. -How do I use the Memory Card? Well, the Memory Card as a few different options. To get the Memory Card menu you must insert a game, then then the Memory Card, and press all four buttons on controller 1. Move the joystick to the desired option and hit A to select it. Card Format erases all data on the card. This data is permanently erased with this option. Display Data Name will show the level saved and the name of the games for each memory file. Copy Data allows the positions from one card to be transferred to another card. This can be done file by file or all at once. Delete Data allows the files to be scratched one by one. File User's Name allows the player's name to be stored on the card to identify the specific card. End, obviously, exits the card menu. -What is the Controller Test Menu? This is a somewhat hidden menu that allows the NEO GEO user to see if the joysticks are working properly. To access this menu, insert a game and hold down A, B, C, and D. The Controller Test screen should appear. On the menu, the 0 means the button or position is not activated. The 1 means the position or button is activated. If you push a direction or button and you do not get a 1, then the controller is broken or the connection could be loose. -What about the NEO GEO CDROM? Early rumors stated that SNK had a finished prototype of the NEO GEO CDROM but the access time was way too slow. They canned the design and have been working on a new and improved model. The latest news is that SNK has been trying to get Sony to develop a CDROM (possibly LaserDisc based!) for the NEO GEO but Sony is a little less than willing due to the high price of such an accessory. Apparently, SNK plans to make simultaneous releases of cartridge and CDROM titles. The CDROM titles will be significantly cheaper. However, recent rumors state that the whole project has been canned and SNK is setting their sights on a 32 bitter. -Are there any backup units for the NEO GEO? Yes and no. Yes there are backup units and no, they are no longer in production. The NEO GEO adapter for the Multi Game Hunter (Venus Computer) was canned and the $1300 Multi-Game Doctor has been scrapped too. However, you may still be able to find the $1300 setup somewhere...but is it really worth it? It reportedly takes 4-8 minutes to load up a game on the device. -Is there any way I can find an autofire stick or other controllers? Game Stuff apparently does modifications to NEO GEO systems which includes autofire NEO GEO sticks and other enhancements. Call or write to them for more info. The Apollo stick may also work with the NEO GEO, I'm not sure. Also, if you look above there should be a list of several NEW Neo-Geo controllers featuring autofire, cordless control, etc. -What are the symptoms of having a faulty or PAL NEO GEO? Apparently, a lot of NEO GEOs have been imported from other countries to supply the US market, and a lot of these have faulty RF shielding and more serious problems. SNK will, if under warranty, fix these promptly, and free of cost. Call them for more information. Some of the games most problematic with the PAL systems are Fatal Fury II and Ghost Pilots. However, some users have said that when NTSC cartridges are used in their PAL units, the games are letterboxed (black bands on the top and bottom of the screen to compensate for the lack of vertical resolution) or the extra space is used as an on-screen storage area for 'graphic garbage' (scenery blocks for the scrolling screen that are about to appear etc. etc.). Also, some new games have overscan graphics so the NTSC games actually fill the PAL screen because they go over the NTSC borders. -What about the Multi-Link feature? When the NEO GEO was first introduced, one of the more interesting features SNK seemed to be promoting was the ability to network 2 NEO GEOs together. This feature was never very popular, but it did appear in two cartridges. Both League Bowling and Riding Hero have a small jack on the cartridge where a cable can be connected linking the system to another NEO GEO with the same game inserted. The cable is not included with the games, but it can be found at most any radio shack or electronics store. Basically, it's just a small wire with two male mini-headphone plugs on each end. -Where can I get NEO GEO software and hardware? The NEO GEO is now mostly a mail-order item. In '91 the NEO GEO could be found almost everywhere. This is no longer the case. A lot of retail chains have dropped the NEO due to low sales caused by the high price. You can find NEO GEOs in certain Electronics Boutique and Software Etc. stores but only the top 50 stores in the country. However, the NEO GEO is well supported in the mail order community. Great prices can be found by mail, and they are often way cheaper than the retail outlets that still sell NEO GEO items. Such places include: DIE HARD: (818)774-2000 18612 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356 Tommo: (213)680-8880 (dealers only) Game Stuff: (213)724-5733 2327 S. Garfield Ave Monterey Park, CA 91754 Japan Video Games: (818)291-9282 710 W. Las Tunas San Gabriel, CA 91776 Game Xpress: (818)760-GAME (4263) 11390 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1 North Hollywood, CA 91604 Telesauraus: (313)477-0067 Boston Technology: (617)617-3865 21 Linden St. Suite 125 Wollaston, MA 02146 Game Innovation: (800)-INNOVATE P.O. Box 360 Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Video Connection: (800)-444-6854 1150 Industrial Pl. #110 Dixon, CA 95620 (arcade kits and games only) *This is just a sampling of the multitude of NEO GEO dealers. -What games are recommended for the NEO GEO? Since NEO GEO games are so expensive it is important to purchase selectively (unless you are rolling in dough!). Here is a sample of the best NEO GEO carts to date. (based on magazine reviews and experience) Samurai Shodown (fighting), Art of Fighting 2 (fighting), Alpha Mission 2 (shooter), 'Nam 1975 (shooter/adventure), Magician Lord (action/adventure), King of the Monsters (fighting), Viewpoint (shooter), Super Baseball 2020 (sports), and finally Baseball Stars 2 (sports). Feel free to send in your own recommendations. -What are the latest rumors surrounding the NEO GEO and SNK? Besides all the information about the CDROM there are several murmurs about SNK working on a 32 bit arcade and possibly home system. I can trace this back to as early as the summer of 1991 when I heard the rumor of the NEO GEO 'Platinum' with enhanced colors, graphic capabilities, etc. I am not sure on the status of the 32 bit system, however. The rumors of SNK leaving the home market are untrue, but it may turn out that their new hardware will be an arcade only unit. -How can I contact SNK? SNK's 1-800-800-NEOG(eo) line is no longer in service, but you can still call them at; (310)371-1965. SNK Home Entertainment's address is: 22301 S. Western Avenue, Suite #107 Torrance, CA 90501 -The Game Lord is my hero, how can I contact his highness? Yes, my lad, we all worship Sir Chad Okada..the masterful Game Lord...alas, you can only hope to achieve his excellence... However, he is generous enough to bestow conversation on us unwashed game players. To parlay the illustrious Game Lord with video game banter, call (310)-214-9784... ------ Needed for future updates of the NEO GEO FAQ: I'd like to get more numbers and addresses of mail order houses carrying NEO products. Also, how about a list of Japanese and other foreign NEO GEO carts? I need more technical info on the actual NEO GEO hardware and I'd like to know what kind of development system is used. Could someone fill in those games of which I do not know the meggage? -------- Sources: Electronic Gaming Monthly, GamePro, Die Hard Game Fan, Videogames and Computer Entertainment, the SNK Bigger Badder Better NEO GEO inserts and mailings, and various contributers. Special thanks to the people that e-mailed me with specialized information. E-Mail any changes or additions to nugget@genesis.nred.ma.us -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/ Edited and written by Ralph A. Barbagallo III. nugget@genesis.nred.ma.us -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/ -- Ralph A. Barbagallo III --- rbarbaga@cs.uml.edu --- Only AMIGA makes it Possible... Only C O M M O D O R E stands in the way.... ZzzzzZZZzzzzzzZzzzzzzz.... .