This is one of my favorite games for the "Neo Geo Pocket" as well as my favorite in "Neo Geo Pocket's" series of fighting games. This game of course came out at a time when the fighting genre in video games was still going strong, the crossover subgenre made it even stronger as it was no doubt on a roll. Especially with "Capcom vs. SNK" which was the second crossover game series they had. To me it was a dream come true and made so much sense as both companies are known for their fighting game franchises.
It was also a dream come true that we had this kind of fighting game on this system. I'll admit I was skeptical as fighting games on a handheld system, especially one's limited to just two buttons haven't been great mainly due to limitations. However, from the power of this system it was a perfect fit as everything works and feels right, which will make both the experienced and novice fighting game fan feel right at home.
I really like the graphical presentation, which is the kind you expect from the system, but I wouldn't want it any other way as this game really wasn't trying to be a port but actually a game of it's own which it is. From the backgrounds where are well designed they mainly consist of the background from the franchises these characters were from.
However it's really in the character models that stand out. Most of the characters from the original game have become miniaturized anime characters and it feels just right as their all still themselves if on a smaller scale. I really like the expressions they all have which not just make the game slightly comical, this game obviously doesn't take itself seriously nor did the original as it is about a bunch of colorful hot blooded superpowered characters from different part going toe to toe with each other. This feature makes the game feel lively as it feels like you're getting hurt or your delivering damage and the moves feel like they're actually connecting.
The music is also good there are some good tracks, as it's fun to hear the Neo Geo Pocket version of the those tracks from the crossover game, they still sound good. I even like the cut scenes that you see, which of course are like the comic book panels you'd see and read off of.
But of course, it's the gameplay where this game is at and it's great. Despite limited control as you are operating with two buttons, you have a deep combo system with each of the characters which are a lot easier to master which is the advantage of the limited control scheme. But of course, not so easy to beat, like in any fighting game starts out slightly easy but then the difficulty starts to curb so don't underestimate your opponents as they won't be pushovers (they never are).
And a couple of the elements from the crossover game are there, you have the tag system, though hear you only switch up with one character which is fine by me, as long as this element is intact. There is also the usual gauge at the bottom like in all fighting games, the more you fight the more the gauge fills up, and once it's full at the right moment you just let em have it.
And of course, one of the most important elements in fighting games is the roaster, this game has of course most of the familiar characters from the game. I'll just mention the four I love to play due to the big roaster selection, though I do switch up and play the other characters who are good in their own way depending on what I feel and matter of preference.
Ryu, Terry, Morgana, and Haohmaru: I know may 'be a little bias as each of them are my main people in the fighting games their based on but still it's cool just playing each of them on the Pocket as each of them feel and play the same as you would remember from their franchises and crossover game their derived from.
Sidenote, it would be cool if they want to make a sequel but also a "Neo Geo Pocket" game based on "Marvel vs. Capcom" which sadly didn't happen due to the short life cycle of the system. Though may 'be it still could if the company decides to, well a thought to consider.
This miniature match up packs a punch.
Rating: 4 stars.
It was also a dream come true that we had this kind of fighting game on this system. I'll admit I was skeptical as fighting games on a handheld system, especially one's limited to just two buttons haven't been great mainly due to limitations. However, from the power of this system it was a perfect fit as everything works and feels right, which will make both the experienced and novice fighting game fan feel right at home.
I really like the graphical presentation, which is the kind you expect from the system, but I wouldn't want it any other way as this game really wasn't trying to be a port but actually a game of it's own which it is. From the backgrounds where are well designed they mainly consist of the background from the franchises these characters were from.
However it's really in the character models that stand out. Most of the characters from the original game have become miniaturized anime characters and it feels just right as their all still themselves if on a smaller scale. I really like the expressions they all have which not just make the game slightly comical, this game obviously doesn't take itself seriously nor did the original as it is about a bunch of colorful hot blooded superpowered characters from different part going toe to toe with each other. This feature makes the game feel lively as it feels like you're getting hurt or your delivering damage and the moves feel like they're actually connecting.
The music is also good there are some good tracks, as it's fun to hear the Neo Geo Pocket version of the those tracks from the crossover game, they still sound good. I even like the cut scenes that you see, which of course are like the comic book panels you'd see and read off of.
But of course, it's the gameplay where this game is at and it's great. Despite limited control as you are operating with two buttons, you have a deep combo system with each of the characters which are a lot easier to master which is the advantage of the limited control scheme. But of course, not so easy to beat, like in any fighting game starts out slightly easy but then the difficulty starts to curb so don't underestimate your opponents as they won't be pushovers (they never are).
And a couple of the elements from the crossover game are there, you have the tag system, though hear you only switch up with one character which is fine by me, as long as this element is intact. There is also the usual gauge at the bottom like in all fighting games, the more you fight the more the gauge fills up, and once it's full at the right moment you just let em have it.
And of course, one of the most important elements in fighting games is the roaster, this game has of course most of the familiar characters from the game. I'll just mention the four I love to play due to the big roaster selection, though I do switch up and play the other characters who are good in their own way depending on what I feel and matter of preference.
Ryu, Terry, Morgana, and Haohmaru: I know may 'be a little bias as each of them are my main people in the fighting games their based on but still it's cool just playing each of them on the Pocket as each of them feel and play the same as you would remember from their franchises and crossover game their derived from.
Sidenote, it would be cool if they want to make a sequel but also a "Neo Geo Pocket" game based on "Marvel vs. Capcom" which sadly didn't happen due to the short life cycle of the system. Though may 'be it still could if the company decides to, well a thought to consider.
This miniature match up packs a punch.
Rating: 4 stars.
