There’s a whole host of arcade and fighting games now available on the Switch. As a long-time fan of the genre here are our personal picks of the host of Neo Geo ones available.
World
Heroes 2
Though a fairly simplistic
fighter, World Heroes 2 does have a lot going for it. One of the things that
set it apart is the expansive and colourful cast of characters based on
historical figures. What other fighting game allows you to pit Hulk Hogan and
Bruce Lee look-a-likes against Joan of Arc?
The standard two round mode only acts to show up
the games shortcomings. Select the Death Match mode however, and things
suddenly become a whole lot more interesting. Here two fighters battle over a
single energy bar during one extended round. The best aspect of the Death Match
is the obstacle filled levels you fight in. Some stages have metal blades running
along the floors, while others are strewn with landmines or take place in a
small metal cage.
World Heroes 2 may not be the most technical game,
but once you switch it into the Death match mode it can still offer something
to fight fans today. If you want to try a game that's a little different then
hunt it out
Samurai Shodown 2
For many this mix of martial arts
and swords is SNK's finest hour. Here at Retro 101 we don't hold it in such a
high regard, but we do still love it to pieces. The Samurai Showdown series is
one of the most unique fighters out there and this second iteration is one of
the finest fighting games available.
In this sequel more characters were added, along
with the POW finishing moves. More importantly, the game was fine-tuned and
balanced to be much more even than the first. What we end up with is a tense
series of bouts where any wrong move could be your last.
Fitting for a series concerned with weapon
combat, the basic gameplay requires quick strikes when an opening presents
itself, rather than long combo sequences. This can seem tough for newcomers as
three or four strong blows can end a round. For those that learn the ways of
the sword though it soon becomes clear that Samurai Showdown is as much about
knowing when not to strike as it is about attacking.
A host of Samurai Shodown titles
are available on the Switch and there is also a collection which includes the
final version of Samurai Shodown V Perfect for the first time. The newest title
in the series is also available and holds up fairly well on Nintendo’s machine.
The Last Blade/The Last Blade 2
This often overlooked other weapon
based fighter is, in our opinion, the best of SNK's 2D fighting games. While
Samurai Showdown III and IV ended up fun but uneven these two games are a
lesson in balanced combat where mastering your character is the key to victory.
Each character is different and all have their
own strengths and weaknesses. They can also be customised by picking different
attack forms. The first game lets you make your fighter either speed or power
based, while The Last Blade 2 adds an EX option as well.
The difference between the three styles makes a
remarkable impact on your strategy. It also looks beautiful and each new area
is presented with a subtle cut scene beforehand to add atmosphere. The special
moves are not massively flashy but it all keeps with the games ethos of balance
and skill. Everything about the title(s) leaves you with the impression you
have just played something destined to be a classic.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
This re-imagining of SNK's long running Fatal
Fury series was developed to provide competition to Capcom's Street Fighter 3.
Perhaps surprisingly, it almost manages to match Ryu and friends. The action is
fast, tense and fluid and each of the characters has a real personality of
their own.
Mark of the Wolves is a distillation of all the
good points of the Fatal Fury series over the years and also throws in some
wonderful tactical features. For instance, blocking at exactly the right time
creates the chance to parry your opponent's attacks for big damage. Also, a new
T.O.P bar is placed on your characters health meter. When you drop into the bar
it allows for a new technique to be used.
As a reinvention of a franchise it is hard to
think how a better job could have been done. From a slightly ageing and creaky
bunch of titles a vibrant, skill based and flair filled fighter has emerged
that really does deserve all the credit it gets
The King of the Fighters
The proverbial SNK team based cash
cow. Ever since the first title way back in 1994 a new game has appeared almost
yearly. While none of the games are bad, the real cream of the crop appeared
between 1996 and 2000. After that, the focus seemed to be more on making things
look flashy in 3D, though King of the Fighters XIII is excellent. Our personal
favourite is the 1998 entry.
For those that don't know, the King of the
Fighters titles allow you to pick a team of SNK's finest from various games and
take on other teams. When one player is knocked out the next in line joins the
battle. Certain versions of the game also introduce a fourth striker character
that can be called upon to use a sneaky special move a limited number of times.
Considering the amount of fighters on offer the
game remains remarkably balanced. It also requires players to learn many more
moves and strategies than they would normally as you need to be handy with a
number of different characters to succeed. A few minor balancing issues aside
the series always remains fun and highly enjoyable.
Real Bout Fatal Fury
All three of the Real Bout games are available on the Switch. Each adds and refines elements but it’s the first game that we find ourselves returning to. The reason for this is simple that in the first game at the edge of each screen are breakable barriers. Once destroyed opponents can be through from the stage causing an instant ring out. It may not sound like much but ducking an opponent’s charge only to see them going flying off a pier into the sea rarely gets dull.
The series is often forgotten when talking about Fatal Fury so it’s nice to see it well represented. It’s also one of the only places you can play Real Bout 2 as it never made it to home consoles originally.
Waku Waku 7
Waku Waku 7 is one of the
weirdest and most wonderful games we have ever come across. The game itself is
a polished title from sunsoft that bases itself on the classic SNK four button
template. What sets it apart is the mad cast of characters and super bright
colour scheme. This title, you see, is a completely crazy parody of Japanese
anime.
The bizarre combatants
include a giant Totoro style Japanese soft toy creature and a walking tank with
a gun for a head. The moves are over the top and it all rolls along at a lively
pace. It's unlikely that Waku Waku 7 will hold players attention for as long as
something like Street Fighter Alpha 3 but it is undeniable fun and anarchic. Waku Waku 7 is pretty difficult
to find so having it available on the Switch is great.
This re-imagining of SNK's long running Fatal Fury series was developed to provide competition to Capcom's Street Fighter 3. Perhaps surprisingly, it almost manages to match Ryu and friends. The action is fast, tense and fluid and each of the characters has a real personality of their own.