PSP Retro gaming at its finest. Brilliant compilation.
I had never heard of the Japanese video-game developer and Neo-Geo creator – SNK, until I became interested and fell in love with the Metal Slug series of games, and bought Metal Slug Anthology, which then led me to purchase this title – SNK Arcade Classics Volume 1. The game as a whole is amazing, 16 of SNK's finest arcade titles from 1990-97 all packaged onto one UMD along with a host of extras including concept artwork, videos, character move-lists and an array of goals (think achievements/trophies) to attain. This collection is well worth the price of entry due to the variety of excellent games on offer, you get fighting games, side scrolling beat-em-ups, sports games, side scrolling shmups, top-down shooters, and action/ platform games, something to suit every retro fanatic.
Now, onto the games themselves.
Art of Fighting: This is a decent 2D fighting game with typical 1-on-1 gameplay and impressive graphics. The 'story' element is what the game is primarily about, and sadly is its downfall. In single player mode you can select one of only two characters and progress through a story involving these two individuals. Over all, this is an enjoyable game, but one of the weaker titles of the collection.
Baseball Stars 2: This game looks, sounds and appears to be a fun friendly sports game, however this guise is short-lived as you begin to play. This game is a real nut-buster, you need the patience of a monk to be able to play a successful round and gain some points, and the patience of a god to actually master hitting the damn ball often enough to win. The difficulty however, is dissipated slightly be the funny, quirky graphics and sounds that accompany the game. If you have the patience you may really enjoy this game.
Burning Fight: This is a very enjoyable title, the gameplay is classic scrolling beat-em-up, the graphics are detailed but primitive, the controls are clunky but work well, and the level design/themes are nothing special but are a joy to play through… I really like this game, but I cannot put my finger on why. Maybe it's the simplicity, maybe it's the subtle detail or maybe it's the addictive nature of this sort of game. All I know is I can't get enough of Burning Fight.
Fatal Fury: This is a wonderful fighting game, great characters, awesome boss, brilliantly bold and simple graphics, and excellent controls. This game is fun and addictive, although at times infuriating, but once you get the hang of it, you will love it.
King of the Monsters: At first I loved this title and played for hours, but as time goes on, I realise that this isn't really that good. Its fun for a while, but once the novelty of two giant monsters dueling for supremacy in huge Japanese cities wears off, you're left with a rather poor game. The controls aren't great, the gameplay itself is flawed, and you have very little control over what your monster does and when. This is a temporarily fun, but ultimately flawed wrestling game.
Last Resort: This is an impressive side scrolling shump with great controls, brilliant visuals and wonderful sounds and music. This is a sought after Neo-Geo game, and it's a real bonus to be included on this compilation. However I rarely play it, mainly for one reason: Difficulty. This game is seriously hard, most arcade games are intended to be, but in Last Resort when you loose a life you don't just have to 'insert a coin' but you get reset back at the nearest checkpoint (only 2 per level). This sounds like common procedure in a lot of modern games, but in a rock hard retro shmup it can really frustrate, anger and bore you very quickly.
Magician Lord: The oldest game on the UMD is still pretty sharp, it has a variety of interesting levels, decent action/platform gameplay and great graphics. The only real downside is the lack of accurate control. You will often feel that you lack the precision that this sort of game needs which may lead to many miss-timed jumps and frequent death. None the less, this game is great fun.
Metal Slug: This is one of the best games of the collection, and one of my favourites ever. Once you play it, I'm sure you will agree. There isn't a whole lot to say about Metal Slug. If you've played it, you probably already love it and if not, play it! The gameplay is fun, frantic and action-packed, the hand-drawn, hand-animated graphics are beautiful, the control is accurate and precise, and the music can be amazing. Play this game.
Neo Turf Masters: This is the single most surprising game of the compilation, and one of my favourites. Its golf… yes that's right. The developers hit the nail on the head with this one, there's a perfect blend of realism and arcade gameplay, there are only 3 buttons to use, and 2 of those are optional for more advanced play. The game can be as deep or as simple as you like. There are plenty of factors to take into account such as wind direction/speed, terrain, grain and so on. But even for someone with no knowledge of golf, such as myself, these concepts are easy to understand and master. This game is extremely playable and enjoyable.
Samurai Shodown: I hadn't heard of this series of games and didn't expect much when I started to play. However I was instantly drawn in, the visuals are wonderful, the roster of uniquely clever characters is brilliant and the gameplay is so different from any other 2D fighter on the market. All these things help make this game my favourite fighter on the disk. It's engaging, tense, challenging and of course fun. I would defiantly recommend this if you want a fresh change (from 16-17 years ago!) from the typical fighting game of today.
Sengoku: There is one word that completely describes this game – Bizarre! I have played through this two or three times and I still have absolutely no clue as to what's going on, who the main character is, and how three women can turn into a long-necked-dragon-turtle that scuttles around the floor! Gameplay wise, Sengoku follows in typical beat-em-up fashion, but with a few added twists such as the ability to change characters at will, and temporary weapon power-ups, but its mostly old hat – run from left to right, attacking anything in your path. The game is great with unique ideas, but best served in small bites.
Shock Troopers: Another surprise comes in the form of a top-down 8-way shooter, coming from 1997 it is the most modern game in the collection. This game is a perfect example of an addictive, exciting, replayable, well-made, good looking, great sounding and damn awesome arcade game. It is similar in many ways to Metal Slug with its distinctive art style, devastating arsenal of weapons and fun boss/mini-boss battles. I defiantly recommend playing this title, especially if you are interested in top-down shooters such as Mercs, Commando or Total Carnage.
Super Sidekicks 3: This is a great football (soccer) game that has a lot in common with Neo Turf Masters. It has an excellent balance of arcade style accessibility and realism, Super Sidekicks 3 is one of very few football games I have ever played and I really enjoy its frantic, heated but ultimately rewarding gameplay.
King of Fighters '94: This is the highlight of the compilation for most gamers, but I personally don't like it. It's my least favourite fighting game on the UMD. I'm not sure what it is, but I just can't get into KoF'94. There's not much more I can say, if you like the King of Fighters series and you want to play the original game then defiantly give it a shot.
Top Hunter: Defiantly a unique game that's partially a platformer, and part beat-em-up. This game is a real blast for two or three playthroughs but begins to get tiresome after a short while. The simple combat, cliché levels and repetitive gameplay ultimately bring this title down. This is great fun for a couple of hours but won't hold your attention for much longer than that.
World Heroes: My second favourite fighting game of the collection, this game is plain fun. The simple gameplay mechanics, basic but colourful visuals and a decent roster of (admittedly clichéd) characters are great. This title doesn't do anything special, nor does it have to, it's a simple slice of fighting game fun. This is a game I keep coming back to.
-Bottemline.
This is a PSP title I would defiantly recommend to just about anyone, especially those interested in retro arcade games. There are some good games, plenty of great games and even some stunning games, as well as a few not-so great ones. There is so much quantity, quality and replayability shoe-horned into this package it would be hard not to recommend it. But be warned if you are a real arcade buff you may notice some emulation or control issues. As for the rest of us, this is an excellent way to play and enjoy the golden age of gaming.