Easily one of the best fighting games of all time.
The technical aspects of the game were well-done. The graphics are bright and very colorful throughout. There rarely is a bad sight whenever you're looking into the screen. The music is okay for the most part, nothing outstanding to write home about.
The highlight here is how SNK handled the gameplay and the game overall. Each company's modes feel a lot more equal and fair to all characters than the DC version, where it seemed like the Capcom system had a slight edge over SNK's. Also, the fights here goes on much faster and smoother than the DC version, where the fights consistently felt sluggish to play.
This game also benefits from the excellent controls, especially by the Neo Geo's analog stick. The stick allows players to execute any insane super special attack commands easily. The stick is quite responsive throughout, which is essential on how fast you'll want to react to your opponent's moves.
Another reason why this version is much superior is how much more content here. On the Dreamcast version, you simply have the one-on-one fights, the KOF-styled fights, and a survivor mode. On this one, there is all that, plus mini-games that are quite fun to play and add much more bang for the buck. I also believe that there are more characters in this version as well.
Overall, this game provided the essential blueprint in what you want in a great fighting game: great graphics, good sound, fast and balanced gameplay, a great selection of characters, and fun extras. This is one buried treasure that deserves to be dug up and played.