Is a NeoGeo system worth the money? [Archive]

maxlords

04-05-2003, 11:19 PM

the systems I have been seeing on ebay lately are going for about $300.

That's a bit steep. I'd say $150-200 depending on condition. The games will cost you your soul, your firstborn, and various other things though :)

It's a fun system for 2D shooters and fighters. Don't get the CD system *which is cheaper* if you're into fighters tho...load times are HORRENDOUS (but not bad for other stuff)!!

As for where to check...you can get reasonable deals occasionally on the www.neo-geo.com forums. The people on the forums are usually quite reliable! Good luck!

xbamx

04-06-2003, 04:02 AM

the silver system of neogeo has a debug bios chip in it and an s-video port... the gold one, just has RF/RCA setup

jaydubnb

04-06-2003, 06:18 AM

I have been seriously thinking about picking up a NeoGeo home console system, but they are insanely expensive. I was just looking for some feedback about the system and the games in general, say compared to other systems like the TG-16, Genny, and SNES.

Also, can someone explain the difference between the "gold" and "silver" systems (if any).

Thanks!!

I think the most important thing to remember about buying a NEO*GEO home console is that fact that youre not buying a home console but an arcade machine and as such certain genres (like RPGs) are zilch. If you have a boner for fighters, brawlers, shooters, puzzles, action and some non-licensed sports games, you'll be in heaven. You can also snag some of the more popular older titles like Fatal Fury Special, Magaician Lord, and Samurai Shodown II for around 40 bucks or less.

Achika

04-06-2003, 10:29 AM

the silver system of neogeo has a debug bios chip in it and an s-video port... the gold one, just has RF/RCA setup

No, I believe it's just how !arcade! aka www.neogeousa.com sells them. If you take a look on their website, the Silver system states that it comes modded that way.

My paycheck can't afford the carts for AES. So I got a supergun instead (yes, it opens a whole other can of worms) The basic supergun unit was about the same as a Neo Geo AES, but the cartridges were way less: AES US Metal Slug $1500 compared to MVS US Metal Slug $50. With the supergun you get into the whole sticky mess of JAMMA which isn't all bad, considering you'd then be able to use Naomi, CPS 1, 2, 3, etc.

But, as for cheaper carts (if you're not collecting and you just want to play) if you JUST want Neo Geo games, get the system and a Phantom convertor (butta--you have one right?) The initial costs are a bit high, but the cartridge prices make up for later.

stargate

04-06-2003, 12:18 PM

I see alot of Japanese units on ebay for cheaper than the US ones. What's the deal with these? Any drawbacks to buying the Japanese system?

Chunky

04-06-2003, 12:54 PM

what i like about neogeo is still old schoolers(fleas...whathaveyous) sell them based on megs. 1 meg $1. So yes either you found a gold mine or laughable prices.

Nescollector

04-06-2003, 12:59 PM

The only drawback is that the games will play in Japanese (text and voice)
The nice think is that you can buy ANY game, and it work fine. The games will be whatever region that the system is.

Raedon

04-06-2003, 01:06 PM

don't know where Butta got the $150 for a system as they go for well over $200 on online retailers and auction.

You can get a NeoGeo CD for $100-150 (or the faster and S-Video equiped CDZ for the same as a AES) and get many of the neo geo games off ebay for hundreds less then the AES.

here is a list of N_E_O_GEO CD prices.. I've found it's almost perfectly acurate for Ebay.. most of the commons got for lower even. The only game on the list that goes higher on ebay are the metal slugs (go figure)

http://www.neo-geo.com/guides/cdguide.html

that's www.n.e.o-geo.com there

Raedon

04-06-2003, 01:07 PM

I see alot of Japanese units on ebay for cheaper than the US ones. What's the deal with these? Any drawbacks to buying the Japanese system?

yea the shipping.. $75-$90 is standard

stargate

04-06-2003, 02:40 PM

I think I'm gonna pick up either a Japanese console or a 2 slot MVS arcade unit. I just can't afford the US console and games.

orrimarrko

04-06-2003, 03:37 PM

Wow -

Lots of varying information here, not all of which is correct. I just made a purchase, and did a LOT of research prior to buying. So, here's what I have learned from the most knowledgeable in the N.e.o-Geo community.

Achika was correct about the "Gold" and "Silver" systems. The Gold was the original AES release, with 2 controllers and 1 game. This was quite expensive, and so they also released a Silver version which had one controller and no game. After that, there were other released combinations, most of which had no game.

The US version of the AES will play games even if the games are from Japan, but will have no blood and the "boobs" won't bounce.

The Japanese version of the AES will play games in Japanese, regardless of the game's origin, but will have no censorship.

ALL AES have mono output only, and NO s-video component. For $80 (from Jeff Kurtz) or $200 (from !arcade!), you can have your system "modded" - which will usually include the stereo/s-video upgrade, as well as the debug bios chip install. The latter of the two will basically eliminate the censorship on a US system. It will also allow you to play any game (US/EURO/JAP) without language or censorship barriers. Definitely worth it - no hassles with your games.

AES vs. CD - it's basically a question of patience vs. price. CD games are easier to find and MUCH cheaper. However, the load times are terrible. If you can stomach it, that'd be the way to go for the price-conscious.

Finally, speaking of price. The system by itself is the least of your concerns. YOU CAN find a system for $150-$200 including shipping if you are patient. Modded systems will run about $300 (that's what mine cost a few weeks ago.) However, if you think about what it costs to ship your system, have it modded, and then ship it back - it was definitely worth it to me.

The real prohibitive factor is the games. Butta or Samurai-X can tell you easily enough - they can run from $15 - $1500! It depends what you want, and (like any other system) how hard it is to get it.

I have a modded AES and a MVS dedicated 6-slot, so I'm not one to talk about spending cash, but you could also get an AES with a Phantom card ($299 from !arcade!) and play MVS games on your AES - much cheaper!!

Hope this helped!

Steve

DarkSoul

04-06-2003, 04:24 PM

One tiny thing to remember- For really not any more money than either an AVS and a game, or some of the other alternatives, you can pick up a real arcade machine at auction with a working monitor and a JAMMA harness, install a MVS mobo, and then get the games *cheap* =) That's what I'm working on now, and I'm thrilled (I've got a lovely Street Fighter II machine that I'm just waiting to get bored with so I have the heart to take out that nice little Capcom board)

Cost of the SF2 (Good condition): Only 150
Neo Geo Mobo: 50-150 depending on number of slots and luck
Carts: Nice and cheap
Wooing the girlfriend with Puzzle Bobble 2, arcade: Priceless

stargate

04-06-2003, 04:36 PM

well, now I am leaning towards the Japanese console system. I really don't care about the language and like the fact that there is no censorship (boobs should bounce dammit!!).

will a Japanese system work ok with my US tv and power?

Raedon

04-06-2003, 04:46 PM

I'd just like to add that the CDZ system comes standard with S-Video and Stereo and has a 2x CD-ROM not the single speed CD original. Puzzle games you won't notice a thing, Most bullet spewers only have a quick new lvl load with funny little animations to entertain. Most of the fighting games are not bad either until you get into the late releases. Last Blade 2 being one i've baught and found loads are tiresome as the battles are over quick and loading....

CDZ is JAP only.. works great here. Japan used NTSC, not PAL so every system there will work here. minus some power supplies but I think all the Geo PSU's work.. at least my CDZ one does.

buttasuperb

04-06-2003, 05:28 PM

Like Achika said, getting a supergun is nice if you want to play other jamma pcb's as well as the mvs carts.

For me the best setup was the Japanese homecart system with the phantom 1. You can get great older AES carts for less than 50 bucks, including Samurai Shodown 1 and 2, Fatal Fury Special, Nam 1975, Baseball Stars 1 and 2, Art of Fighting 1 and 2, and Fatal Fury 1 and 2. You can even get Samurai Shodown 3 for around 70-80 (japanese version, the US cart will run double that. Then for some other quality games, you can go the MVS route. Metal Slug 1-3 would cost you about 300 total for mvs instead of about 2500 or so for the AES carts. You can also get great shooters like Pulstar or Blazing Star for around 50 a piece instead of 500-600 a piece. Then there are also games that never made it to AES, like Neo Drift Out (must find this game soon, one of my favorites)

So, the phantom 1 is a bit steep starting out (i got kinda lucky and got mine for 200, newest version, but it can be found for 250 at videogamedepot) but saves you money in the long run. For example I recently got a Ninja Masters MVS kit for 80 bucks, and that woulda cost me 600-700 for the homecart. So just with that game alone, the phantom 1 is worth it.

buttasuperb

04-06-2003, 05:32 PM

don't know where Butta got the $150 for a system as they go for well over $200 on online retailers and auction.

If you look around enough, especially at the n-g.com boards, a system can be found for 150. I got mine boxed for 300 with 3 games about 2 years ago, which made my system price about 200.

Raedon

04-06-2003, 08:37 PM

These sort of posts make me want to MAME a cabinet. :D

christianscott27

04-06-2003, 08:42 PM

going back to one of the questions in the first post...is it worth it?

honestly it aint, its a trophy system. your dreamcast can kick its butt easily, heck even the saturn could give it a run for its money. i've never understood the neogeo fetish, yeah i get the arcade at home thing and i know it had some great exclusives but seriously people, it plays like an SNES.

BTW i own one, from a thrift, and for me its well a trophy

"i've never seen such huge carts"!
________
Suzuki mr wagon specifications (http://www.suzuki-tech.com/wiki/Suzuki_MR_Wagon)

buttasuperb

04-06-2003, 08:48 PM

it plays like an SNES.

:hmm:

Go play Samurai Shodown on NeoGeo and then go play the SNES port, and you'll quickly see the difference. While it is true you can get most of the games on Saturn or DC, they are not precisely the same thing, I guess you can blame that on the people doing the ports. Still nice to have the option to get the games way cheaper for other systems.

Once again it is worth it, only if you are fan of fighters and shooters.

orrimarrko

04-06-2003, 09:02 PM

honestly it aint, its a trophy system. your dreamcast can kick its butt easily, heck even the saturn could give it a run for its money. i've never understood the neogeo fetish, yeah i get the arcade at home thing and i know it had some great exclusives but seriously people, it plays like an SNES.

BTW i own one, from a thrift, and for me its well a trophy

"i've never seen such huge carts"!

Not arguing your statement on it's merits - but the point should really be - is it worth it for play value?

Let's say you can get one for $150. I've seen people paying that much for a TurboDuo or MINT Intellivision/2600/5200/etc. Does that mean that those systems aren't worth it?

Fact is - each system is only as enjoyable as the beholder feels it is. If you are asking if the prices for all of the games are worth it - again - it's no different than paying for a rare 2600 title or whatever.

Honestly, if the "retro" thing wasn't so popular right now, I think the Geo's would come down in price, and then it wouldn't be such a big deal. However, it has a loyal community following - just like many other systems do, which keeps the value where it is.

I don't think that comparing it to the Dreamcast makes much sense, honestly. Can an Adventure Vision compare to my XBOX? Of course not, but I would bet you'd be hard pressed to get one for under $200.

Again, the Geo is not the most powerful thing ever, but for Fighters and Shooters, they are better than most.

Carry on...

Raedon

04-06-2003, 09:06 PM

My CDZ has 7meg of usuable RAM! That is more usuable ram then my PS2!! and you compare it to a SNES.. that's like saying the 94 ford mustang is the same damn thing as a 94 Porche 911 Turbo..

christianscott27

04-06-2003, 09:17 PM

i see your points re: the adventurevision etc. i'm just saying that for play value, not collecting value its not worth the money. then again i dont think 90% of the titles in EBX are worth the money. a big part of my collecting angle has been finding things for cheap, i'm not the type to plunk down $100s on a game so barring another great stroke of luck i'll be content with the 8 NEO GEO games i have. i guess in some ways my post is off mark for a collecting forum, after all my my dreamcast does a way better version of joust than my 7800 does...
________
MAZDA VERISA (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Mazda_Verisa)

buttasuperb

04-06-2003, 09:27 PM

after all my my dreamcast does a way better version of joust than my 7800 does...

Maybe so, but it doesn't do a better version of Mark of the Wolves or Last Blade 2 than the NeoGeo does.

ClubNinja

04-06-2003, 11:02 PM

Huh, so what am I missing as I enjoy my Last Blade 2 on the Dreamcast?

buttasuperb

04-06-2003, 11:04 PM

You're not missing anything, as it's a pretty good port. Just not arcade perfect. Still better to pay 20 for the dc version as opposed to 250 for the NeoGeo version.

Captain Wrong

04-07-2003, 12:20 PM

i'm just saying that for play value, not collecting value its not worth the money.

Not trying to jump on you here, but that's a classic "your mileage may vary" type of statement. It depends entirely on what kind of gaming you're into. As has been noted many times, if you're into 2d fighting, the system is a must. Personally, I think the sports games are fun (and I hate sports games) the puzzle games are great, and Metal Slug is probably the best action series ever. I'd stop short of saying it's a must have for shmup fans just because it's shmup catalog is kind of small (good quality tho).

For me to buy a Neo would make perfect sence because my gaming tastes are landlocked in the early 90s. However, if that's not your bag, you're right, all this is going to be is a trophy.

Aswald

04-07-2003, 12:46 PM

Quite frankly, no- not if you don't have LOTS of disposable income, or are a very determined collector. Back in the early 1990s, the Neo-Geo was referred to as a system for "...people with lots of money and who like to show off that fact."

The problem is that you can get a Playstation (1 or 2) and its games for so much less money, and there's a much greater variety, including "classic collections" (emulation). Quite frankly, you may want to check the list of games for the Neo-Geo, and see how much is there that you want. And I remember watching someone play one of the fighter-games- World Heroes, I think- for the first time, and he BEAT IT using the German Cyborg character and his slide-kick move. So, in those days, one would pay $800+ for the system and another $300+ for a game that could be beaten the first time you played it.

samuraiX

04-07-2003, 01:08 PM

I think it is worth it. I too am into 2D goodness thus the Neo fits right into my tastes. And I love that I can sit down and play League Bowling and then pop in Rage of the Dragons or King of Fighters 2002. The fact that they are still making games for it is kickass. Sure the thing costs gobs and gobs of money, but as with anything there are deals to be had. Just have to look hard enough and be ready with the cash when they come along. Some can say the system is outdated. To a point that is correct graphically. However the fact that 2D games live on to this day on this system that never dies is good enough for me to drop $325 on a new release. I honestly don't know why I can feel OK spending that much on a Neo game then pass on a $60 PS2 game because it's too expensive. I guess it's all in the way you view things.

neogeo4ever

christianscott27

04-07-2003, 01:30 PM

alrights its offical. you guys arent fans, you're a CULT!
________
Squirting ejaculation (http://www.fucktube.com/categories/1002/ejaculation/videos/1)

jaydubnb

04-07-2003, 02:34 PM

alrights its offical. you guys arent fans, you're a CULT!

And this guy is the cult leader:
http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gamespotting/040603/

(check out "the future is now" video)

Eternal Champion

04-07-2003, 02:43 PM

Back in the early 1990s the NEO-GEO was the Ferrari of home systems, simply because of its price and huge cart size, and the fact that the arcade games were IDENTICAL to home games. No matter what Sega and Nintendo boasted, they couldn't say that. ('course, a big downside in paying mega ka-ching for the system is that it only outputs AV--WTF??? :/ Well, what's another $200 for s-video... :roll:...why not just mod it for RGB?? :roll: )

True, if you like 2D, you'll never find a game like Samurai Shodown or Metal Slug, those games KICK ASS, if you like arcade-style fightin' and shootin'. In 1993-1994 alone I probably spent more playing the MVS Sam Sho and Metal Slug than the cost of the home cartridges for the those games. That arcade machine was so abused we could lift up the panel and manually click the credit counter :)
And the huge joysticks that came with the Gold system are bar-none the best ever for any system.

If the prices are the SAME today, in 2003, to me that's a NICHE COLLECTOR'S MARKET. The games and system are obsolete, so only a niche specialty collector market with gobs of disposable income could justify the high prices for this stuff. Not for the casual gamer--but never was.

Captain Wrong

04-07-2003, 06:13 PM

The problem is that you can get a Playstation (1 or 2) and its games for so much less money, and there's a much greater variety, including "classic collections" (emulation).

Yeah, but if you want NeoGeo games, the best place to find them is the NeoGeo. Sure the PSX has some ports (mostly in Japan) but they pale in compairson, and you could make a sandwich in the loading time for say KOF for instance. Plus since the PSX was a weaker machine on the 2D side (oh boy, here come the flames) you're really losing out on animation, color and things of that nature just like any time you port to a lesser machine.

You're right, it's an option for someone not wanting to spend a lot of money, but it seems to me like some of these games (KOF series, for instance) might actually be cheaper to buy the NG cart than the import PSX. Hardware, that's another matter...

orrimarrko

04-07-2003, 07:00 PM

Ah, the debate continues...

This all has to go back to the original question, "Is it worth it?"

Well, worth it for what? Collectibility? Play value? Bang for your Buck?

It truly depends on what you mean, but I'll assume that you are referring to play value for your dollar spent. This same goes for EVERY system, regardless of it's capabilities, library of games, or whatever does it for you...

If you enjoy it, spend the $$ and game on! Like all systems, the NeoGeo AES has games that you CANNOT get anywhere else (except the MVS - and not always). If you like their style of games (fighters, puzzles, side-scrollers, etc) then you should consider it - just like you would an Atari 2600 or a Sega Genesis.

How much you pay for the system and the games truly depends on patience, the size of your wallet and your desire to own a specific game. You can honestly get the system for under $200 (regardless of what ANYONE says), and cheap carts can be found for $10 - $40. After that, you may have to spend more, or trade with someone - OR, get the Phantom adapter, and go the MVS route - much cheaper.

I will say this - if you enjoy playing fighting games with another person - there is NOTHING like it on the market, period.

It's all in what you like, and what you have to spend - just like for any other system. Just a hint though, if you are one of those who desires to actually collect for the AES - get it out of your head right now.

There are a couple of titles (and I don't mean Metal Slug) which are just as rare as Air Raid or Video Life for the Atari 2600 - no joke. They will cost you in the $4K range easy.

Rage on...

samuraiX

04-08-2003, 01:19 AM

I'll agree that it is too expensive to the average gamer. I, by no means, am extremely wealthy. Yet I am an avid collector of US NeoGeo games. I have found absolutely amazing deals. Especially lately. I was able to snag a complete US system in good shape for around $50. Also grabbed a ton of games (around 28) at a total cost of $600. Funny thing is though, I also recently dropped $700 on a US Metal Slug 2. So it works both ways. I don't really know how I can justify spending that much given I am not a big fan of it (much prefer to play Slug X) but I did it. Guess one thing that will come when I finish my US collection. All the other systems will look really cheap in comparison.

Bottom line though, and in all seriousness. Buy the games to play them. Sure it's nice to have a game sitting on my shelf worth $1,000. But I'll be damned if I said "no it's worth a grand" if someone (or myself) wanted to play it.

And also, a list of games worthy of a look:
Samurai Shodown II & IV
Last Blade 1 & 2
King of Fighters '98, '01 (and most of the others save '94)
League Bowling
Magician Lord
Metal Slug X
Neo Turf Masters
Stakes Winner
Real Bout Fatal Fury Special
Garou- Mark of the Wolves
Baseball Stars 2
Last Resort
Blazing Star
Aero Fighters 2 & 3 (aka Sonic Wings 2 & 3)
Magical Drop 3
Bust a' Move (MVS only)
Viewpoint
Super Sidekicks 3
Bang Bead (MVS only)

all rockin! :P

zektor

04-08-2003, 02:23 AM

I was once a Neo collector. Had about 60 games (home games) including the original Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2,3,X, Shock Troopers 1 and 2...basically alot of great games. I sold it all because I needed to survive. You know, bills, food, more bills. But, I do have to say, if I ever get into good money I will collect for this system again. It is just a great system, and it would definitely be worth it...at least to me...no matter the price of the games. That is if I get rich someday :)