Neo Geo collecting

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

For those of you that collect AES games,what do you think about condition?do you only collect mint games in mint boxes or does it matter?

[todesengel]

I'm completely fine with cart only when it comes to the AES, I like getting them CIB but it's way too expensive. Cart only is so much cheaper, that $40 CIB game can be as low as $10 cart only.

[theMot]

Read through this to see how fanatical it can get. :P

http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?202367-What-kind-of-Neo-Geo-collector-are-you&highlight=collector

[M.Buster2184]

I'm completely fine with cart only when it comes to the AES, I like getting them CIB but it's way too expensive. Cart only is so much cheaper, that $40 CIB game can be as low as $10 cart only.


I agree tode, it is too expensive to collect them in box, though in my area I've never really been able to find them cart only. I guess it depends on the game also, if it was something I was really looking for and wanting to add to my collection, I might just hold out for a CIB version. I'd love a SNK vs Capcom.

Sidenote, tode, where is your avatar pic from? It seems so familiar.

[tomwaits]

Hardcore AES collecting is all about mint CIB. They're collectibles/investments.

If you just want to play Neo Geo, ditch AES and get a CMVS or a supergun/MVS.


- The AES library is a subset of the MVS library. There are no AES exclusives and all the quality late releases were MVS only.
- The popular games are much cheaper for MVS.
- MVS multicarts give a cheap way to try most of the library on real hardware before buying favorites.
- If you have an MVS w/unibios you can set the carts to AES mode and duplicate the home console menus/options. AES & MVS carts both have the same code, AES is paying $$ for the cart label/box/manual.

- Vogatek superguns are cheap. You can buy a 1-slot MVS mobo and Vogatek for less than an AES console.

[dgdgagdae]

Read through this to see how fanatical it can get. :P

http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?202367-What-kind-of-Neo-Geo-collector-are-you&highlight=collector

I just read all 5 pages of this, and now I realize how filthy all of my games are. That, and I need a bidet.

[todesengel]

I agree tode, it is too expensive to collect them in box, though in my area I've never really been able to find them cart only. I guess it depends on the game also, if it was something I was really looking for and wanting to add to my collection, I might just hold out for a CIB version. I'd love a SNK vs Capcom.

Sidenote, tode, where is your avatar pic from? It seems so familiar.
The only time I've found any Neo stuff locally was about 10 years ago. I've gotten lucky and got stuff really cheap cart only AES from members of this very message board (Japanese KOF96 for $15, US Magician Lord for $10). As for my avatar, it's a character from Big Bad Beetleborgs.

[M.Buster2184]

I don't even have any super collectible AES games, though mine all are the box and manual, but they still cost me between $30 and $50 per game. I think the two best/most fun to play are KOF '95(Japanese) and Ghost Pilots.

[StealthLurker]

The condition and completeness of AES games are important to me, however I don't get as super fanatical as other AES collectors out there. For example, being super paranoid about getting "insertion marks" on the cart.

In terms of AES, I also prefer japanese versions. I absolutely hate the insert art/layout on US games.

For MVS games I don't care about condition or completeness at all. They're purely for gaming. I have kits, but I didn't specifically shoot for them. Either I bought the MVS kit on release or the kit was a good deal on par with a loose MVS cart pricewise.

A wee bit of my AES collection porn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/jviloria/149301_434310866582217_100000099214105_95227728_90 8197118_n.jpg


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[M.Buster2184]

The condition and completeness of AES games are important to me, however I don't get as super fanatical as other AES collectors out there. For example, being super paranoid about getting "insertion marks" on the cart.

In terms of AES, I also prefer japanese versions. I absolutely hate the insert art/layout on US games.

For MVS games I don't care about condition or completeness at all. They're purely for gaming. I have kits, but I didn't specifically shoot for them. Either I bought the MVS kit on release or the kit was a good deal on par with a loose MVS cart pricewise.

A wee bit of my AES collection porn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/jviloria/149301_434310866582217_100000099214105_95227728_90 8197118_n.jpg


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My hat off to you sir. Very nice collection stealth. Now to wipe my drool off the keys. I do agree with the Japanese box art comment. Though I think for most systems the Japanese cover is usually better.

[todesengel]

The condition and completeness of AES games are important to me, however I don't get as super fanatical as other AES collectors out there. For example, being super paranoid about getting "insertion marks" on the cart.

In terms of AES, I also prefer japanese versions. I absolutely hate the insert art/layout on US games.

For MVS games I don't care about condition or completeness at all. They're purely for gaming. I have kits, but I didn't specifically shoot for them. Either I bought the MVS kit on release or the kit was a good deal on par with a loose MVS cart pricewise.

A wee bit of my AES collection porn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/jviloria/149301_434310866582217_100000099214105_95227728_90 8197118_n.jpg


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A most bad ass collection. Just like you I'm not anal about insertion marks or bent corners on the manuals, I buy the carts to play not look at. I actually have a soft spot for bad US artwork and love some of the cheesy US AES box art, especially the Fatal Fury cover art.

[StealthLurker]

I actually have a soft spot for bad US artwork and love some of the cheesy US AES box art, especially the Fatal Fury cover art.

Haha, yeah something like the US Fatal Fury's got some of that "so bad it's good" quality to it.

However for the titles that you have to drop some coin for, I want the "whole package" to have some taste to it lol.

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[SegaManiac100]

The condition and completeness of AES games are important to me, however I don't get as super fanatical as other AES collectors out there. For example, being super paranoid about getting "insertion marks" on the cart.

In terms of AES, I also prefer japanese versions. I absolutely hate the insert art/layout on US games.

For MVS games I don't care about condition or completeness at all. They're purely for gaming. I have kits, but I didn't specifically shoot for them. Either I bought the MVS kit on release or the kit was a good deal on par with a loose MVS cart pricewise.

A wee bit of my AES collection porn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/jviloria/149301_434310866582217_100000099214105_95227728_90 8197118_n.jpg


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That's a fine collection. Would you mind naming each of the AES games you have there?

[StealthLurker]

That's a fine collection. Would you mind naming each of the AES games you have there?

There are a couple diff region or case/carton "duplicates" not pictured, but on the list below. Got a much larger collection on MVS for obvious reasons, lol.

All are JPN versions unless otherwise stated.

Last Blade 1 (x2)
Last Blade 2
Metal Slug 1
Metal Slug 2
Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug 5
Last Resort
Blazing Star
Pulstar
Magical Drop
Twinkle Star Sprites
Sonic Wings
Super Spy
Top Hunter
Spinmaster Miracle Adventure
Savage Reign
Kizuna Encounter
Sengoku
Sengoku 2
8-Man
Ninja Masters
Power Instinct: Matrimlee
GanGan
Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer
Kabuki Klash
Cyberlip
Baseball Stars (carton)
Baseball Stars 2 (US)
Baseball Stars 2
Super Baseball 2020
Ninja Combat (soft case)
Ninja Combat (carton)
Fatal Fury 1 (US)
Fatal Fury 1
Fatal Fury 2 (US)
Fatal Fury 2
Fatal Fury 3 (US)
Fatal Fury 3
Fatal Fury Special (US)
Fatal Fury Special
Fatal Fury Real Bout Special
Fatal Fury Real Bout 2
Garou Mark of the Wolves
World Heroes (US)
World Heroes
World Heroes 2 (US)
World Heroes 2
World Heroes 2 Jet (US)
World Heroes 2 Jet
World Heroes Perfect
Shock Troopers 1 (JPN style conversion - normally MVS only)
Ghostlop (JPN style conversion - former proto only)
Puzzle Bobble (JPN style conversion - normally MVS only)
Art of Fighting (US)
Art of Fighting
Art of Fighting 2 (US)
Art of Fighting 2
Art of Fighting 3
Super Sidekicks 2
Mutation Nation
Fire Suplex
League Bowling
Nam 75 (carton)
Nam 75 (soft case)
Top Players Golf (US)
Top Players Golf
King of the Monsters (US)
King of the Monsters
King of the Monsters 2
Galaxy Fight
Robo Army
Samurai Showdown 1
Samurai Showdown 2
Samurai Showdown 3
Samurai Showdown 4
Samurai Showdown 5
Crossed Swords (x2)
Dunk Dream
Fighters History Dynamite
Ghostpilots (carton)
Magician Lord (US)
Magician Lord (carton)
Magician Lord
Burning Fight (US)
Burning Fight
Joy Joy Kid
Raguy
Riding Hero
Footbal Frenzy (US)
Alpha Mission 2 (US)
KOF 94
KOF 95 (x2)
KOF 96
KOF 97 (x2)
KOF 98
KOF 99
KOF 2000
KOF 2001
KOF 2002
KOF 2003

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[Kirbz]

May I Ask How Long You've Been Collecting
I Would Kill To Have This Sick Ass Collection
Hats Off To Ya Bro,
KIRBZ

[StealthLurker]

May I Ask How Long You've Been Collecting
I Would Kill To Have This Sick Ass Collection
Hats Off To Ya Bro,
KIRBZ


I collected NeoGeo and general arcade stuff (cabs, pcbs, etc) somewhat aggressively for about a year. Then I went off to collect for other platforms/systems.

Since then in terms of Neo, I just kinda pick up a few items here and there once in a blue moon when something seems like a pretty good deal. I'm in no rush (anymore at least). There are so many interesting platforms/systems and things beyond games too that compete for my attention/resources, lol.

.

[Kirbz]

Did You Get Most Of It Off The Internet?
Just Wonderin Cuz Never See Neo Stuff In The Wild.
Like I Said Before Nice Collection,
KIRBZ

[StealthLurker]

Did You Get Most Of It Off The Internet?
Just Wonderin Cuz Never See Neo Stuff In The Wild.
Like I Said Before Nice Collection,
KIRBZ

Yeah, mostly online. I picked up maybe around 5 games locally at a brick and mortar shop.

It's definitely somewhat rare to find AES games in the wild. If you do, they're usually just commons.

.

[Kirbz]

Ok Last Question I Promise..........OK Maybe
So What Is Your Favorite Famicom Game
Mine Is Sweet Home!
KIRBZ

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

another question. what are shock carts?

[SparTonberry]

100 Mega Shock games?
(games over 100 megabits. Because back in the day, it was a real selling point.
When we who had reasonably priced consoles had to settle for playing games that usually only had up to 16 megabits. :D )

[Edmond Dantes]

No, he means games that are actually called "shock carts" or that came in "shock boxes."

I'm curious about those as well. Would like to see pics and an explanation.

[todesengel]

another question. what are shock carts?
I'm guessing you're talking about the later Snap-Cases? If so those were cases used from about 1994/1995 to the end of the system, hard plastic Genesis/Mega Drive style cases that had a snap lock to keep them closed.

[StealthLurker]

No, he means games that are actually called "shock carts" or that came in "shock boxes."

I'm curious about those as well. Would like to see pics and an explanation.


I'm guessing you're talking about the later Snap-Cases? If so those were cases used from about 1994/1995 to the end of the system, hard plastic Genesis/Mega Drive style cases that had a snap lock to keep them closed.


I don't know what ya'all talking about... But the slogan "100 Mega Shock (NeoGeo)" and the earlier post about games over 100 Mbits sounds the most correct. Although I've never heard them referred to as "shock carts" myself.

"Shock boxes" are a fan made custom creation. They're unofficial cases used to house MVS carts to make them look all pretty similar to official AES games. Official AES game packaging came in carton, soft case and snap lock hard case (in that order chronologically as well).

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[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Ok, that cleared it up. Thanks.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

NOW......what is a consolized MVS,is that the same thing as the term supergun?and that takes the MVS cartes?

[Tron 2.0]

NOW......what is a consolized MVS,is that the same thing as the term supergun?and that takes the MVS cartes?
Pretty much the parts used to consolized a mvs are the same ones 'in a supergun.By that putting in a video encoder,power supply etc.

Review awhile back of analouge interactive version of a cmvs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JaGQ-EA1IM

Prices do very on a neo-geo cmvs and offen there offer over at the neo-geo.com forums.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Ok,now I come to the term "conversion".is this a MVS cart converted to play in an AES?

[tomwaits]

A 'conversion' is a cheap AES cart that's been converted into an expensive game by swapping in rom chips from an MVS cart. Scammers try to sell these as legit, with repro labels and repro case inserts.

It can be hard to spot fakes... there's an entire sub-forum on neo-geo.com for community scrutiny of possible fakes: http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?46-Boot-or-No-Boot

There are a lot of MVS bootlegs around too. Cheap MVS boots were being sold to arcade operators while SNK was still in the arcade business. There's still a lot of bitterness over MVS boots because they helped to drive SNK out of business. Rumor says that there are more MVS bootlegs of Puzzle Bobble and SvC Chaos than legit carts.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Instead of bootleg, can it be thought of as a cheap way to play costly games?

[tomwaits]

The biggest drawback to bootlegs/conversions is that they're not very reliable. Most were de-soldered/re-soldered by hand and, at least for MVS, manufactured maskrom chips were replaced with cheap eproms.

[StealthLurker]

Instead of bootleg, can it be thought of as a cheap way to play costly games?


If cost is going to be an issue, then maybe a consolized MVS system and MVS games in shockboxes would be a better route for you. Lots of people at neo-geo.com go this route now instead. Very cost effective long term. The shockboxes also make the MVS carts look more presentable for display. They even make consolized MVS systems these days that look very similar to an AES console.

There will be "many" AES games that will cost you 500+, 700+ and a few at 1,000+ USD. For MVS, most if not all games can be had for 200 or less.

In addition, when you make a conversion... 2 games are "destroyed" to make one un-official cart.

I do have some conversions, but they are for games that were only released in MVS format and I wanted copies in AES format to match my homecart collection. However, I also have copies of them in MVS to match my arcade cart collection too, lol.

.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Oh no,I'm just asking to learn. I'm building my AES collection and learning terms.I should have my AES soon but I also plan on getting some kind of MVS,not that wood one though.

[tomwaits]

It doesn't measure up to StealthLurker's pic, but here's a pic of most of my MVS carts. Forgot to pull Kizuna Encounter out of my supergun when I was stacking them. It would have made an even 50. :)



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m492/tomwaits16/mvs_wall_2012.jpg



Metal Slug 5 and Money Puzzle Exchanger are bootlegs. Got them in lot purchases and keeping as play copies until I find originals at a decent price. The rest are all originals. (except the multicarts :D )

The Japanese label is Ragnagard. Play copy until I can find a cheap US label cart.

[Kirbz]

Ok Last Question I Promise..........OK Maybe
So What Is Your Favorite Famicom Game
Mine Is Sweet Home!
KIRBZ
So???????????

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

So what exactly is a bootleg MVS game?now I'm confused

[tomwaits]

from post #29 ;)




There are a lot of MVS bootlegs around too. Cheap MVS boots were being sold to arcade operators while SNK was still in the arcade business. There's still a lot of bitterness over MVS boots because they helped to drive SNK out of business. Rumor says that there are more MVS bootlegs of Puzzle Bobble and SvC Chaos than legit carts.

[Rickstilwell1]

Oh no,I'm just asking to learn. I'm building my AES collection and learning terms.I should have my AES soon but I also plan on getting some kind of MVS,not that wood one though.

If you already have an AES, you might as well just look for the MVS cartridge converter for it rather than a separate system itself, right?

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Now what is that?

[tomwaits]

There are a few MVS converters for AES systems. Basically a cartridge port extender like a Game Genie that plugs into an AES console slot and lets you plug an MVS cart into the top/side of the converter.

The biggest complaints that I've seen are that they're expensive ($200-$400?) and they don't support the MVS multicarts. Some of the late release MVS carts might have compatibility issues too?


If you just want a cheap MVS setup, you could get a 1-slot MVS mobo and Vogatek supergun for around $100 total. If you already have AES controllers, an old ATX power supply, and some passive speakers... you've got an ugly, barebones MVS setup for ~$100. No compatibility issues. And, you can play other JAMMA PCBs too.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Now if I was to look this up on eBay, what would I search for?

[tomwaits]

The Super MVS 2 is supposed to be the best. Here's one that just sold:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEO-SUPER-MVS-SNK-CONVERTER-II-MVS-to-AES-Adapter-for-Neo-Geo-AES-System-/150868464669?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item232076141d


There's also the newer Daedalus converter:
http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?230313-New-Product-Daedalus-NeoGeo-Converter

[StealthLurker]

NICE collection tomwaits! Solid set of titles. How do you like those multi-carts btw? I've been thinking about getting some of those... sometimes I'm too lazy to open up the cabs and change the rotation my 4-slots, lol.

BTW, if you're not into the wooden consolized MVS that looks like an AES...

Arcadewerks makes a plastic shell based consolized MVS that looks similar to an AES console:

http://arcadeworks.net/omega-entertainment-machine.html#

If I were to finally get a consolized MVS I would go with that one.

.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Aawwwww Mann that is awesome. So with that, I can play MVS arcade carts. I can play metal slug without paying a million bucks....

[tomwaits]

NICE collection tomwaits! Solid set of titles. How do you like those multi-carts btw? I've been thinking about getting some of those... sometimes I'm too lazy to open up the cabs and change the rotation my 4-slots, lol.
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Thanks. :) Between my MVS collection, the multicarts, and my NGCD I can play about 95% of the Neo Geo library on real hardware. I'll eventually get all the games that I like as original US MVS carts, but the multicarts take away any urgency in collecting.

The multicarts are great. The game counts are inflated by hacks and variations, but there are enough unique games on them to justify the price. Don't have to open the cab or cycle power to swap... just hold start and you're back at the game select menu. I've seen some complaints about multislot compatibility though. Most multicarts will work in slot 1 with the other slots empty but some will only work in single slot mobos (esp the 138-in-1).

I got into the multicarts pretty early and have the 60-in-1 and 100-in-1. There's some overlap, but they both have a lot of games that aren't on the other. The latest multicarts are up to 161-in-1 but my two multis cover most of the games on the latest and have some games that aren't available on the newer ones. I won't bother 'upgrading' until there's a multi with Viewpoint, Super Dodgeball, and Sengoku 2 that doesn't need a daughtercard. :D

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Look out Stealthlurker......I got a copy of riding hero today!!!!!!!!!!you should fear my growing collection....

[StealthLurker]

Look out Stealthlurker......I got a copy of riding hero today!!!!!!!!!!you should fear my growing collection....

Haha, hey we all gotta start somewhere right? Welcome to the hobby my man!

.

[StealthLurker]

Thanks. :) Between my MVS collection, the multicarts, and my NGCD I can play about 95% of the Neo Geo library on real hardware. I'll eventually get all the games that I like as original US MVS carts, but the multicarts take away any urgency in collecting.

The multicarts are great. The game counts are inflated by hacks and variations, but there are enough unique games on them to justify the price. Don't have to open the cab or cycle power to swap... just hold start and you're back at the game select menu. I've seen some complaints about multislot compatibility though. Most multicarts will work in slot 1 with the other slots empty but some will only work in single slot mobos (esp the 138-in-1).

I got into the multicarts pretty early and have the 60-in-1 and 100-in-1. There's some overlap, but they both have a lot of games that aren't on the other. The latest multicarts are up to 161-in-1 but my two multis cover most of the games on the latest and have some games that aren't available on the newer ones. I won't bother 'upgrading' until there's a multi with Viewpoint, Super Dodgeball, and Sengoku 2 that doesn't need a daughtercard. :D

I know there are a lot of KOF hacks, maybe even some metal slug ones... are there any other interesting hacks of other games?

There's a daughtercard that's necessary for some games? Wow, do you know why something like that is needed for the types of multis out right now?

.

[tomwaits]

I know there are a lot of KOF hacks, maybe even some metal slug ones... are there any other interesting hacks of other games?

There's a daughtercard that's necessary for some games? Wow, do you know why something like that is needed for the types of multis out right now?

.

30-40% of games on the multis are hacks. Not just KoF, but other fighting games too. Most hacks have the hidden characters unlocked, special meters always maxxed, switch characters at any time, etc. The Metal Slug and shmup hacks usually give unlimited grenades/smart bombs. The unaltered versions of each hacked game are on there too, so I usually just stick with those.

I've only seen two interesting hacks.
- SvC Chaos Plus: There's no way to unlock the hidden characters on the MVS version of SvC Chaos through normal play/input codes. You can either unlock them with a unibios... or play SvC Chaos Plus on a multicart.
- Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: It's probably the best KoF hack (2001?) because they swapped in some stage backgrounds from the Last Blade and Street Fighter Alpha series. It also has a new title screen and might have some different music?


The only multi that I've seen with a daughterboard is the 138-in-1. The daughterboard is a small pass-thru extender on the JAMMA connector. It has a cable that connects into the MVS cart. The 138-in-1 doesn't work on multislot MVS mobos.

I think the extender runs the game select menu... it's a fancier menu than any of the other multis but it has longer load times. It seems like an unreliable hack job to me. Unfortunately the 138-in-1 has the best game list of any multicart, but I've avoided it because of the questionable hardware layout.

[BricatSegaFan]

Haha, hey we all gotta start somewhere right? Welcome to the hobby my man!

.

I just got Japanese copy of fat al fury special and shin samurai spirits. Yes I did call it fat al fury because I think it sounds funny lol

[Edmond Dantes]

"Fatal Fury" is easier to remember than "Garou Densetsu."

Up until the last game, where I call it "Garou Mark of the Wolves" regardless of what language its in.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Ok,now do you guys who have nice size collections prefer Japan or American boxes? Do you mix and match?