the most expensive video game of them all on sale here

[Devilredeemed]

want to see the most expensive game of them all on sale?

http://neo-geo.com/

check out the selling forum - sticky.

personally I hope the seller puts it on ebay - that way it can make interesting content for 'yet more ebay insanity'

[Cmosfm]

I really don't think this is the most expensive game of all time.

[Devilredeemed]

damn that's criptic. please tell me which is then

[Cmosfm]

Personally, i'm not sure off hand. But I'm pretty sure there is an official cart somewhere that is worth more than that homebrew cart.

How did a homebrew get to be so expensive anyways? I just can't see paying 10,000.00 for something some person made...theres technically no collectable value in it and paying that much just to PLAY it is insane.

[Wookie]

$10K is the asking price - doesn't mean anybody'll pay it. For a single game that's actually been sold for a fairly high price, check out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3084975541&category=62053

(VIC-20 Ultima Escape From Mt. Drash - went for $3605.00)

[Devilredeemed]

why do you think its a homebrew? do you collect neo geo games? I mean that forum is run by collectors and all and it is widely accepted as being legit. I think you may have gotten your wires crossed.

[WiseSalesman]

"A fool and his money are soon parted." - common proverb

[Arqueologia_Digital]

I will never pay 10k for a homebrew and i don´t know if i´ll pay them for a collect item too...

[hydr0x]

IT'S NOT A HOMEBREW

why in gods name does everyone think it is???

[Achika]

I think they are basing the "homebrew" aspect from the header of the post, which I don't understand why that's there. It all looks legit, and the box doesn't look like a shock box at all, more like the snap cases NG games came in for a period of time.

[Cmosfm]

why do you think its a homebrew? do you collect neo geo games? I mean that forum is run by collectors and all and it is widely accepted as being legit. I think you may have gotten your wires crossed.

Geez, don't get your pannies in a bunch.

Anyways, it says "homecart" in the title...I assumed it was a homebrew which I've also heard called "homecart" before.

Still, 10,000.00 is ridiculous. I don't care if it's made out of PLATINUM, signed by every game maker in the world, and is the only one of it's kind....anyone that spends 10,000.00 on a game cartridge is an idiot. I can even justify 1000.00 for something like a NWC cart...but some people need to get a grip and get there priorities in check.

Wise Salesman said it best...A fool and his money are soon parted

[AB Positive]

*sigh*

homeCART...

not:

homeBREW


difference. Homecart is the designation for Neo Geo AES carts, the "home" system. Like calling a MVS game an "arcade cart".

It's legit, and last time it was sold it sold for $11k. It WILL go for more this time. This is only the 6th known copy of a Euro Kizuna Encounter to be verified.

You would think it's a good game though, it's sorta meh from what I hear.


-AG

[Cmosfm]

why do you think its a homebrew? do you collect neo geo games? I mean that forum is run by collectors and all and it is widely accepted as being legit. I think you may have gotten your wires crossed.

Geez, don't get your pannies in a bunch.

Anyways, it says "homecart" in the title...I assumed it was a homebrew which I've also heard called "homecart" before.

Still, 10,000.00 is ridiculous. I don't care if it's made out of PLATINUM, signed by every game maker in the world, and is the only one of it's kind....anyone that spends 10,000.00 on a game cartridge is an idiot. I can even justify 1000.00 for something like a NWC cart...but some people need to get a grip and get there priorities in check.

Wise Salesman said it best...A fool and his money are soon parted

[AB Positive]

Still, 10,000.00 is ridiculous. I don't care if it's made out of PLATINUM, signed by every game maker in the world, and is the only one of it's kind....anyone that spends 10,000.00 on a game cartridge is an idiot. I can even justify 1000.00 for something like a NWC cart...but some people need to get a grip and get there priorities in check.

Wise Salesman said it best...A fool and his money are soon parted


Well, if you go by sales/hype inflation and make it a ratio, there's actually less inflation on the Kizuna than on the NWC Gold cart:


NES games retail: $50 - NWC price $4000-6000 (80-120X hype markup)


Neo Geo games retail: $200-300 - Kizuna price $11000 (37-55X hype markup)


still, this is the reason I went MVS. I think a MVS Kizuna goes for around $120 for a full kit. AES Euro Kizuna can bite me :)


-AG

[udisi]

Kizuna Encouter, is super rare, if you read that post, you'll see there's only 5 confirmed Euro Copies. Add in the fact that lots of US/Euro AES carts go for hugh bucks,(Metal slug-$2850, Metal Slug 2 $1000, Neo Turf Masters $1300,Stake Winner $1100) That's not even counting the several $700 carts, or $500. It's not hard for me to believe that the rarest of the rare would go for 10k+. An average US Neo geo AES cart is is probably around $300-$400. These carts are rare, the people who collect them have money,thus you have the most expensive console video game in the world.

[Captain Wrong]

*sigh*

homeCART...

not:

homeBREW


difference. Homecart is the designation for Neo Geo AES carts, the "home" system. Like calling a MVS game an "arcade cart".

It's legit, and last time it was sold it sold for $11k. It WILL go for more this time. This is only the 6th known copy of a Euro Kizuna Encounter to be verified.


Heh. Reading is fundamental, eh?

Still, I'd never pay that, but I agree with AdamG for all the reasons he mentioned.

Sidenot, it's been ages since I looked at N-G.com. God, I'm glad we have limits on how big your sig can be and what you can have in them. Some of those are practically a website unto them selves.

[Devilredeemed]

Cmosfm, you are one rude customer.

I'm not making any moral judgements on the price of the game - I'm just presenting it.

a fool and his money... yes but try not to put your foot in your mouth when trying to sound so self important. Homecart as opposed to arcade cart as has already been stated-

[Atari7800]

To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if this does sell for more that $10,000. I never knew the definition of "totally crazy nutso rabid collector" until I started keeping up with the neo scene on ng.com. Those are some HARD-CORE people, folks. Collecting for the Neo Geo home system (the AES) can be amazingly expensive, and the neo scene is home to some of the craziest, ass-kicking, screaming, balls-to-the-wall DRAMA that I have ever seen (in the videogame scene, that is.) Seriously... some of these people have A LOT of money to spend (or blow) and they don't mind paying out the big bucks to complete their collections. This game, in particular, is the game a few wealthy collectors need to complete their collections.

It's a "boys with toys" syndrome gone totally off the scale... get EVERY game and BRAG about it. It's not too far off to say that this IS the most expensive game of all time, or at least one of most expensive ones.

Now that I've slammed nutty neo collectors, let me say that if I had a lot of money i'd probably have a complete Neo collection too, and I'd pay whatever this guy asked for this game. But i don't, and I won't. I made the decision NOT to collect for the Neo-Geo AES system years ago, and I don't regret that decision AT ALL.

X_x

[portnoyd]

And I only thought that three of these have turned up? Oh well, hehe, and to think, less 2600 Air Raids are known to exist now.

dave

[Ed Oscuro]

Sidenot, it's been ages since I looked at N-G.com. God, I'm glad we have limits on how big your sig can be and what you can have in them. Some of those are practically a website unto them selves.
You haven't seen this one site I posted at the day it crashed (think it's back up now). Some folks have their posts in little scroll boxes that take up literally 1/6 of the post's space -- the rest is preformatted stuff, fancy graphical background, etc. Shit like having your sig on the first line, yup!

Anyhow.

If I can get more collectors to think that "homecart" means "homebrew," I would be able to afford more as prices fall in auctions designated as "homecarts." Of course I use the official SNK designations of AES and MVS when talking/writing about the stuff I own.

Haha, that's pretty funny. You learn something every day, eh CMOS FM?

[SoulBlazer]

Going back to the original question --

So one of these copies of this game has sold for $11k before? Is that the MOST expensive game that anyone is aware off in history?

[Cmosfm]

Cmosfm, you are one rude customer.

I'm not making any moral judgements on the price of the game - I'm just presenting it.

a fool and his money... yes but try not to put your foot in your mouth when trying to sound so self important. Homecart as opposed to arcade cart as has already been stated-

Hey, you're the one who jumped down my throat when I thought it was a homebrew due to a bad topic title.

You stated it was for sale, I stated my opinion on anyone who would spend that much money on a cart. My opinion stands. Last time I checked this was a message board where people are allowed to do that...please shoot me over a PM if that has changed though.

Sorry for being self important because I have opinions. My bad.

[Sniderman]

Careful gang. Let's keep it civil from this point on.

<twirls his keyring on his index finger before moving off to another thread>

[Ed Oscuro]

a fool and his money... yes but try not to put your foot in your mouth when trying to sound so self important. Homecart as opposed to arcade cart as has already been stated-
Hey, you're the one who jumped down my throat when I thought it was a homebrew due to a bad topic title.
Dude, we were happy to clear that up, but right now you ARE hijacking the topic. Just like I was over in Christian's thread. So yeah, that's about enough of this, okay? You were wrong and frankly I don't see how what Devil said was that offensive.

KTHSXBEY

[Atari7800]

Which brings up another point I've been meaning to mention... anyone noticed that many of the mods are "twirling their keyrings" lately? Seems like a lot of stuff is being locked... some of it with no good reason. The Battlezone is gone, so what are people to do? I'm generally a nice guy, but should I only visit this board when I'm feeling super sugar sweet? Or am I about to get locked in my cell by the wardens for bad behavior?

:roll:

[AB Positive]

Which brings up another point I've been meaning to mention... anyone noticed that many of the mods are "twirling their keyrings" lately? Seems like a lot of stuff is being locked... some of it with no good reason. The Battlezone is gone, so what are people to do? I'm generally a nice guy, but should I only visit this board when I'm feeling super sugar sweet? Or am I about to get locked in my cell by the wardens for bad behavior?

:roll:

No, the point isn't to be sugary sweet, the point is to bribe the mods with money and women. Or men. Goats...

back on topic, this is why I see the initial investment in a higher priced hardware setup as a good one as now I can enjoy MVS games with no issues and pay MUCH less. But this is where the whole AES/MVS/CD argument comes in.


If you want to collect neo geo, and want to spend time at n-g.com, expect TEH DRAMA~! to come along with it. It's like high roller gambling, only will less losses, and more jackals.


-AG

[Atari7800]

I haven't posted at ng.com in forever... I really don't have much to add there. But it's certainly interesting, and they have some very... er... PASSIONATE people on that board. Very exciteable folks. Look up the posts on somebody named "Tora" and you'll see what I mean.

It's that kind of passion that pushes the price of what is evidently a mediocre game past the 10k mark. The hardcore over at NG.com know exactly what a homecart is and what particular titles are worth (if they are indeed legit... a real problem with NG games.) I'm very curious to hear what this thingswill go for... though if you read the post you will see the drama has started already.

@_@

[Sniderman]

Never mind. Edited.

[vincewy]

Kizuna Encounter is not homebrew, it's official release from SNK. It all comes down to this - supply vs demand. Unfortunately European version saw a very, very limited run, and many gamers in US/Europe prefer English version, thus pushing the value of this title way up.

You can have the Japanese version (only the outside artwork and manual are Japanese else identical) for around $600.

[rbudrick]

no offers under $10,000US will be accepted.


I'll give you $9999.99 and not a penny more!!! 8-)

-Rob

[D-Lite]

I think a MVS Kizuna goes for around $120 for a full kit. AES Euro Kizuna can bite me :)
-AG

Try again Adam. A complete, english Kizuna MVS kit easily tops $400 these days. Turns out that not only is it the rarest AES cart, but it's also probably the rarest complete english MVS kit. When was the last time you saw one for sale? Years.....

[Queen Of The Felines]

Ok, really dumb question. Why are there so few of these in existence? I can't see a company producing just six (or so) complete carts unless they want to make a test batch or something. (Same goes with Air Raid and the NTSC Asterix atari carts too.)

Kristine

[D-Lite]

most likely about 50-100 were produced. Some rumors are that it was a test run. Realize that even current production runs are only about 300 US carts and that's it. Been that way for years.

So, people assume more are out there, but only a few are known for sure. The weird thing is some come from Germany (I think) and the others from Australia. WTF?

[§ Gideon §]

Ok, really dumb question. Why are there so few of these in existence? I can't see a company producing just six (or so) complete carts unless they want to make a test batch or something. (Same goes with Air Raid and the NTSC Asterix atari carts too.)
I was wondering the same thing, too... Thanks for explaining, D-Lite. But, how can the real production runs only be 300 units? That seems a little silly... I'm picturing a couple of guys turning on the assembly line for about 5 minutes and saying, "That's a wrap."

[AB Positive]

D-Lite: well never mind then. I think I'll deal without Kizuna in my collection then.

-AG

[DreamTR]

I have to post my two cents about this Kizuna "European" version.

Like Ultimate 11, the game supposedly "only" came out in Europe. However, there was an actual run of Ultimate 11s, very few and far between. There is a possible 'test run" of Kizuna Encounter in Europe of 10 copies....However, that makes now sense because where were these things distributed? To no one? To be quite honest, and knowing how the Neo Geo community is, it is VERY easy to duplicate a manual, insert, and sticker on a Japanese Fu'Un Super Tag Battle Cartridge.

When you turn on the Kizuna Encounter game in an English system, it comes up in English. In a Japanese system, language defaults as Japan. The inners of the cart are the same. The outers of the cart are the same.

What are people paying $10,000 for ? A manual and an insert to be quite honest is not a production "run" game. It also is not unsafe to say that to hold value of this game, the person that "might" have made one or two of them is holding ot off for years to come as marketing, since he is the only person with an actual manual to copy from.

But that is cinspiracy theory now isn't it? It's a test piece, should be treated as such, but considering the game is the SAME as the JAPANESE version in every way except for the manual and insert, then anyone willing to part with any amount of money for this game is a complete fool. There really is no point to doing this.

There's not even a title screen difference. IT"S A MANUAL AND INSERT AND STICKER ON A CART. You can not tell me that someone did not decide to make one or could have all of a sudden, or there was such a minute test run that it never even was released. But yeah, that is how I feel about his bogus mess. When you deal with bootleggers most in Neo Geo, you would understand!

[DreamTR]

Also, smallest English production run on US carts in the SNK days were 500.

Mark of the Wolves had 500.

Metal Slug 5 English might have only had 300 English since distribution/manufacturing change.

Minimum from SNK back then was 500. There are over 2,000 Samurai Showdown 2s, most produced cart made.

There is a print run of 1,000 for English SVC Chaos fro m what I understand.

[SoulBlazer]

Christ, those print runs are small. I always knew Neo Geo collectors were nuts. :D

[Cmosfm]

I have to post my two cents about this Kizuna "European" version.

Like Ultimate 11, the game supposedly "only" came out in Europe. However, there was an actual run of Ultimate 11s, very few and far between. There is a possible 'test run" of Kizuna Encounter in Europe of 10 copies....However, that makes now sense because where were these things distributed? To no one? To be quite honest, and knowing how the Neo Geo community is, it is VERY easy to duplicate a manual, insert, and sticker on a Japanese Fu'Un Super Tag Battle Cartridge.

When you turn on the Kizuna Encounter game in an English system, it comes up in English. In a Japanese system, language defaults as Japan. The inners of the cart are the same. The outers of the cart are the same.

What are people paying $10,000 for ? A manual and an insert to be quite honest is not a production "run" game. It also is not unsafe to say that to hold value of this game, the person that "might" have made one or two of them is holding ot off for years to come as marketing, since he is the only person with an actual manual to copy from.

But that is cinspiracy theory now isn't it? It's a test piece, should be treated as such, but considering the game is the SAME as the JAPANESE version in every way except for the manual and insert, then anyone willing to part with any amount of money for this game is a complete fool. There really is no point to doing this.

There's not even a title screen difference. IT"S A MANUAL AND INSERT AND STICKER ON A CART. You can not tell me that someone did not decide to make one or could have all of a sudden, or there was such a minute test run that it never even was released. But yeah, that is how I feel about his bogus mess. When you deal with bootleggers most in Neo Geo, you would understand!

This is what I feel....except coming from someone more educated in the Neo Geo field.

[D-Lite]

Also, smallest English production run on US carts in the SNK days were 500.

Mark of the Wolves had 500.

Metal Slug 5 English might have only had 300 English since distribution/manufacturing change.

Minimum from SNK back then was 500. There are over 2,000 Samurai Showdown 2s, most produced cart made.

There is a print run of 1,000 for English SVC Chaos fro m what I understand.

Well, in the past, yes, more than 300 were produced, when SNK was actually selling the hardware. But they haven't sold hardware in a long time, so the runs of carts have significantly dropped. Games like Matirmelee, Sengoku 3, Metal Slug 4 and 5, SSV, etc have all been less than 500, most likely about 300. It turns out that the actual production numbers have never been released, not even by Shawn (who runs www.neo-geo.com). SvC is definitelly more than the others since it is a very popular title.

Point is, that even if 500 were made, that's a hell of lot less than any other system gets on average even for the worst games. The reason is that the carts are quite hardware intensive and very expensive to produce. The ROM chips for even relatively simple games would cost you or I about $100. And yes, the carts are most likely hand assembled to some extent. The labels are definitely placed on the carts by hand.

I think the price for this Kizuna is ridiculous, but hey, someone is willing to pay it. They just HAVE to have it. After all, a collection is not truly complete without it, right? And to draw a comparison, look at the location stamps on coins. That can easily drastically effect the value of a coin, but for god's sake, how many coins are produced in even the smallest of runs? Thousands?

Oh, and Adam, you can easily get a Kizuna MVS loose cart for $50-70. Pretty easily.

[Ed Oscuro]

Hmm. If the MVS is $400 these days, I think I'll be getting the Japanese AES cartridge instead. Yup, that's a half again more expensive, but hey.

[Devilredeemed]

DreamTR, interesting post but bare in mind that properly reproducing inserts is almost impossible unless you have the original print plates and the exact same quality paper.

You know about the Ghostlop fiasco that occured? the proto that was reproduced and made for home and arcade use? I had an AES of that and even though the quality of all the parts was excellent it was easy to tell it wasn't original - even though it was made by masters of the trade (namely HPMAN).

By the way the drama is amazing at ng.com. It feels good sometimes to peruse forums such as this where things are way toned down and people really pay attention to each other.

[Ed Oscuro]

You know about the Ghostlop fiasco that occured? the proto that was reproduced and made for home and arcade use? I had an AES of that and even though the quality of all the parts was excellent it was easy to tell it wasn't original - even though it was made by masters of the trade (namely HPMAN).
How long ago was that?

Next question - what happens if NeoGeoFreak decides to give away the computer file versions of the covers? I know he has copies of many of those for use on reprinted AES inserts.

[Devilredeemed]

from what I understand NGF have claimed this (about the computer files)+bought some of the original plates when they where in Japan buying out masses of SNK goods (the absolute lucky SOBs)

NGF if the dark side of neo geo collecting and who knows what shady moves they pull behind the scenes.

even so, you would need very specific materials (i.e. the exact paper) to make these + its highly doubtful that they would have Kizuna Encounter euro versions in any shape or form.

As for the Ghostlop thing, well the news broke on NG.com about 3 months back, but I was contacted about them 6 months ago. Played it, enjoyed it and traded it. Its one of the unmamed protos, and the group of people who produced these games (25 of them - 5 mvs, 10 us, 10 japanese) put epoxy on the eeproms so they couldn't be dumped, much to the distate of many a collector. Anyway people are sick of hearing about that over there,a nd there is serious contemplation about dumping the game. We will see.

[maxlords]

This whole thing is nuts. Yes, Kizuna could be forged. Yes, with what it's worth it would be worth doing. No, it's not impossible that a run of 25+ are out there. Yes, Neo print runs are insanely low.

Either way, paying over 10K for a cart is insane when it's basically just the manual and sticker and insert that are different.

Also, the drama at n-g.com is NOT to be missed. It's like a whole site became the same as the old Battlezone for DP. You should especially check out the SNK war room! Appreciate DP....trust me on this one.

And I'm sure that Ghost Lop will be dumped soon :) I want to play it!

[Ed Oscuro]

even so, you would need very specific materials (i.e. the exact paper) to make these + its highly doubtful that they would have Kizuna Encounter euro versions in any shape or form.
You'd be amazed at what the print gods can do. All you need is glossy paper.

At this point the costs and difficulty of making a copy outweigh the benefits enough that people will be dissuaded from trying to make a fake copy, though.

Might change eventually, but right now it's just too much work/too expensive.

[portnoyd]

It's like a whole site became the same as the old Battlezone for DP.

That got me thinking... Any chance we can have all bad topics here moved to ng.com's forums? :D

dave

[tynstar]

This is why I will never collect Neo Geo. @_@

[vincewy]

Also, smallest English production run on US carts in the SNK days were 500.

Mark of the Wolves had 500.

Metal Slug 5 English might have only had 300 English since distribution/manufacturing change.

Minimum from SNK back then was 500. There are over 2,000 Samurai Showdown 2s, most produced cart made.

There is a print run of 1,000 for English SVC Chaos fro m what I understand.

The smallest US AES production runs are Metal Slug and Neo Turfmasters, followed by Steaks Winner and Ninja Masters, each game has under 100 copies made in US version, for MVS kits, Kizuna is only considered medium rare, Bang Bead and Pleasure Gaol MVS kits cost upward of $500, if you can find one.

Beware of counterfits of Metal Slug, Pulstar, and Blazing Star in Japanese stores, apparently some stores bought those fakes and never realizing they were as my buddy found when he was in Japan looking for games.

[vincewy]

This is why I will never collect Neo Geo. @_@

Neo Geo scene was different 4-5 years ago, games weren't very hard to find, none of my games cost upward of $400, I got all new at release except those I knew that would be common. Had I missed those period when I got the games cheap back in late 90s, I'd never have collected Neo-Geo.

[hydr0x]

most likely about 50-100 were produced. Some rumors are that it was a test run. Realize that even current production runs are only about 300 US carts and that's it. Been that way for years.

So, people assume more are out there, but only a few are known for sure. The weird thing is some come from Germany (I think) and the others from Australia. WTF?

yeah some come from Germany and that's why i'm soooo keeping my eyes open for any neogeo related stuff at fleas, hell, Super Sidekicks 4 - Ultimate 11 and Kizuna Encounter are two of the very very very few superrares in europe (we don't have things like 20 copies VCS games) together with DarXide and i think some of the <=8-bit stuff like Verkehrsspiele 1&2 for Odyssey2.

[DreamTR]

The prine run have never "been released" but you can totally tell that 500 were made English wise for the games not selling...I would say the only 300 games were Matrimelee, and possibly MS5. I don't buy the fact that there are only 300 MS5s and no more to be sold after they sold out so quickly for English.

You are right, they are incredibly small runs, but these games are ALREADY a premium to purchase anyway. You are buying them at markups. Therefore the value remains stable.

As for the Kizuna "plates"?

That whole Kizuna thing could still be a hoax for one thing...and if you see what the guys in Singapore do and even !Arcade! to an extent, I swear there is almost no way to to tell the difference. You don't think for $300 you can make a PERFECT conversion exact? You've got to be joking. That's a great investment, think about it. Let's make Kizunas, they don't really exist, but we can base it off a possible test piece. $10,000 for $300 investment! Hrm, why is our sticker coming off in the pic. Why is there ridiculous language and backside insert and weird manual text. WHY? We will never know....unless someone from that damned company explains it all. Until then, too much of a hoax and too much of a TEST piece to garner just buying MANUAL and INSERT for $10,000.


Dumbest investment ever= NEO GEO HOME GAMES THAT ARE SAME ON ALTERNATE COUNTRY SYSTEMS THAT COST $$$$$ MORE than their counterparts.

[Devilredeemed]

going back to a post about print runs - US metal slug 1 had probably a way bigger print run than just 100. I even found a 'legit' one in the wild (extremely lucky for me).

the thing is metal slug - as well as other highly sought after games (kof 96 US, RB2 US, SS4 US, Kizuna Encounter US) - was released in '96, a year which saw very limited runs of games. Was this due to a financial slump? lack of demand? probably. But this was the year when many of the most sought after games where produced.

I find it bizzare that SNKP will not shed any light whatsoever on this the Euro Kizuna situation. Why?

I find unreleased neo protos way more interesting than this - the ghostlop proto which was bought and subsequently sold to the group of people who would make copies of it, was sold for 3,500 dollars. I think that was a FAR better way to spend money.

[DreamTR]

Just to clarify, that Kizuna Encounter was not a USA release, just a supposed European release after Fu'Un Super Tag Battle was released in Japan in December of that year. The print runs that year are only 500 on those games if I am not mistaken, first Metal Slug had at least 500 also. KOF 96 is not tough to find, I would even say 97 English is tougher at times...but Real Bout 2 English cane be pain. My theory is that they just did not sell, 1996 was an off year, and the possibly of revelaing an English copy of Fu'Un was pulled when they relaized it just would not do well...but SNK Playmore is the only company that can shed the light on all of these releases. It is the only system where we are kept in the dark about a few certain games, and it does not seem likely we will know anytime soon unless SNK playmore can honestly gauge that it was/is/did come out.

[D-Lite]

for MVS kits, Kizuna is only considered medium rare, Bang Bead and Pleasure Gaol MVS kits cost upward of $500, if you can find one.

MUCH easier to find Bang Bead and Pleasure Goal than a Kizuna kit.

Rarest MVS kits (and lot of this info based on chats with Simone (FTL at NG.com, easily the best MVS kit "locator"):

Kizuna
Ninja Masters
Magical Drop 3
Breaker's Revenge
Waku Waku 7 (probably $300-400)

You post a complete, matching kit of any of those and you'll be able to get minimum $400. Yeah, some people think the price is high, and sure, it is, but you'll have no fewer than 3 people willing to pay $400 easily within 1 hour of posting that.

[orrimarrko]

God I love the drama of the Neo!

Fact is, there are 3 "confirmed" EURO Kizunas in existence. Does this mean that there aren't more out there? Of course not.

There is (at present), a way to identify if the game, manual and label are legitimate. Don't ask me what they are, but I know that Shawn and Simone know exactly what they're looking for.

Since Shawn's had one for quite sometime, and I would believe that he is one of the world's foremost Neo experts, I would believe him. If he says it's genuine, it is.

As for the price - it's all relative. If someone believes that its worth it - fine. I think that paying $5000 for a Gold NWC cart is nutso, but there are those who would do it if they could.

Fact is, the lower the supply, and the higher the demand for a game, the more that people will try to get for it.

The $10K price was something that has been in the discussion phase at the ng forum for well over a year. Personally, I think that there are others who have legitimate Kizunas, that are just waiting to see what's going to happen with all of this.

So - no print run of 3 or whatever - that's just silly. There most definitely was a small run of these, and they don't print anymore if the sales figures don't warrant it. Neo was funny that way.

Much like the other Gold NWC carts that were made - some have been located, and others have "just vanished from the face of the Earth..."

Ramble on...

[Ze_ro]

You know, for only $1000, I could get you a Japanese copy of the game and beat you in the head with a crowbar until you think it's the European version. It'll save you a lot of money.

I can understand some games being incredibly valuable and all, but there's so much more you can do with $10,000 that it isn't even funny. Hell, my car isn't even worth half of that.

And considering the possibility of forgery is always there, I can't imagine being so hardcore as to even consider buying this. With a minimum price of $10,000, you could easily make a bootleg copy that was 99.9% exact and still make thousands of dollars worth of profit off of this.

--Zero

[SoulBlazer]

My question is -- what if you just want to PLAY the game, and not spend a fortune to own it? Download the ROM for a emulator?

[D-Lite]

My question is -- what if you just want to PLAY the game, and not spend a fortune to own it? Download the ROM for a emulator?

Like I was saying earlier, you can easily find a loose MVS Kizuna cart for $50-70

And to comment on the Drama at Neo-Geo.com, I think it's entertaining. A lot of passionate people.

But don't talk about ROMs over there. Instant teh banned...... Big difference from this site.

[DreamTR]

Difference with an NWC is that there really arent very many of them, it was a timed contest cart used at the actual Nintendo World Championships, and in terms of pop culture, that whole ordeal was when Nintendo was at its' peak in popularity.

Kizuna Encounter is a bad game, that can be had for $600 in Japan. Same game will play in English on your NEo, or loose MVS cart for $50.


There are more Japanese Kizunas and MVS carts than there are NWCs, and this whole thing still involves a sticker, manual, and insert. $10,000 is an idiot's ransom.

I would sell that thing for the first $5K i could get from someone dumb enough to buy it.

[SegaAges]

If I wanted a Neo Geo MVS (since the games are way cheaper than aes from my understanding), would I have to do some special stuff to get it to run on my tv?

[D-Lite]

If I wanted a Neo Geo MVS (since the games are way cheaper than aes from my understanding), would I have to do some special stuff to get it to run on my tv?

Yes, several options, all total about $300+ though.

1. AES system w/Phantom-1 converter: $150+$200 or so

2. MVS board (1, 2, 4, or 6 slot) with a supergun: $300-400

3. Consolized MVS system (MVS board with built-in supergun): minimum $400

Many NG gamers will tell you it's definitely worth the higher entry price since the games are so much cheaper

You could always get a cabinet, but that ain't cheap, nor is it small

[orrimarrko]

I got my MVS six slot behemoth for $700. I drove to San Antonio and put it in the back of my Rodeo.

It's very big, and VERY heavy, but totally worth it.

I only buy complete (preferably NEW) MVS kits, and have about 10 of them.

As they are the ACTUAL arcade games in their original form, it's like having different arcade cabs at my house.

I have not paid more than $95 for any kit (including shipping) and that was for Neo Turf Masters, which is a LOT of fun. Even my Metal Slug X kit was only $92.

If you want NEO, and have a tight budget, go with the MVS route. If you care abuot bootlegs, be careful where you buy them. If you have the space, get a NEO-cab. If not, a Supergun with 1, 2, 4 or 6 slot MVS board will allow you to play them on your TV.

So many knock the NEO. I'm not a fanboy or fanatic, but I have a HELL of a lot of fun with it, and so do my guests.

Bust-A-Move is a favorite for the ladies... LOL

[SegaAges]

i know little to nothing about neo geo. what is a supergun?

[D-Lite]

i know little to nothing about neo geo. what is a supergun?

Here's the "definition" from the Neo Geo Glossary:



Supergun
A Super Gun is a mini-arcade system, usually used for home use on a television (like a home console system). Essentially, a Super Gun contains the insides of a standard arcade videogame cabinet shoved into one neat little box. There are several different "brand name" Super Guns out there, including the MAS SuperNova, and the GW HGA (see separate listings). People with technical expertise have created their own Super Guns. Essentially it plugs in a JAMMA board and some controllers and gives the user the ability to plug it into a TV. An option for a person who wants the cheaper games via MVS, but does not want to spring for a full-size cabinet. Also known as a 'JAMMA Test Rig.'

[crashdummycow01]

if i ever found a copy of this game for really cheap... i would buy it... then post pics on their site... then have like a maybe 48 hour countdown... then when the clock hits 0 i would turn on a web cam and video tape myself smashing the shit out of it with a hammer.. then i'd post it on their site and watch them go crazy... and at the same time the value of the ones out there would jump slightly higher... causing them to have to pay even more for a copy if they ever find it......... damn i'm evil, jk

[tholly]

You could always get a cabinet, but that ain't cheap, nor is it small

its not as bad as you would think if you look around you can find some great deals on near mint cabs....i picked up my 4 slot with 4 games for $350. you just have to call around any numbers you find in the yellow pages that you might think would have a Neo Cab. also, ask around at video game stores and see if the workers know anyone that buys arcade cabs and see if you can get in touch with them for some phone numbers


as for this whole $10,000 for a game....if i had the money to spend on that game, i would. but i dont now, and chances are i probably will never have that much money just to spend on some plastic, paper, and circuit boards. if the opportunity arrises and i had the money, i would pick this game up though

[Ed Oscuro]

as for this whole $10,000 for a game....if i had the money to spend on that game, i would.
Once upon a time I thought that as well.

Then reality set in.

I work for every dollar I make, and I put a lot of effort into my job. I have enough trouble as it is rationalizing $250+ for old Sega consoles and "must have" titles across the board.

First off, I'd get Ninja Master's [sic], the Japanese version that is, before Fu'un Super Tag Battle. I like the main pair of characters from the game (Rosa and whatever that fellow's name is) but the rest of them are just crap. It's odd how there's moments of brilliance (the ravens flying cutscene for example) and then they heave a load of shit like the clown on roller skates. Like one reviewer said of the cast -- "they got ahold of everybody they could find in the women's changing room at J.C. Penney's."

Secondly, $10,000 is a HELL of a lot of money. That's not quite as much as I've got in stocks right now, but that's still a LOT of money. Tying my money up in a single cart I couldn't be truly proud to own is foolish -- there's always a chance that somebody will find a crate or two full of them tomorrow.

The guy who found his copy and sold it deserves some congrats.

If I found one of these carts, I'd keep it (but if I had my back up against the wall and needed some money it would be one of the first things I'd sell). I just don't see myself throwing down a huge wad of cash for it, now or ever.

I'll let somebody else compile the Neo Geo Rares library. For the price of this single cart I could get multiple copies of every Sharp x68000 title that I've found currently on sale that I want to buy, multiple copies of each, and have a lot left over. I would rather have one of each variation of the earliest Sega computers/home consoles and have the rest of that money left over.

It's very rare indeed when I'll say this, but this is a case when the cost of having a "treasure" outweighs the benefits. I don't see how there's a path for these games to become worth more money. It's like the Van Gogh paintings in the 1980s and the Japanese businessmen who bought them - what we're looking at is a hardcore group that will pay whatever it takes to buy these, without paying any heed for the logistics of the situation and without having any rationale for what their worth will be in the future. People should always look at their purchases as if they're a corporation - will my assets appreciate in value over time? I think there's a strong possibility that the market value of Euro Kizuna Encounter carts will fall a good deal, and that right there is enough to scare anybody off. There's a good chance they'll stay stable in value, but I don't see anybody going out on a limb to try to bump the value upwards.

I'd also be worried about somebody breaking into your house.

[Ed Oscuro]

if i ever found a copy of this game for really cheap... i would buy it... then post pics on their site... then have like a maybe 48 hour countdown... then when the clock hits 0 i would turn on a web cam and video tape myself smashing the shit out of it with a hammer..
Dude, it's funny, but the thought crossed my mind as well, except my scenario was that I won the lottery (that I never buy tickets for, even!), buy the cart, and then burn it.

[tholly]

if i ever found a copy of this game for really cheap... i would buy it... then post pics on their site... then have like a maybe 48 hour countdown... then when the clock hits 0 i would turn on a web cam and video tape myself smashing the shit out of it with a hammer..
Dude, it's funny, but the thought crossed my mind as well, except my scenario was that I won the lottery (that I never buy tickets for, even!), buy the cart, and then burn it.

if you did such a thing and posted it on ng.com, you might get some angry people showing up at your house as well as causing some people to have heart attacks.....but it would be extremely funny, yet a waste of possibly earning $10,000 for a cart that you found for nothing in the wild.

[crashdummycow01]

yea i'm sure psycho Neo Geo fan would hunt me down and kill me... they seem crazy enough to do it... also i just noticed ur 4 Dew points away from being able to get the Green Xbox... congrats.. any clue on how much money u spent all together? j/w

[tholly]

yea i'm sure psycho Neo Geo fan would hunt me down and kill me... they seem crazy enough to do it... also i just noticed ur 4 Dew points away from being able to get the Green Xbox... congrats.. any clue on how much money u spent all together? j/w


I spent a grand total of $0.00. That's right....nothing. At my college's cafe they have the fountain cups on meal exchange so me and everyone I could get got 500+ fountain cups for me. I also got a bunch of bottle caps from people, my mom bought me some cases of soda to bring back to school, and a DP member sent me a 3 point code that they weren't going to use. The whole thing took me less than 4 weeks, which I am very amazed by, I thought it would take a lot longer.

[vincewy]

My NG collection is comprised of both US and Jp games, but they're identical internally on a given AES system, I know many out there collect only one version, that's just insane. Usually, US versions of a given game is worth more except pretty much all early non-fighters before 1994 such as Viewpoint, Ninja Commando, Andro Dunos, Nam 75.

Most of my US games came from purchases before internet age, but I have no plan of replacing them with Japanese AES as I'll have hard time finding another in prestine condition, plus I have to watch out for fakes of expensive titles even in Japanese game stores, kind of scary when !Arcade! can produce professoinal quality inserts, cart sticker, and manual. Lucky for me, I got all earlier games before !Arcade! came out and stick to new games at release from reputable online stores like NCS.

[anagrama]

And I only thought that three of these have turned up? Oh well, hehe, and to think, less 2600 Air Raids are known to exist now.


I'm not too clued into the Neo scene, so I may be wrong here, but there were the 3 confirmed Kizuna's, and there's another 2 that the infamous Adol apparantly sold back in the late '90's. It's all in one of the long Kizuna threads at ng.com.

[anagrama]

Also, one theory I remember hearing about the tiny print run is that back in '96, NG sales were at their lowest ever point, and Kizuna was supposed to be 'released' on the same day as a much bigger profile title (one of the Samurai Showdowns perhaps?), so any hardcore fans would have probably plamped for that instead.
The theory is that of the 500 or so produced, only pre-orders were filled, and the rest returned to Japan to be re-labelled and sold on their still-thriving domestic market instead.
Just a theory, mind, but it kinda makes sense to a non-Neo-scenester like myself.