TECHMASH

Tag: #NeoGeo

  • Get Ready for ‘Arcadevania’: Naula Studio Reveals Neo Geo Action Platformer Necro Pop

    Get Ready for ‘Arcadevania’: Naula Studio Reveals Neo Geo Action Platformer Necro Pop

    Retro gaming fans and modern platforming aficionados, take note! Independent developer Naula Studio has officially announced Necro Pop, an exciting new title that bridges the nostalgic golden age of arcade hardware with modern gaming convenience.

    Described by the developers as an “Arcadevania,” Necro Pop seamlessly blends the pick-up-and-play, high-octane action of classic 16-bit arcade games with deep dungeon exploration, unlockable character abilities, and highly replayable challenges.

    The headline twist? Necro Pop has been built from the ground up specifically for SNK’s legendary Neo Geo MVS arcade board and AES home console. However, modern gamers won’t be left in the dark—the game is also slated for a digital release across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam in 2027.

    Step Into the Land of Ghostreach

    In Necro Pop, players take control of Poppi, a spirited ghost fighting to save her world. An insidious dark corruption called The Gloam has spread across the realm of Ghostreach, capturing friendly spirits along the way.

    Everything changes when Poppi stumbles upon an ancient amulet that bestows her with a corporeal form. Armed with newly acquired physical abilities and magic, Poppi embarks on an action-packed quest to beat back The Gloam, navigate treacherous dungeons, and rescue her spectral companions.

    What Exactly Is an “Arcadevania”?

    Unlike traditional Metroidvanias, which can sometimes emphasise slow pacing and complex backtracking, Naula Studio’s self-titled “Arcadevania” genre focuses on speed, fluidity, and player agency.

    Necro Pop boasts a variety of combat and traversal mechanics:

    • Dynamic Combat: Slice away with sword strikes, charge up powerful heavy attacks, or cast destructive spells like fireballs.
    • Creative Movement: Navigate environments in style—blow bubbles to reach higher ground, master pogo jumps on top of enemies, or combine movement skills on the fly.
    • Minions & Magic: Call upon mysterious helper minions to turn the tide of battle.
    • Secrets & Progression: Free trapped ghostly NPCs who will share forgotten lore, grant game-changing powers, or unlock secret areas throughout Ghostreach.

    Built for 16-Bit Royalty

    For hardware enthusiasts, Necro Pop is a love letter to original arcade technology. Developing directly on the classic Neo Geo MVS/AES architecture allows Naula Studio to push vibrant, cartoon-inspired pixel art that feels straight out of nineties arcade cabinets, while utilising full sprite capabilities to create fluid animations and expressive boss encounters.

    For retro collectors, physical Neo Geo cartridges are set to ship alongside the digital releases, bringing authentic cartridge-based gaming back to life.

    Play the Demo Now!

    Can’t wait until 2027 to try it out? You don’t have to! Naula Studio has released a free playable demo on Steam, allowing PC players to experience the entire third level of the game right now. Additionally, attendees at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show will get a hands-on chance to play the game on the show floor.

    Whether you’re a retro cartridge collector or a modern indie enthusiast, Necro Pop is shaping up to be a standout addition to the action-platformer scene.

    Find out more here

    #NecroPop #Arcadevania #NaulaStudio #NeoGeo #IndieGames #RetroGaming #GamingNews #Steam #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #PixelArt #techmash

  • Classic Pixel Art Meets Rollback Netcode: Art of Fighting 3 R is Coming to Steam!

    Classic Pixel Art Meets Rollback Netcode: Art of Fighting 3 R is Coming to Steam!

    Fighting game fans and retro arcade purists, eat your hearts out. SNK Corporation has officially announced that THE PATH OF THE WARRIOR: ART OF FIGHTING 3 R is officially heading to PC via Steam.

    Dropping as part of SNK’s highly acclaimed NEOGEO Premium Selection label—which has been modernising classic arcade gems with top-tier features—this isn’t just a simple emulate-and-dump port. SNK is giving this 1996 masterpiece a massive glow-up.

    Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming revival of NEOGEO’s most visually stunning, distinct 2D fighter.

    What Does the “R” Stand For?

    When Art of Fighting 3 originally landed in arcades in 1996, it blew minds with its incredibly fluid, motion-captured sprite animation and unique juggle mechanics. It felt less like a traditional 2D fighter and more like a gorgeous, hybrid fighting experience.

    For this modern version, SNK reveals that the “R” stands for three distinct core concepts: Reignite, Retuned, and Revival. It is also a cheeky, well-deserved nod to the series’ iconic main characters, Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia.

    Brand New Content & Massive Gameplay Upgrades

    SNK isn’t just dusting off the old ROM. Art of Fighting 3 R is introducing sweeping changes to cater to both the nostalgic old-school crowd and the demanding modern competitive scene:

    • Two “New” Playable Fighters: In a massive twist, series icons King and Yuri Sakazaki—who were completely absent as playable characters in the original 1996 release—are making their official debut. They’ve been fully integrated with stylish new interpretations.
    • Rollback Netcode: Say goodbye to lag. SNK is implementing full rollback netcode alongside global matchmaking lobbies, making competitive online play seamless, responsive, and ready for tournament play.
    • Complete Rebalancing: Every single character on the roster has received balance adjustments to encourage deeper mind games, stronger defensive manoeuvres, and exciting offensive options.
    • Quality-of-Life Buffs: True to the NEOGEO Premium Selection standard, players can expect a completely revamped Training Mode to perfect those tight frame links, a quick-access VS Mode, Steam achievements, and a Gallery/Jukebox mode to appreciate that flawless 90s SNK pixel art and soundtrack.

    The Verdict: If you love fighting game history, pristine sprite work, or just want to catch people off guard with the game’s classic “Ultimate KO” system in smooth online matchmaking, this is one to wishlist immediately.

    While SNK has yet to announce an official release date or price point for the Steam version, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates. Grab your fight sticks, because South Town is calling again.

    Find out more here

    #ArtOfFighting3R #SNK #NEOGEO #FightingGames #FGC #SteamGaming #RetroGaming #RetroArcade #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Shadow of the Overlord: SNK Brings NINJA MASTER’S to Steam with Premium Upgrades!

    Shadow of the Overlord: SNK Brings NINJA MASTER’S to Steam with Premium Upgrades!

    Retro fighting game fans, it’s time to dust off your arcade sticks. SNK CORPORATION has officially announced that NINJA MASTER’S: The Scroll of the Ninja Emperor is making its way onto PC via Steam.

    The legendary 1996 weapon-based fighter is making its modern debut under SNK’s coveted NEOGEO Premium Selection label—a dedicated lineup curated by SNK and developed alongside emulation experts Code Mystics to give arcade classics the definitive, modern treatment they deserve.

    If you’ve been waiting to revisit the chaotic, war-torn realm of Jipangu, the wait is almost over. The game is officially available to wishlist on Steam right now for $19.99 / €19.99.

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see it in action:

    What Makes NINJA MASTER’S a Cult Classic?

    Originally hitting arcades in 1996, NINJA MASTER’S stands out as one of the most uniquely stylised and mechanically deep fighters of the NEOGEO era. Set in a dark, fantasy-infused feudal Japan, the game follows 12 fierce warriors—including historical tyrants and legendary shinobi like Sasuke, Kasumi, and the iconic bosses Ranmaru and Nobunaga—clashing for ultimate supremacy.

    The game’s defining mechanic is its seamless real-time weapon switching. At any point during a match, players can toggle between armed and unarmed combat. Pulling out your blade changes your reach, damage, and combo routes completely, demanding quick tactical adjustments mid-fight. Combined with an incredibly open-ended combo system, it remains a hidden gem that fighting game purists swear by.

    Modern Enhancements for the Fighting Game Community

    SNK isn’t just dropping a standard ROM on Steam; the NEOGEO Premium Selection edition is packed with major quality-of-life upgrades tailored for modern competitive play:

    • Rollback Netcode: Say goodbye to lag. The game features fully implemented, buttery-smooth rollback netcode for seamless online matches worldwide.
    • 9-Player Lobbies & Tournaments: Gather the crew. Online lobbies support up to nine players, complete with a built-in Tournament Mode that offers Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and League (Round Robin) formats.
    • A Robust Practice Mode: Perfect your execution with dedicated training tools, including adjustable game speeds to help you learn those intricate, multi-hit combo routes.
    • Bonus Features: Challenge yourself in Time Attack Mode, unlock unique profile icons via Steam Achievements, and browse rare character artwork and design materials in the new Gallery Mode.

    The NEOGEO Premium Selection Keeps Growing

    NINJA MASTER’S marks the latest classic to join SNK’s premium initiative, following the successful Steam releases of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 and World Heroes Perfect. It’s a fantastic era for retro preservation, ensuring these beautifully animated 2D sprites live on with the flawless online matchmaking they always deserved.

    Head over to Steam, hit that Wishlist button, and get ready to choose your style. Will you fight with the blade, or conquer with your bare fists?

    Find out more here

    #SNK #NinjaMasters #NeoGeo #RetroGaming #FGC #SteamGames #FightingGames #ClassicArcade #CodeMystics #PCGaming #TechMash

  • SNK’s Arcane Classic World Heroes Perfect Smashes Onto Steam with Rollback Netcode

    SNK’s Arcane Classic World Heroes Perfect Smashes Onto Steam with Rollback Netcode

    Retro fighting game fans, it’s time to grab your sticks. SNK CORPORATION has officially announced that WORLD HEROES PERFECT is available now on Steam.

    Originally released in 1995 as the final, definitive entry in the World Heroes series, this title has long been a cult favourite for its eccentric cast and refined mechanics. This new PC release isn’t just a simple port, though—it arrives as part of the NEOGEO Premium Selection, bringing modern bells and whistles to the 16-bit era classic.

    A “Perfect” Modern Upgrade

    The biggest draw for competitive players is the inclusion of rollback netcode. In an era where smooth online play is the gold standard, SNK has ensured that matches against players worldwide feel as responsive as local arcade play.

    Key features in the Steam version include:

    • 19 Playable Characters: The full roster is here, including series icons like Hanzou and Janne, alongside previously hidden bosses like Zeus, Son Gokuu, and NEO-DIO.
    • Enhanced Practice Mode: For those looking to “lab” their combos, the new training suite features hitbox displays and adjustable game speed.
    • Online Lobbies: Jump into 9-player lobbies that support spectating and various tournament formats (Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and Round Robin).
    • Gallery Mode: A treasure trove of classic high-definition illustrations and background music for the series’ historians.

    The Legend of World Heroes

    For the uninitiated, World Heroes Perfect takes historical figures from across time—ranging from Joan of Arc (Janne) to Rasputin—and pits them against each other to determine the strongest warrior in history.

    This final iteration introduced the Hero Gauge, allowing for “Extra Attacks” and powerful “Desperation Moves” that added a layer of tactical depth that its predecessors lacked.

    Launch Discount & Pricing

    To celebrate the launch, SNK is offering a 25% discount on Steam.

    • Current Price: £14.99 / $14.99 / €14.99 (approx.)
    • Standard RRP: £19.99 / $19.99 / €19.99
    • Promotion Ends: 8th May 2026

    Whether you’re a veteran of the NEOGEO era or a fighting game enthusiast looking to explore the roots of the genre, World Heroes Perfect is a piece of history that finally feels at home on modern hardware.

    Head over to the Steam Store page to pick up your copy today.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3822220

    #SNKCORPORATION #WORLDHEROESPERFECT #Steam #NEOGEO #arcadegames #videogames #gaming #gamers #fightinggames

  • Rage of the Dragons NEO into closed beta

    Rage of the Dragons NEO into closed beta

    The first closed beta for the Rage of the Dragons NEO game, this is the much-awaited follow-up for the original Rage of the Dragons game. This new version of the game brings back this cult game to players and fans, something that many players have been waiting for. It has all of the classic features that you might expect to find in a classic game, but it is brought together in one modern package. The closed beta of Rage of the Dragons NEO testing will start on Friday, October 11 and continue until Sunday, October 13 on Steam.

    To find out more about the Rage of the Dragons NEO game head on over to the games page on Steam here https://store.steampowered.com/app/2892130/Rage_of_the_Dragons_NEO/ or go to the official game website here https://tinyurl.com/ROTDBetaForm

    #RageoftheDragonsNEO #cultclassic #RageoftheDragons #NeoGeo #Arcade #LocalVersus #Games #Gaming #TrainingModes #OnlineModes #DragonsChallenge #QUByteInteractive