Today, SNK Playmore (which scrapes it is unclear how ...) via Tommo, proposes nothing less than a "resurrection" of the Neo Geo. A version "X" -prononcer "Cross" - because of the cross-platform between a portable version and a salon.
Here as the first available version is the Gold version, limited to 2000 copies in France. It includes the Neo Geo laptop, docking station shaped like a small classic Neo Geo console (for plugging into a TV with RCA or HDMI, but is not required for this function) and a arcade stick. This is identical to that of time.
The deal: recall the feeling of the Neo Geo 90s without breaking the bank, and extend the experience on a handheld.
For this, the console automatically integrates 20 games among the most representative of the toy library NG. Three Fatal Fury, a World Heroes, different sports, a puzzle, the run & gun ... It will not suit everyone, but I'm fine. In any case varied.
Apparently, the SD slot should now be used to add other games to buy separately. A copy is provided in this limited edition: Ninja Master's. Those who thought, rightly able to put all Roma that they play for 10 years on emulator, will be disappointed ...
On the handheld console: the ergonomics are good, well-placed buttons. The direction of the cross is a kind of faux joystick similar to the Neo Geo CD. As his model, he makes noise. Good thing for the wink, less for discretion. Do not expect to play Discretos in the marriage bed before sleeping: Lady will not like! Still, it seems solid and fill his office.
Screen side is okay ... break bricks Brightness a bit weak, no anti reflection coating. You could still expect better. Or maybe it is because smartphones and PS Vita put the bar very high on that?
Side interface is minimalist but for my part I was not expecting anything special about it. As for autonomy, it is average: about 4 hours.
Note that all sound setting or brightness will pause the game, and the speaker is feeble.
The rendering of TV disappointment. It's not a surprise to know that the best rendering is done on a CRT. On an HDTV, the RCA signal appears very disappointing, even by removing the various filters (several degrees depending on TV) and lowering the resolution. HDMI ... and you can imagine the pie ..!
The official website was useless prepare the ground on this issue, it was still entitled to imagine a picture reworked for HDMI, much like the titles released on PSN and Xbox Live Arcade.
This last point is one of the weaknesses of this pack, also let's talk in 2 points:
1) SNK merely stack the basic Roma. Why did not put a value added offering original and an enhanced version for HD TV? Of authenticity, I do not mind, but then why put HDMI output if it is just to find that it's ugly? As they say, they have done too much or not enough!
You still need to know, for comparison, we have a better result with a recent PC emulator, with many settings. Certainly this is not the official material but at the time to 200 in the case, the question arises inevitably.
2) What about other games? 20 pre-loaded games, that's good. But why not having been more or, let's be crazy not to have put all the toy library (even pay full price for the absolute collector)? As mentioned above, other games should come out in the form of SD card. But at what price? Will they sell a lot of SD cards to 40? Original cartridges imposed by, but not SD. Especially for games available free for over 10 years.
That is in any case a very risky business model ...
I have not spoken of the joystick; qu'hormi know the different logo, it is physically completely identical to its predecessor of 1990. It meets the same "clicks" at the time. The tip is this time via USB. It seems that it is compatible PS3, I have not yet had the opportunity to try [EDIT: it is!]. By cons I have not been able to run a third-party USB joystick on the console: Logitech pad, Big Ben or Hori stick, nothing was found. I will test sometimes with a Dual Shock 3 to see.
Speaking of Hori stick, I find it superior to the legendary Stick Neo Geo, who was nevertheless a reference. That's also the problem of nostalgia: the past is enhanced, but an objective comparison with this sometimes kills the memory ... In this case, the Neo Geo Stick is still very good, but the Hori stick Tekken 6 is better (larger, more accurate, heavier), and TE stick Street Fighter puts live KO. Thus.
One last thing about the finish of all: it's all good! Nothing that the box is sublime (though it imitates that of the original Neo), but also the details inside like stickers with Neo Geo logo. The handheld console is pretty, and back in striped rubber (SNK with chrome logo please!) Is a real plus for the grip. The AES console-like resort is also superb. Nothing to regret about the internal connectivity; However, we must go gently snap / unclip the mobile station.
Verdict: the primary objective of the console is reached. Neo Geo was a well in his hands and in his living room, with a refund which, a few details (tearing, signal quality ...) is similar to what was known at the time. But unless one has kept a tube TV at home, we will inevitably be frustrated with the stuff we have today with us, I am of course talking about our dear HD screens. SNK could remedy this, it was technically possible, but no ...
Should we cry foul? Not necessarily: when you see the price of used AES console (roughly 200 only), we say that this complete package is still interesting. Do not forget that, although deemed indestructible, a classic Neo Geo has now more or less 20 years, and that a stick had been King of the Monsters or 3 Count Bout is a stick that lived! There, with the NG X, we have the NEW stuff.
Regarding the interest of the mobile itself, not sure she can convince the owners of some PSP. ;)
Finally, it should be noted that having to import 200 or 230 is not a bad deal at all, judging by the strong price increases after just 15 days of marketing ..!
Good for the collector side to the nostalgia, bad for perfectible quality (it is for there to demanding enthusiasts!) And the hard return to reality. See for yourself if you see the glass half empty or half full!
As for me, the wonder of the past unpacking and cold water on 2 screens of different sizes, I already know that I will not touch it often, alas. Already the stick is less reactive that a recent controller so it's more frustrating than anything else (in the same genre, replay Alex Kidd with a pad Xbox 360, we finally do what we want with the guy!) and play in HD really hurts my heart ... Finally, and here we can not do anything, the games have aged and not a little ... You have a sacred dose of abnegation / masochism to go besides the difficulty / old injouabilité. Time and patience, that is exactly what I do not, myself nostalgic thirty ..!
However, do I regret my purchase? No, I expected all that. :) To buy this pack, it is a moment of madness, pure extra it takes to take what it is. Purists will remain on their TRUE Neo Geo, malignant p'tits on NeoRage and other pass their way.
