The Neo Geo Pocket thread of clicky stick appreciation

[Goddo Hando]

I had a black and white NGP with only two games--- Baseball Stars and Neo Geo Cup 98

Played a shit load of those games, really looking forward to the Pocket Analogue to relive them again

 

[fiendcode]

SNK needs to do a NGPC Classic dedicated handheld. They own most of the good games already and it probably wouldn't be too tough to license the others from Sega, Capcom, Success, Taito, Namco, etc given most of them are already doing it for other dedicated mini consoles. I also really want SNK or Hamster to do an emulated NGPC retro line or collection on the consoles+PC.

It's really too bad Aruze killed the platform overseas so quick. Not only did it prematurely stop localizations (Ogre Battle 😭) but it also made the one western dev SNK had signed pull out (Midway).

 

[Maligna]

Got mine when they were on Clearance at Toys R Us.

I love Cardfighters Clash so much. I should break it out and play it again.

 

[Vinegar Joe]

It's really too bad Aruze killed the platform overseas so quick. Not only did it prematurely stop localizations (Ogre Battle 😭) but it also made the one western dev SNK had signed pull out (Midway).

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That's interesting, I wonder what Mortal Kombat would have looked like on the NGPC? Would they have used the same art style as the other fighters on the system or done their own thing?

I've got Ogre Battle but it is virtually unplayable without knowing Japanese :(

 

[tzare]

Best dpad ever on a portable or a pad.
And SNK vs Capcom still the best fighter on a portable

 

[fiendcode]

That's interesting, I wonder what Mortal Kombat would have looked like on the NGPC? Would they have used the same art style as the other fighters on the system or done their own thing?

I've got Ogre Battle but it is virtually unplayable without knowing Japanese :(

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No one knows but they apparently had Mortal Kombat, NFL Blitz, NBA Hangtime and Army Men titles planned for the system.

NGPC was also beating SNK's (modest) sales targets in the west so Aruze's decision to quickly kill the platform wasn't commercially based. I'm pretty sure we'd have seen Ogre Battle Gaiden, Card Fighters Clash 2, Rockman Battle Fighters and some others localized too if not for that.

 

[Tigerfog]

I'd be interested in getting a Neo Geo Pocket for the day someone will develop a full-sized backlit LCD screen for it.
For now, there are mods for a backlit screen, but the screen size's smaller and its bezel are kinda noticeable.

 

[mockingbird]

Probably my favorite handheld ever for fighters. The Match of the Millenium is still my favorite handheld fighter. The Click stick needs to come back.

 

[flak57]

The mandate for the NGPC game seems to have been simple - 'make Sonic 2 but with new levels'. And they nailed it. The GBA games over complicate things and and they are worse for it. Whoever made the decision to keep it simple clearly didn't make the jump.

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I've had fans get a bit agitated at me liking SPA more than the Genesis games, tying it to Dimps games is something you'd see.

The puzzle piece collecting aspect is what struck a chord with me, especially in the Casino Night remixes since they were like huge vertical/horizontal obstacle courses that you could basically platform around freely searching for them.

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I played Sonic Advance not long later and ditched it part way through.

 

[krae_man]

Pocket Turf Masters was 100x easier to hole approach shots. With the arcade version EVERYTHING bounced off the flag and always pissed me off.

 

[xir]

Faselei

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OP is a good person Such an amazing game.

Really hope JeremyParish gets analog nt pocket and continues his quest to show the world portable games are good.

(my avatar is from a NGPC game, Ganbare Neo Poke Kun a very weird spin on the history of games, maybe a bit like Wario Ware? and a tamagotchi)

Been obsessed with this Nige-Ron-Pa RPG that seems to cost $1k and a shoddy fan translation was attempted

 

[JeremyParish]

Really hope JeremyParish gets analog nt pocket and continues his quest to show the world portable games are good.

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I've recently hunted down the JP versions of all but one of the B&W games, as well as about a third of the U.S. releases, and the Limited Run Games guys have offered to lend me their collections....

 

[El Pescado]

I've recently hunted down the JP versions of all but one of the B&W games, as well as about a third of the U.S. releases, and the Limited Run Games guys have offered to lend me their collections....

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As much as I want GameBoy Works to reach Metal Gear: Ghost Babel I am very excited for the idea that NGPC Works is on the way beforehand.

 

[Vinegar Joe]

Best dpad ever on a portable or a pad.
And SNK vs Capcom still the best fighter on a portable

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Hesrightyouknow.jpg

ACA and other ports don't count for reasons.

I'd be interested in getting a Neo Geo Pocket for the day someone will develop a full-sized backlit LCD screen for it.
For now, there are mods for a backlit screen, but the screen size's smaller and its bezel are kinda noticeable.

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An, I was worried about the screen size, that's a pity :(

(my avatar is from a NGPC game, Ganbare Neo Poke Kun a very weird spin on the history of games, maybe a bit like Wario Ware? and a tamagotchi)

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Always wanted to try Neo Pole Kun but never got around to it, and now it is quite pricey :(

Looks like such a cool and unique game.

Not getting a copy is easily my biggest NGPC related regret...well, that and maybe not realising Cotton even existed until it was too late.

 

[xir]

I've recently hunted down the JP versions of all but one of the B&W games, as well as about a third of the U.S. releases, and the Limited Run Games guys have offered to lend me their collections....

Click to shrink...

Can't wait for the crossover episodes with the dreamcast link cable!!

It's a really good system, outside of Dive Alert I don't think there are any real awful games, maybe just simple ones, and the stand outs are amazing considering. Do the limited run guys have a complete japanese release? Nige-ron-pa in particular? ha

I imported the Ogre Battle game back in the day but didn't get far, but was always curious about the ones that stayed closer to the original and the n64 style.

 

[SonicRift]

I bought a Neo Geo Pocket Color with Match of the Millennium and Card Fighters Clash on my 16th birthday before going to see Final Destination at my local dirt mall. I vividly remember that day. I was so totally amazed by the graphics on this portable compared to GBC. I only managed to pick up one more game, Metal Slug 2nd Mission, before the system and games disappeared from store shelves.

My NGPC unfortunately has a gouge in the screen lens, so I'm really hoping I can get my hands on the Analogue Pocket when that's out.

I still love Match of the Millennium and launch it on the Raspberry Pi regularly.

 

[BigHatPaul]

When I was in High School one of my friends found one in the garbage with SNK vs Capcom in it. Mint condition. Couldn't believe it. Fell in love with that little console when I got to play it.

 

[Vinegar Joe]

Found an interesting article about Puzzle Link 2 and how just a few simple game mechanics create a pretty cool risk/reward system:

https://thegemsbok.com/art-reviews-and-articles/mid-week-mission-puzzle-link-2-yumekobo/

I really enjoyed this game (from the same people who bought us Blazing Star obviously) but after booting it up yesterday I realise I'm still missing a few cards!

 

[xir]

also, Card fighter clash's recycling system to get new cards by trashing old ones was pretty good if i remember correctly

 

[Vinegar Joe]

I just bought a copy of CFC Capcom to go along with my SNK version because I'm weak and need an excuse to play it again.

And also Dark Arms. And Pocket Tennis.

 

[Mg.]

Man if only there was a way to replace every D-pad in the world with this godlike clicky stick.

My collection isn't too impressive, with perhaps my best catch being Ganbare Neo Pokekun. Still though, after all these years, this itch to search for more games occurs. Densha De Go is one I'd still like to add to the collection.

 

[Rolento]

I need to get mine out sometime and play it. I miss it.

Been on my mind since I'm considering making a Card Fighters Clash style game

 

[super moustique]

I own one! Bought it on my first trip to Japan :P

I only have three games though: Neo Turf Masters, Samsho 2 and Dark Arms.

It also has an exclusive Ogre Battle game but I'm not sure how good it is (JP exclusive).

 

[Velocity:Design:Comfort]

What's the cheapest these go for now?

 

[Memory Pak]

Bought into one of these just this year on a whim, despite not being into fighting games much. Unfortunately it's tough finding games for in my area. That said, almost everything I've played on it has been quality:
- King of Fighters R-2 is a really solid fighter with team- and solo modes. Lots of characters.
- Samurai Shodown! 2 is the best game I have for this system. Amazing game and really opened my eyes to why fighting games are cool.
- Fatal Fury First Contact is the least interesting fighter of these three I've played. Solid, but less characters, no team mode, grating music
- Neo Turf Masters Pocket is a superb handheld golf game. Compares very favourably to its competitors on WonderSwan/Game Boy.

Right now I'm playing Card Fighters Clash, but to be honest I'm not feeling the hype yet. I'm not really sure what the point is yet, do I just need to beat everyone I find? Collect everything? The translation is super wonky on this one too, some cards flatout do the exact opposite of what the text says.
Hoping to wind up liking this one more as I get further into the game, because I enjoyed games like Pokémon TCG on GBC or YuGiOh on PS1 back in the day. Really expected to click with CFC faster, sadly. The core card battles are good fun, at least.

 

[Rydeen]

I first got my hands on one at a previous job in game testing, one of my co-workers brought his in and I was immediately impressed by the clicky thumbstick and the sharp LCD screen. Bought the crystal blue model and a dozen or so games not too long later. It's a great handheld, and my only issue with it is the lack of backlight and the system is almost impossible to mod for a backlight. I'm looking forward to being able to play NGPC games on the Analogue Pocket, but man that lack of thumbstick is gonna hurt. I also love the main menu music, it's such an addictive bop.

 

[xir]

was anyone on the paleface forums back in the day?

 

[Brunire]

was anyone on the paleface forums back in the day?

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I was a lurker. Loved the combo videos by Rockman Pocket.

 

[CaptSpaulding]

Card Fighters Clash alone justified the NGPC. Still bummed that the DS version was such a disaster.

 

[TechMetalRules]

I've had fans get a bit agitated at me liking SPA more than the Genesis games, tying it to Dimps games is something you'd see.

The puzzle piece collecting aspect is what struck a chord with me, especially in the Casino Night remixes since they were like huge vertical/horizontal obstacle courses that you could basically platform around freely searching for them.



I played Sonic Advance not long later and ditched it part way through.

Click to shrink...

Wow... I love the look of this and can't believe I've never seen it before! There's something very aesthetically pleasing about the simplicity of Sonic's sprite.

My buddy had a Neo Geo Pocket in high school, but he didn't have Sonic.

 

[EnglandPrevails]

Loved that stick and loved that system. I played so much Cardfighter Clash till a friend accidentally deleted my save ( which was very easy to do )

 

[dadjumper]

I got way into this thing a couple of years back. I have two, one that I modded with a GBASP frontlight (it kinda worked, though it looks a bit wonky) and one without.
I have these games:
Faselei!
both Metal Slugs
KoF R-2
Card Fighters: SNK
SamSho! 1&2
Capcom vs SNK
The Last Blade

They're all fantastic games. Probably gonna pick up one of them Analogue Pockets for the NGPC support.

 

[Nano-Nandy]

Always wanted one, but couldn't.
At least Pocket Rumble on Switch satiated some of that. XD

 

[xir]

holy shit, just got an SNK press release that
"Super excited to share the news below. SNK is announcing that gamers who will be pre-ordering the Switch version of Samurai Shodown will be treated to Samurai Shodown 2, the neo-geo pocket version of the game, sure to please all retro gaming fans out there."

is this the first time a ngpc game has been officially re-released or ported???

edit: timestamped trailer to show it!!

 

[Survivortype]

My friend had two of these when we were kids. The black and white one and the colour screen one. His dad got rid of all his gaming stuff when he moved out.

So sad I didn't buy it off of him before that happened!!!

 

[El Pescado]

This thread had me feeling nostalgic so I took a pic for my Instagram



I need to get that Samurai Shodown 2! NGPC port on my Switch ASAP. Ha ha

 

[Celine]

A few photos/scans about Neo Geo Pocket.

E3 2000:

SNK booth babe:

TGS 2001:

Funny Snk vs Capcom Card Fighter print ad:

The unnamed is back (and what a great adventure it was):

 

[Celine]

OP is a good person Such an amazing game.

Really hope JeremyParish gets analog nt pocket and continues his quest to show the world portable games are good.

(my avatar is from a NGPC game, Ganbare Neo Poke Kun a very weird spin on the history of games, maybe a bit like Wario Ware? and a tamagotchi)

Been obsessed with this Nige-Ron-Pa RPG that seems to cost $1k and a shoddy fan translation was attempted

Click to shrink...

Nige Ron Pa print ad:

Ogre Battle Gaiden print ad:

 

[Brunire]

Awesome scans! Hits me right in the feels.

 

[sixteen-bit]

 

[sweetmini]

Puzzle bubble on the NGPC was a great port as well :)
I loooooooooooooooved the clickity clickity stick.

My sole regret for the system is that we didn't get the Magician Lord 2.

 

[Celine]

Puzzle bubble on the NGPC was a great port as well :)
I loooooooooooooooved the clickity clickity stick.

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Bubbles were a bit too small for me and I always had trouble to distinguish green bubbles from yellow bubbles when not in optimal lightening conditions.
Magical Drop Pocket wisely had a symbol within the sphere to set them apart other than color.

 

[xir]

My sole regret for the system is that we didn't get the Magician Lord 2.

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ha ive watched this beta stuff a bunch too. too bad dark arms was so meh

 

[Celine]

Wow, in term of fluidity Densha de Go! 2 for NGP smokes the respective version on GBC and WS.
It's so smooth compared the other handheld versions that I'm wondering if there is some sort of software sprite scaling in place or if the game just throw a lot of different sized sprites on the screen.
Really impressive.

 

[Vinegar Joe]

This thread had me feeling nostalgic so I took a pic for my Instagram



I need to get that Samurai Shodown 2! NGPC port on my Switch ASAP. Ha ha

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That's awesome! Really jealous of Cotton. I'd love to get my hands on just the cart TBH.

Wow, in term of fluidity Densha de Go! 2 for NGP smokes the respective version on GBC and WS.
It's so smooth compared the other handheld versions that I'm wondering if there is some sort of software sprite scaling in place or if the game just throw a lot of different sized sprites on the screen.
Really impressive.

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Yeah, I couldn't believe it was running on the NGPC when I first saw it. Certainly a clever effect however they managed it.

 

[xir]

did that switch pre order bonus ever come out?

 

[Celine]

did that switch pre order bonus ever come out?

Click to shrink...

 

[Legacy]

Samurai Showdown 2 on the pocket was legendary and is still one of my favourite fighting games

 

[FanceeLadd]

Man, I traded for one online that came with a pretty sizeable collection of games, kept it for about a year, and then sold it off along with literally every other system I had in the wake of the 2008 recession. I kept my family fed... but at a terrible cost.

 

[RPTGB]

Owned one of the b/w original models of this wonderful little machine, just been on eBay to see what my K.O.F cart would be worth now, if I still had it...
....fuuuuuuuuuckkkkk.