Star Tech Journal

Issue: 1991-August - Vol 13 Issue 6

Prince's Corner
Donald B. Prince
D&RMusic
Bozeman. Montana
Evaluating ~NK's NEO•GEO
Conversion Kit System.
Video Games sure have come along wayfrom the
fzrst games. X-Y monitors have been replaced by
raster-scan monitors. Linear power supplies
have been replaced by switch-mode power sup-
plies with standard voltages of 5vdc, 12vdc, and
-5vdc. Wiring has become standardized (JAM.MA
harness} and color coded. Even lighting has be-
come a standard 15" fluorescent lamp.
All these improvements have one thing in com-
mon, standardization. Standardization has
made it practical to have a standard test bench
(JAMMA compatible} rather than a test benchfor
each type of game. It has also made modular
changes possible.
vs SYSTEM
Nintendo tried a universal type system with it's
VS Unisystem. where you could change from one
game to another by a chip change, a header (or
marquee) change, and possibly a front panel
change. This system has made these games
valuable (in certain locations) even today. Unfor-
tunately, the technology grew and the graphics
became so-so in light of the new.
(Nintendo) and it's limited game selection, don't
let that turn you off from exploring the
NEO•GEO. SNK has taken steps to insure the
NEO•GEO will be profitable now and in the
future.
TmEs
According to Canadian Coin Box's game poll, as
of April '91, NEO•GEO is still in the top 10 in
Canada. In America, Replay Magazine's "The
Players Choice" section (May '91), lists seven of
fifteen possible NEO•GEO titles in their Top 25,
under the heading best software. Four titles
have been on the charts for 5-7 months (good
indicator oflong range profitability). and three
recent released titles ( 1-2 months on the charts)
are in the top ten. including the number 2 and 3
spots (good indicator of high profits on initial
investment). Refer to the list at the end of this
article for game titles.
SNK Corp, puts out three dedicated NEO•GEO
video systems: 6 game/2 player, 4 game/2
player, and 2 game/2 player. They also licensed
Roms tar to put out a JAMMA compatible conver-
sion system with one game title, 2 players.
NEO•GEO
SNK Corp. introduced it's version of systematic
video games (NEO•GEO) in 1990 and has taken
the systematic approach to it's next logical step,
games in a cartridge. A convenience adapted
from the home video market. If you were un-
happy with the longevity of the VS Unisystem
CONVERSIONS
Changing games is as easy as turning off the
game, replace the game cartridge, replace the
marquee title card, and tum the game back on.
The advantage the NEO•GEO has over the
Nintendo VS Unisystem is in having a universal
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Be sure you select your conversion cabinet first before
ordering, so you can select the right size front panel.
There are 7 front panel sizes to choose from!
front panel (standardization a big advantage), no
new overlays or button changes. You also don't
have to take the board out to change games, like
the Nintendo Unisystem (if you put the board in
the cabinet in a good location). The marquee is
easy to change, Just unscrew and change title
cards. All done on location and can be done by
non-technical personnel. Now for the likes and
dislikes.
PROS
The good news first. • I liked the stereo sound
and the idea of a personal headphone Jack. Any
location that doesn't want to hear the attract
sounds would love this feature too. • I like the
universal front panel and the plexi top. Be sure
you select your conversion cabinet first before
ordering. so you can select the right size front
panel. (There are 7 front panel sizes to choose
from.) This will avoid having to redrill a new front
panel using the plexi as a guide. • I liked the
software accounting and diagnostics. as well as
the how-to-play on screen help (also comes with
how-to-play cards for the bezel or front panel).•
I also liked the ease of changing games. and the
many titles.
CONS
Now for the dislikes. • I didn't think the marquee
L.E.D. harnesses were long enough to accommo-
date a tall cabinet (I guess that's being worked
out).• I didn't like that the headphone output is
not short-protected, I can just see someone
sticking a paper clip in the headphone Jack and
taking out the audio. (This can be avoided by
adding a protection circuit or fuse of your own,
though.) • I would also like a protective plexi that
can be replaced if burned by smokers. On
NEO•GEO. the universal plexi would be more
expensive to replace than standard plexi you can
get anywhere.
In summary I'd like to say this is a pretty
complete system. It's simple, simple, and
simple. Simple to change game cartridges, no
harder to convert than any other conversion kit,
and lots of top money making games to choose
from. This system will be around for years to
come, without becoming obsolete. With it's 16
bit processing, 64 mega-byte memory, 3D scroll-
ing background, and low cost software cartridge
(around $400), this system will endure. The
bottom line looks good for the NEO•GEO system.
1) Nam-1975
2) Magician Lord
3) Top Player's Golf
4) The Super Spy
5) Cyber Lip
6) Ninja Combat
7) League Bowling
8) Baseball Stars
9) Riding Hero
10) Blues Journey
11) Sengoku*
12) Alpha Mission II*
13) Ghost Pilots•
14) Burning Fight*
15) King of the Monsters•
• Notes new release

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