It’s interesting that in the year the Neo Geo console and its cartridges are making somewhat of a comeback, complete with rather high prices (although nothing in comparison to the cost in the 90s), the Evercade is pumping out multiple games on cartridges for a fraction of the price.

And here we have the fourth cartridge: Neo Geo Arcade 4. For fans, it’s another absolutely essential collection, though I’m still sad that Neo Turf Masters has yet to make the cut on a Neo Geo Evercade cartridge.

However, we have a good selection of 8 games here, with a nice amount of variety too.

Wrestling game 3 Count Bout has some great presentation, impressively chunky sprites and mechanics which make it feel different to a normal fighting game.

Baseball Stars 2 is a fan favourite, but it wasn’t for me; I do understand its appeal, and its presentation is superb, but I just couldn’t get myself interested in playing baseball.

Blazing Star is a fantastic shoot ’em up with a great selection of power ups and very addictive gameplay.

I always enjoyed the clever, 2-line battles in Fatal Fury Special, as it really adds a layer of strategy to what otherwise would feel like a solid, arguably unremarkable, fighting game.

Unremarkable that is apart from the gorgeous sprites and pixel art in general, which are fantastic.

King of the Monsters is basically kaiju wrestling, and it’s so much fun. I’ve always been a big fan, and I love the use of the environment as well as the sheer diversity in its cast of bizarre, giant creatures.

Metal Slug 4 is more of the same run and gun action that’ll be familiar to fans of the series. Yet when Metal Slug is this good, who cares if it isn’t particularly innovative? There’s so much fast paced, explosive fun to be had here, and I’ve enjoyed every second of playing it again!

Robo Army is another of my favourite games on this cartridge; a scrolling beat ’em up with some really cool features, and typically big sprites. Never heard of it before, and glad to have it here!

Finally, 3v3 fighting game The King of Fighters 2002 is here too. A massive roster, a great suite of options, deep fighting mechanics and timelessly great pixel art make this an unmissable experience for Neo Geo fans.

Every game can be played by 2 players simultaneously (on Evercade VS or Alpha, of course), and this does elevate the experience for each title too.

All in all then, another phenomenal Neo Geo arcade compilation. And for the cost of 1/4 of what a single one of the upcoming Neo Geo console games will cost too. Blaze are onto a real winner with these Neo Geo Evercade cartridges; it’s a great time to be a retro gaming fan for sure.

You can buy Neo Geo Arcade 4 from Amazon.

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