SNK 40th Anniversary Collection Reviews
Without a doubt, SNK 40th Anniversary is probably the strangest collection of retro and classic games I have ever spent time with. Overall, the package bounced around with me having feelings of fun, intrigue, disappointment, and confusion all at the time time.
What I hoped would be a decent collection of SNK’s early gaming efforts ended up being one of the most impressive retro compilations I’ve encountered in recent memory. While not every game included will excite more casual players, those who do have an appreciation for the library offered here will find them presented with a level of care, concern, and passion that is too rarely seen.
While I’m not sure people who aren’t either “vintage” gamers like me or folks who have an appreciation for video game history will have a great deal of incentive to pick it up, the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection delivers just about everything I could want from such a package. It provides both an opportunity to immerse yourself in the game industry and its rise through the eyes of this one revered company and to enjoy a completely arcade-accurate experience by playing these classic titles.
The SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is a must-have game on Nintendo Switch. Digital Eclipse, SNK, and NIS America have knocked this one out of the park, giving us an extended look at many of the classics that shaped up SNK during its early years. It does not feature every game, because that would require a ton of extra work and a way bigger development budget, but what is available, and what will be added on December 11, more than justify the asking price. After having a blast playing the games in this collection and marveling at the incredible museum section, I wouldn't mind seeing a second and third volume!
As we have said we cannot value SNK 40th Anniversary Collection only as a playable product, we have to value this collection as a piece of video game history. SNK has taken seriously what this collection means to fans and offers us a magnificent product full of nostalgia, information and love. It is not a collection for all audiences and only those who lived through that time or those who like to enjoy the video game not only in its playable aspect, but also for its cultural and nostalgic concept will be able to enjoy this piece of SNK's soul.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
All in all I had a great time with the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection. I had a wonderful trip down memory lane with great title selections here and I’m certainly glad these titles will now find their way into the hands of this generation. The controls are solid, the audio is top notch and the graphics look great, but I would like to see some more filters added via the next patch if possible. If you’re an old timer like me you will certainly want to snag this one up. If you’ve never seen or heard of any these game before at the $39.99 price tag I feel like this is well worth it not only for the great games, but Museum Mode is great for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the industry as well. Just don’t try to stick quarters into your Switch, it probably wouldn’t go so well.
SNK raised the bar for this type of retro collections.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is by far my favorite collection of classic titles. The fact that they are on Switch and available on-the-go is a major plus. Throw in the jump-in moments and watch mode on top of more free games down the road makes this a must-own for Switch owners.
An act of love to rediscover one of the most glorious japanese software house, but time not always is completely merciful.
Review in Italian | Read full review
"A chest full of rare games."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
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A worthy compendium for one of Japan's greatest arcade developers.
This all comes from a passion to keep as much this industry's history alive as possible, and it all shines through in the final product.
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is not full of flawless gems that everyone will love, and it suffers a bit in terms of variety. Strictly viewed for what it is, however, which is part retro videogame anthology, part history lesson, it is one of the finest one in the market, making this the definite product for those who want to try the titles on offer.
First, let's cover the broad spectrum, before we start dialing in on some of these actual titles. Right out the gate, I can tell you the presentation here is amazing. Every last game comes with just about every variant the original release exists in. American and Japanese arcade variants, contemporary console ports, it's all here. Not only do you have all of these variants, all of them superbly emulated, but you also have all of the extras. How would you like a ton of soundtracks to listen to, of classic SNK tunes? Done. Posters, samplings of vintage magazines, concept art? You've got it. There's tons of these little details and careful touches all throughout.
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is one of the coolest, most fascinating video game releases out in 2019.
I think it is safe to say that the care and attention that went until putting this collection together is fantastic overall, though the games themselves are certainly more niche in nature. Arcade and NES enthusiasts who enjoy action games (especially shooters) will probably have the most fun with this compilation, however.
Despite the aged-feeling of some of the titles, there’s still a lot to enjoy about the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is essential for game historians and recommended for anyone that wants to experience some old-school charm without the annoying difficulty gates. The titles themselves are hit and miss, but the good outweighs the bad by a healthy amount.
Buy it for Crystalis, and then you can settle in for interesting and beautifully made pre-Neo Geo games when the adventure ends.