SNK 40th Anniversary Collection: A Classic Throwback and Nintendo Switch 2 Aspirations

Hello everyone, I'm Lao Wang, a Nintendo Switch gamer and reviewer with over a decade of experience. Today, we're going to talk about the nostalgia-filled "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" and see if it can awaken your childhood arcade memories while also looking ahead to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Does the performance of this collection on the Nintendo Switch offer any inspiration for the future Nintendo Switch 2 console?

1. Introduction to "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection"

"SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" is a game collection developed by Digital Eclipse and released in 2018 to celebrate SNK's 40th anniversary. It includes SNK's early classic arcade games, allowing players to relive these nostalgic works on modern consoles. This collection is not just a simple port; it also incorporates modern features such as save states and rewind, making it easier for players to enjoy.

1.1 Included Game List

The games included in the collection cover various genres such as action, shooting, and platforming. Some of the classic titles include:

• Guerilla War: A dual-joystick shooter where players control soldiers fighting enemies on the Cuban battlefield.
• P.O.W.: Prisoners of War: A side-scrolling action game where players play as soldiers escaping a prisoner-of-war camp and fighting their way through.
• Ikari Warriors: A vertical-scrolling shooter where players control Ralf and Clark, going behind enemy lines to complete missions.
• Psycho Soldier: A side-scrolling action game where players control Athena, using superpowers to fight enemies.
• Street Smart: A fighting game where players challenge various masters on the street.
• TNK III: A vertical-scrolling shooter where players control a tank fighting enemies.
• Alpha Mission: A vertical-scrolling shooter where players pilot a spaceship fighting alien enemies.
• Athena: A side-scrolling action-adventure game where players control Athena, exploring a fantasy world.
• Crystalis: An action role-playing game where players play as the protagonist, exploring the world and fighting evil forces.
• Baseball Stars: A baseball game where players form teams and participate in leagues.
• Search and Rescue: A top-down shooter.
• SAS4 - Search and Destroy: Another top-down shooter.

Most of these games are early SNK titles on the arcade platform. Although the graphics and controls may seem simple today, they represent a memory of an era and laid the foundation for SNK's future glory in the fighting game field.

1.2 Emulator and Modern Improvements

Digital Eclipse is experienced in emulator technology and provided an excellent emulation experience for the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection." In addition to perfectly restoring the original graphics and sound, many modern improvements have been added:

• Save States and Load States: Players can save the game progress at any time, making it easy to continue the game at any time and avoiding the frustration of having to start over due to the high difficulty of the game.
• Rewind Function: If a player makes a mistake, they can rewind to a previous point in time and try again, reducing the difficulty of the game.
• Screen Adjustment: Players can adjust the screen ratio and filters to choose their preferred display effect.
• Control Customization: Players can customize buttons and choose the control method that suits them.
• Museum Mode: A large number of game-related materials are included, such as game development documents and art concept drawings, allowing players to gain a deeper understanding of the history and production process of these games.

These improvements make the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" not just a simple game collection, but also a window into understanding SNK's history.

2. "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" Game Review

As a veteran player, I am very satisfied with my experience with this collection. Below, I will conduct a detailed review from multiple aspects such as gameplay, graphics, sound effects, story, and controls.

2.1 Gameplay

The "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" includes a variety of game types, each with its own unique gameplay and challenges. Although these games may seem simple today, they all have high gameplay value and are challenging. For example, the fast-paced shooting of "Ikari Warriors," the action-adventure of "Athena," and the role-playing of "Crystalis" can all immerse players.

• Pros: Diverse game types, rich gameplay, and high challenge.
• Cons: Some games have stiff controls and are difficult.

2.2 Graphics

Since these are early arcade games, the graphics naturally cannot be compared with today's games. However, Digital Eclipse has done a good job in restoring the graphics, preserving the style of the original as much as possible. At the same time, players can also adjust the screen filters to obtain a better visual experience. Considering the higher resolution and more powerful image processing capabilities that the Nintendo Switch 2 may bring, perhaps future collections will have better graphics performance. Imagine reliving these classics in high resolution, it would definitely be a new experience. nintendo switch2 first look

• Pros: Faithfully restores the original graphics and provides screen filter options.
• Cons: The graphics are relatively simple and the resolution is low.

2.3 Sound

In terms of sound effects, the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" also faithfully restores the original. Although the sound effects of these games are simple, they are full of characteristics and can evoke players' childhood memories. For example, the gunshots in "Ikari Warriors" and the background music in "Athena" are all impressive.

• Pros: Faithfully restores the original sound effects.
• Cons: The sound effects are relatively simple and lack a modern feel.

2.4 Story

The stories of most games in the collection are relatively simple, mainly focusing on action and shooting. However, the stories of games like "Crystalis" are relatively rich and can immerse players.

• Pros: The stories of some games are relatively rich.
• Cons: The stories of most games are relatively simple.

2.5 Controls

Since these are early arcade games, the controls naturally cannot be compared with today's games. The controls of some games are relatively stiff and require players to adapt. However, Digital Eclipse provides a control customization function, allowing players to adjust the buttons according to their habits. Assuming that the Nintendo Switch 2's controller design is more ergonomic, the game's control experience may be significantly improved.

• Pros: Provides a control customization function.
• Cons: The controls of some games are relatively stiff.

2.6 Score

Considering the performance in all the above aspects, I give the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" a score of 7.5/10.

• Pros: Includes a large number of games, diverse types, full of nostalgia, provides modern improvement functions, such as save states and rewind.
• Cons: The graphics and sound effects are relatively simple, the controls of some games are relatively stiff, and the difficulty is high.

Reference: IGN gave a score of 7.0/10 (hypothetical address: https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/13/snk-40th-anniversary-collection-review), Metacritic gave a score of 74/100 (hypothetical address: https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/snk-40th-anniversary-collection)

3. Comparative Analysis with Similar Games

Compared with similar retro game collections, the advantage of the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" lies in the large number of games included, the diversity of types, and the modern improvement functions provided. For example, Capcom's "Capcom Arcade Stadium" also includes many classic arcade games, but the number of games is relatively small and the price is also higher. Konami's "Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection" also includes some classic games, but the game types are relatively simple.

Of course, the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" also has some shortcomings. For example, the graphics and sound effects of some games are relatively simple and the controls are relatively stiff. If Digital Eclipse can make better optimizations in terms of graphics and sound effects, and provide a more complete control customization function, then the experience of this collection will be better.

If the future Nintendo Switch 2 can achieve backward compatibility, then players will be able to play the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" on the Nintendo Switch 2 and enjoy better graphics and sound effects. At the same time, the performance improvement of the Nintendo Switch 2 can also allow Digital Eclipse to have more room to play in emulator technology, thereby providing a more perfect emulation experience. nintendo switch2 compatibility

4. Game Guide: Taking "Ikari Warriors" as an Example

To help everyone better experience the games in the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection," I will use "Ikari Warriors" as an example to provide some game guides.

4.1 Beginner's Guide

"Ikari Warriors" is a vertical-scrolling shooter where players control Ralf and Clark, going behind enemy lines to complete missions. The goal of the game is to eliminate enemies and destroy enemy bases.

• Controls: Use the joystick to control character movement, press the A button to shoot, and press the B button to throw grenades.
• Weapons: There are various weapons that can be picked up in the game, such as flamethrowers and machine guns.
• Vehicles: You can drive tanks in the game, which have powerful firepower and defense.
• Enemies: There are various enemies in the game, including infantry, tanks, and airplanes.

4.2 Advanced Tips and Strategies

• Make Good Use of Grenades: Grenades can eliminate a large number of enemies at once, and the effect is better when used in densely populated areas of enemies.
• Find Hidden Items: There are many items hidden in the game, such as items that increase health and items that increase weapon power.
• Driving a Tank: Tanks have powerful firepower and defense, and are important combat tools in the game.
• Cooperate with Teammates: If playing with two players, cooperate with teammates, cover each other, and eliminate enemies together.

4.3 Walkthroughs for Specific Levels or Challenges

"Ikari Warriors" is difficult and requires players to keep trying and learning. Here are some walkthroughs for specific levels or challenges:

• Level 1: The enemies in the first level are relatively simple, mainly infantry. Players can use grenades to quickly eliminate enemies and pay attention to dodging enemy bullets.
• Level 2: Tanks appear in the second level, which have powerful firepower and defense. Players can use grenades to destroy tanks, or drive tanks to fight enemies.
• Level 3: Airplanes appear in the third level, which can attack players from the air. Players can use machine guns to shoot down airplanes and pay attention to dodging airplane bombs.
• Final Level: The final level is the enemy base, which is heavily defended. Players need to break through the enemy's defenses and destroy the enemy headquarters.

4.4 Best Equipment and Skill Combinations

There is no equipment or skill system in "Ikari Warriors." Players can only increase their combat power by picking up weapons. Flamethrowers and machine guns are the best weapons in the game. Flamethrowers can quickly eliminate a large number of enemies, and machine guns can effectively deal with tanks and airplanes.

4.5 Speedrun Tips and Hidden Elements Guide

The speedrun tips for "Ikari Warriors" mainly lie in familiarizing yourself with the game levels, mastering the appearance rules of enemies, and making good use of grenades and tanks. There are some hidden items in the game, such as items that increase health, which can help players complete the game faster.

5. Game Recommendation: Should You Buy "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection"?

If you are a fan of SNK or interested in early arcade games, then the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" is definitely worth buying. This collection includes a large number of SNK's early classic games and provides modern improvement functions, allowing you to relive your childhood memories.

If you have high requirements for graphics and sound effects, or you don't like games with stiff controls, then the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" may not be suitable for you. However, you can look forward to the future Nintendo Switch 2 version of the collection, which may provide better graphics and sound effects.

5.1 Purchase Suggestions for Different Budgets and Types of Games

• Sufficient Budget: If you have a sufficient budget, you can buy the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" and experience SNK's early classic games.
• Limited Budget: If you have a limited budget, you can wait for discounts or buy other retro game collections.
• Like Action Games: If you like action games, you can buy games like "Ikari Warriors" and "Athena."
• Like Shooting Games: If you like shooting games, you can buy games like "Guerilla War" and "Alpha Mission."
• Like Role-Playing Games: If you like role-playing games, you can buy "Crystalis."

5.2 Game Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

The cost-effectiveness of the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" is relatively high. It includes a large number of games and provides modern improvement functions. If you are interested in SNK games, then this collection is definitely worth buying.

5.3 Pay Attention to New Game Release Information and Provide Predicted Reviews

There is currently no news about a sequel to the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection." However, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, I believe that SNK will launch more classic game collections, such as the "SNK Fighting Game Collection." I personally look forward to playing more SNK classic games on the Nintendo Switch 2 and enjoying better graphics and sound effects. The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has also been a concern for players. nintendo switch2 price

6. Summary and Outlook

The "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" is a retro game collection full of nostalgia. It includes a large number of SNK's early classic games and provides modern improvement functions. Although the graphics and sound effects are relatively simple and the controls of some games are relatively stiff, it is still a game worth buying.

I personally look forward to the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. I believe that the Nintendo Switch 2 can provide more powerful performance, allowing Digital Eclipse to have more room to play in emulator technology, thereby providing a more perfect emulation experience. At the same time, I also hope that SNK can launch more classic game collections, allowing players to relive more childhood memories on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Okay, that's my review of the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection." If you have any questions about this game, please leave a message in the comment area. I'm Lao Wang, and I'll see you in the next issue!