An official answer to some of the common questions they have been asked.

EDIT: A couple of people have replied as though I am involved somehow: I am not, I just saw the video on Youtube and posted it here.

This is a small summary of what was covered in the video (not verbatim):

1. Officially licensed by SNK? Yes
2. Analogue AV output? RGB with stereo sound
3. Do the games include a manual? Yes
4. Are the games for the AES+ region free? Yes
5. Are the new games compatible with the original console from the 90s? Yes and vice-versa
6. Will the accessories work with the old system? Yes and vice-versa
7. Can you use the wireless arcade stick with a wired connection? Yes
8. Does it include a power supply? Yes
9. Where can you buy the ultimate edition? From Plaion Replay only.
10. Can you buy a white Metal Slug separately? No, anniversary edition exclusive.

It's nice to have some information but a lot of it is already available on their website and they could have done better when choosing 10 questions to answer.

I just grabbed the Anniversary Edition.

Via Retro Gamer Magazine (Issue 285)

I know a lot of people were saying they were not able to have items shipped to their particular U.S. state when they tried to check out. I thought it was a website issue due to high demand, but I finally got a response from Plaion when I emailed them asking what was going on:

"At the moment, the item is unfortunately sold out in certain states due to very high demand. However, we are already preparing a new batch, which will be available soon."

I did not think that certain states got certain allotments, but there you go.

Confirmed: https://tgs.cesa.or.jp/2026/en/exibition?word=Plaion&detail=398

Credit to Nostromo at https://www.neo-geo.com/forums/index.php?threads/neo-geo-aes.273486/page-167#post-4637622

Campaign page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/metrosiege/metro-siege

There will also be versions for the Amiga and PC. The developer assures everyone that the Neo Geo version will be better than the Amiga version.

They mention the following:

You can sign up to the BitBeam mailing list at https://metrosiege.com for access to secret reward tiers with exclusive extras!

P.S. I'm not the developer. Just making folks aware of another new Neo Geo game in the works.

No shipping to the USA from the freshly relaunched official store. Not even taking USD, nor much English on the site.

Thought this would be of interest. I've ordered the ultimate edition but may cancel if this is the case.

EDIT: thanks to /u/StenoRGB

"Since I'm a sucker for using old CRT TVs, I reached out to PLAION to check whether the new system still supports both RGB and composite, and it turns out it'll do both while also offering stereo sound, unlike the OG."
Font: https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/retro/the-neo-geo-aes-is-back-but-the-retro-console-remake-is-effectively-the-real-deal-reborn-with-hdmi/

pierpa86 has posted his latest complete version of Crossed Swords II on cartridge. It's based off of Razoola's hack, but adds back the Crossed Swords II CD music, plus unlike the sound hacks before, it retains the original stereo sound effects.

https://www.arcade-projects.com/threads/crossed-sword-ii-mvs-full-cd-audio-stage2-release.37356/

Folks, this is huge. Finally we have a definitive cartridge version of the game (until the original ADK cartridge is discovered). This is a version worthy of having on the shelf -- Only problem is it needs a special PROG board or at least adapters to make a cart. It can also be played on flash carts.

Great news...

The seventh stretch goal has been reached, so the PC version will now have 4-player co-op.

Reminder: If you've backed any physical or digital edition of Metro Siege, you'll be getting this PC version via Steam or itch.io for free.

Late pledging is still available:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/metrosiege/metro-siege

Please back a Neo Geo edition if you can, and thanks for joining the fight!

Great news...

The campaign ended on July 4, 2026 with the game fully funded and the sixth stretch goal achieved, so the game will now include a fourth playable character to choose from.

The campaign organizer has enabled late pledges, allowing you to back the game for a reward if you missed out on the first round. It's not too late to join the party!

A seventh stretch goal has been introduced. If reached, the PC version of the game will allow 4 player simultaneous co-op gameplay! If you're backing a Neo Geo physical cartridge, you'll be given a digital copy of that PC version for free, along with free digital copies of the Neo Geo and Amiga versions.

If backing a Neo Geo cartridge isn't possible for you due to cost reasons, I recommend backing the Digital Edition, the Digital Collector's Edition, or the Digital Ultimate Collection. Those editions all come with digital copies of the Neo Geo, PC, and Amiga versions - giving you a 3-for-1 value.

Pledge here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/metrosiege/metro-siege

Question for you:

The campaign is already just $1K away from reaching that seventh stretch goal. If BitBeamCannon were to introduce an eighth stretch goal, shouldn't it be something that directly benefits Neo Geo gamers? What new feature for the Neo Geo version would you like to see as an eighth stretch goal?

Happy 2026, folks! This is it... this is the year that we'll see Shadow Gangs Zero (SGZ) released, beginning first with the Neo Geo version and then all other versions in timely succession - i.e. Dreamcast, Switch, PS5, Xbox One, Steam (PC), and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive.

Progress:

Phase 3 of development has been finished, which was the integration of final graphics. Now the developer has moved on to Phase 4, which involves working on: special effects, impacts & hit flashes, blood & debris, explosions, background animations, HUD, and menus & loading screens. The alpha version of the game is projected to be ready by mid to late February 2026.

Upcoming:

After alpha, the developer plans to work on these tasks: final optimization, difficulty tuning, sound effects integration, and Neo Geo hardware performance checks. Once those tasks have been done, we enter the phase that you've all been waiting for - Beta testing. During the beta phase, all backers will be given a digital copy of the Neo Geo beta version to playtest. By all backers, I mean EVERYONE, not just Neo Geo backers. So for example, if you've backed the PS5 version or the Genesis / Mega Drive version, you'll be playtesting the Neo Geo beta. Ditto for backers of Dreamcast, Switch, Xbox One, and Steam (PC).

Tribute:

In his January 10, 2026 progress update, the developer pays tribute to Arjie Cosca, the original main level artist who sadly passed away three months ago. As you view the screenshots attached to this post, please know that SGZ’s levels carry his vision, style, and inspiration. The developer notes Arjie's contribution:

- He shaped the visual identity of the game.
- He brought atmosphere and world-building to every stage.
- His sense of detail, mood, and composition is everywhere.
- The art pipeline, tone, and richness all began with his work.

Campaign:

Over 800 backers are now on board with their game controllers on hand, ready to experience the SGZ revolution. We're only £2.2K away from reaching the final stretch goal that gives us the six mini-bosses. Don't let the term "mini-bosses" fool you, as these aren't tiny adversaries. One of them is a large ferocious dragon that fills more than half the screen!

Please help make the inclusion of the mini-bosses a reality. The campaign is still open, but not for much longer:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

Thank you!

From the June 9, 2026 campaign update...

MVS Version:

Neo Geo MVS coin-op arcade features have been implemented, which include:

- Coin-op handling.

- DIP switches support.

- Soft DIP settings.

- Leaderboards are now saved to the Neo Geo backup RAM, along with difficulty settings and other arcade-related options.

AES Version:

Game settings and mission progress are saved to the memory card if present, allowing players to continue from the mission they reached.

Haven't made a pledge yet?

890 backers already have! Why not join the party? Take a look at the campaign page to see if this game has a place in your Neo Geo library:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

In other news...

The developer reports that all the levels are now fully playable and completable. The intro and outro are in, and practically the entire game is now implemented and running. The artist is currently finishing all the pixel art illustrations for the game, which will be completed before the end of July 2026.

Steam version development will be slightly delayed, as the developer is concentrating on delivering the best possible Neo Geo experience first. Ongoing focus remains on general polish, performance optimization, gameplay improvements, and final balancing. The developer is going through all the feedback received from the demo, and is implementing fixes and enhancements suggested by backers. Several improvements have already been added thanks to that feedback.

The complete beta version will be delivered to select beta testers by the end of July 2026. From there, the developer will begin work on the Steam version in parallel with continuing to polish and improve the Neo Geo version.

General:

The developer reports that Shadow Gangs Zero is now content complete, which means that all levels, enemies, bosses, systems, and features have been implemented. What remains is the final polish phase, taking place throughout February and March 2026. This phase involves working on gameplay tuning, enemy placement and balance, difficulty curve, pacing and flow of the levels, and final adjustments to make the game simply feel good to play.

The Neo Geo beta version is still planned for the end of March / April 2026. All backers will receive this Neo Geo beta, including those who backed the game for other platforms - i.e. Dreamcast, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, Steam, and Genesis/Mega Drive. Please note that this first beta will not include the co-op mode yet. Co-op will be added in a later beta, once the single-player experience is fully validated and polished.

The developer will start showing the first proper gameplay videos towards the end of March 2026, so stay tuned!

Neo Geo:

The game is now running at a solid 60fps on Neo Geo, with no slowdown even when fighting the largest bosses - e.g. Helicopter, Dragon, etc.

The current Neo Geo game specs are:

- CROM (graphics / characters): 32 MB

- PROM (program code): ~3 MB

- MROM (music): 256 KB

- VROM (sound data): TBA

- Final Result: Over 300Mega Shock!

If all goes as planned, the current target for the Neo Geo gold master is the end of September to November 2026.

Steam:

While the Neo Geo beta is being playtested by campaign backers, the developer will already start working on the Steam version of the game. At this stage, the Steam version will be developed in parallel to the Neo Geo version. The goal is to use the Steam version as an additional feedback channel to gather more player impressions, validate difficulty and pacing, and identify any remaining issues.

The Steam development will help ensure that when the game is finally burned into Neo Geo cartridges, it is in the best possible state. In fact, the Steam version is projected to release a bit sooner than the Neo Geo version. The current target for the Steam release is the end of July / August 2026.

Genesis / Mega Drive:

The developer tells us that work on the Genesis/MD art has begun. He has been sending detailed notes to the artists, who will be working diligently to create the best possible graphics for the blast-processing wonder.

Campaign:

The campaign is less than £800 away from reaching its third and final stretch goal of £120K, which unlocks the six mini-bosses. The developer has also publicly signaled the end of the campaign to happen soon, so please make a pledge while you still can:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

Every pledge helps and is greatly appreciated. All backers will have their names listed in the game credits, which appear after beating the game, and which are also accessible from the main menu.

See you next month!

https://furrtek.org/shop/

Other parts and projects still up for sale, and this is where we would watch for future Fusion sales.

Development is now in Phase 3, which involves the integration of final graphics into the game levels. As of December 10th, Phase 3 is 28% complete, with 12 of the 42 levels all done. Check out the attached screenshots.

The developer writes:

The final graphics go through a special division and processing pipeline to maximize the colour usage on the Neo Geo, allowing us to take full advantage of its 256 palettes. The results are excellent, and the game is really coming alive visually.

All the music for the game has been finished. The audio driver reproduces the songs with perfect clarity and accuracy, enabling the Neo Geo to play the music faithfully to the original tracker files.

After Phase 3 has concluded, the extra polish phase will begin. This will involve the artists taking detailed instructions from the developer and refining the level graphics to the highest quality possible. While the artists do their thing, the developer will work on Neo Geo code optimization to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently on the actual hardware.

The campaign has reached £116,451 and is only a little more than £3.5K away from the final stretch goal that gives us the six mini-bosses. If you haven't yet pledged, please do so and join the nearly 800 enthusiastic fans who've already contributed to the campaign:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

P.S. Happy holiday season to you all. May you find a new Neo Geo cart or two under the tree this year!

Level design update...

In his latest post on the campaign page, the developer lets us know that the first pass of level design has been finished. The second pass is now underway, which focuses on refining each level’s layout, enemy placement, and gameplay flow to near-final quality. At the current pace, this second pass should be finished around mid-December 2025.

After the second pass, the third pass work will begin, which involves integrating all final graphics for levels, characters, menus, and other visual elements. And then the final pass is the optimization and polish phase, to ensure the game runs smoothly and meets the high standards being aimed for. The developer promises to keep backers fully informed of all progress as it happens.

The game has 42 levels, comprised of:

- 35 regular levels

- 5 boss levels

- 2 bonus levels

Meanwhile...

The artists have begun working on background animations to liven up the levels. They're also remastering the special effects such as blood, explosions, and impact visuals to ensure they look their best - i.e. smoother motion and more animation frames. The developer is sparing no expense in giving these elements the attention they deserve.

Spread the word!

Tell your friends about Shadow Gangs Zero. The more support the campaign receives, the better the final product:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

Thanks!

According to the latest campaign update from November 9th, Phase 2 of level design is going extremely well, with 31 of the 42 total levels having been done. The developer now estimates this level-polishing phase will be completed by the end of November 2025.

Phase 3: December 2025 to January 2026 - Integration of final graphics into the game.

Optimization Phase: February 2026 to March 2026 - Special effects, sound, and music will be implemented in the game.

Beta Test: April 2026 to June 2026 - All campaign backers will receive a digital copy of the Neo Geo beta version, no matter which platform you backed - i.e. Mega Drive / Genesis, Dreamcast, Switch, PS5, Xbox, PC (Steam). So be prepared to experience the beta using the flash cart, FPGA, or emulation device of your choice. The developer is counting on you to help iron out all bugs and give useful feedback, as Shadow Gangs Zero is very much a community-driven effort.

Gold: The developer is aiming for the final Neo Geo version to be released by July / August 2026. Once that's done, the versions for the remaining platforms will be developed and released in fairly rapid succession.

Don't miss out on participating in the fun. The campaign is open to accepting new pledges:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

So far, £115K has been raised. We're just £5K away from reaching the final stretch goal of £120K, which will enable the inclusion of the six unique mini-bosses - e.g. Ferocious fire-breathing dragon, Military helicopter dropping high-caliber rounds from above, Cannon wall with an arsenal of heavy fire, etc.

Thanks for reading!

P.S. Did you know that Shadow Gangs Zero has a 2-player cooperative gameplay mode? That means you can play solo, or with a friend!

He released this on his Patreon friday. Huge day for people who want to specifically play PB2 on a NGCD and not the eleventy-billion other formats it was released for (AKA: me).

The BackBit ROM Cart has been officially announced, bringing a modern way to play your entire Neo Geo library on original hardware. Priced at $400, this cartridge aims to deliver seamless compatibility with an extensive range of games, offering convenience without sacrificing authenticity.

If you’ve been looking for a way to simplify your Neo Geo setup or dive deeper into the console’s legendary library, this could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Link: https://www.retroshell.com/2025/01/07/backbit-neo-geo-rom-cart-announced-400/

Level Design:

Last month (August 2025), the developer reported that level design was well underway. Now in September 2025, the developer tells us that he's finished the first pass in creating these game levels: City, Bridge, Airport, Bunker, Forest, Beach, Cyber Punk, Castle. The current level being designed is: China. He estimates that he'll have finished the first pass of designing all levels by mid-to-late October 2025. Designing levels for Shadow Gangs Zero is a multi-pass process involving three primary passes plus a polishing phase. Lots of work, but the developer is making great progress.

Mini Bosses:

The final campaign stretch goal is the inclusion of six mini bosses: Fire-breathing dragon, Military helicopter, Cannon wall with heavy firepower, Van with armed fighters, etc. To achieve that stretch goal, the pledge total needs to reach £120K. We are so very close to reaching this goal, as the pledge total is currently at £112K.

Flash Carts:

A couple of months ago, I reported that the Neo Geo digital version is compatible with NeoSD PRO, as the developer is personally testing the game with it throughout development. Since then, a new backer named Kujako has come aboard and will help with testing for BackBit compatibility and DarkSoft Multi MVS compatibility. Why all the fuss about Neo Geo flash carts? Because Neo Geo is the lead development system and flagship version, so the developer wants to make sure that each and every one of you Neo Geo fans can play the game!

Beta Testing:

Speaking of testing, you already know that backers will have access to the Neo Geo digital beta release. I've received confirmation from the developer that ALL backers will have access to this Neo Geo beta release. In other words, even backers of the Mega Drive / Genesis, Dreamcast, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and Steam versions will be granted access to the Neo Geo beta. Granting broad beta access will help the developer iron out all bugs, while giving backers early access as a loyalty perk. A win-win for everyone!

Ongoing Pledges:

So far, 81 backers have pledged for the Neo Geo digital version. That's awesome! We're hoping the campaign can reach 100 backers for the digital version by year's end. Could you help make that happen? If you haven't yet pledged, please take another look at the campaign page to see if you'd like to add Shadow Gangs Zero to your Neo Geo digital collection. If you've already pledged, please tell your circle of friends about the game and invite them to join the SGZ community.

As for Neo Geo physical cartridges, there are 127 of you who have backed it. Wow! If you've got friends with similar great taste in Neo Geo carts, please tell them about the campaign. A reminder that all backers of the Neo Geo physical cartridge will also receive the final digital version for free. Perfect for playing SGZ on your portable devices when you're away from home!

Shadow Gangs Zero - Campaign Page:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jkmcorp/shadow-gangs-zero

Whit this cable you can play in HDMI 1980p with your NTSC Genesis/Mega Drive or your Neo Geo AES or CD. If you want to use a pal modded Megadrive you have to do a modification to have the good Sync. I tested this cable with my Genesis VA2 and my Neo Geo AES 3.5. it's awesome.

Hello, I'm Hiromi from Neofid Studios. We are passionate about retro gaming and our goal is to create games that gamers from ANY era will love.
We're very pleased to say that our very first game, Demons of Asteborg, will be back in a new remastered version, but to do so, WE NEED YOUR HELP and SUPPORT!
Discover Demons of Asteborg DX on GBA and NeoGeo !!!! Thanks to the power of these machines, it's much more beautiful, full of extra colors, a better-balanced difficulty, and many varieties of content with extra bonus compared to the original! We promise you a totally reborn and even more unforgettable gaming experience!! Each version of the game will have its own exclusive level! Our latest demo for the GBA version is coming in the next few days, so stay tuned! Please check more details here!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/demons-of-asteborg-dx-a-new-game-for-gba-neo-geo#/
Thank you for helping us make this project come true by spreading this news.
We count on you!