Project NEON, a new shoot ’em up for SNK’s Neo Geo hardware, has entered the pre-order stage after an extended development period. Fullset’s game is being produced for both the AES home system and the MVS arcade platform.
For Australian collectors comparing dedicated hardware and home setups, RETROCADE’s arcade news and arcade machine buying guide offer useful background before placing an order.
Project NEON: a modern TATE shoot ’em up
Project NEON is designed as a vertically oriented, or TATE-style, shoot ’em up that combines classic arcade ideas with modern presentation. Its feature list includes 60 frames-per-second graphics, animated sprites, parallax scrolling, five stages, large bosses, low-latency controls and co-op play.
The game also supports both TATE and standard display orientations, allowing operators to switch between the two screen styles. That makes the MVS release particularly relevant to owners of working Neo Geo arcade cabinets, while AES owners can play the home version.
Here is Project NEON running in TATE mode:
Project NEON pre-order editions
Four versions are available to pre-order: two for AES and two for MVS. The pricing is shared across the platforms, with a Standard Edition at $381 and a Collector’s Edition at $438.
- AES Standard Edition ($381)
- AES Collector’s Edition ($438)
- MVS Standard Edition ($381)
- MVS Collector’s Edition ($438)
Standard Edition contents
The AES Standard Edition includes a professionally printed box, a snap box with a full-colour insert, a manual, a digital copy of the soundtrack and a wallpaper for mobile or desktop devices.
The MVS Standard Edition does not include the manual or the AES snap box and insert. Owners planning to install the cartridge in an arcade setup may also want to browse RETROCADE’s arcade parts range for maintenance and control hardware.
Collector’s Edition contents
Both Collector’s Editions contain the relevant Standard Edition contents, adding a Project NEON coffee cup, T-shirt, printed sticker set featuring the game’s sprites and a printed accessories kit. The kit includes an instruction sheet, an A3 poster and an A4 marquee.
The MVS Collector’s Edition follows the same package concept, but replaces the AES snap box and insert with a “shockbox storage case”. For owners building a compact home setup rather than using a full-size cabinet, RETROCADE’s bartop arcade options may also be worth considering.
Shipping expectations
Pre-orders are expected to begin shipping in March or April. The game is intended to move into the released category once it launches, although it will probably remain listed as a limited release.
For further updates, visit Fullset’s official website or follow their Twitter/X account.
Project NEON’s combination of co-op play, switchable display orientation and dedicated AES and MVS editions gives it clear appeal to both Neo Geo collectors and operators maintaining original-style arcade systems.
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