SNK’s original Neo Geo platforms—the MVS arcade system and AES console—still receive occasional homebrew releases. Two projects arriving close together, Necro Pop and Ormanauta, offer very different takes on new software for the classic hardware.
For Australian collectors following the latest arcade news and gaming developments, these projects are worth watching while further details continue to emerge.
Necro Pop brings platforming to Neo Geo
Necro Pop combines ideas associated with Nightmare in the Dark and Magician Lord into what its creators describe as an “Arcadevania”—a play on the Metroidvania format. The concept brings exploration-focused platforming to a coin-operated setting, although the genre’s usual pace may need to adapt to limited play time.
Naula Studio is also targeting a broader home-platform release, as outlined on developers Naula Studio are also aiming this at a wider release too for home platforms.
Players take the role of Poppi, a ghost confronting an evil force called The Gloam. After The Gloam spreads through Ghostreach and imprisons friendly ghosts, Poppi discovers an ancient amulet that gives her a physical form. She must use that newfound strength to defeat The Gloam and rescue her friends.
Platformers have been relatively uncommon among recent arcade releases. The most notable examples mentioned here are 2020’s Gimmick EXACT*MIX! and, potentially, 2022’s Milk Chan. How Necro Pop will translate its style to arcade play—and what it will cost—remains to be seen. Its launch is planned for 2027.
Ormanauta takes aim at MVS and AES+
Ormanauta is a horizontal shooting game, or STG, being developed for MVS and AES+. The Neo Geo already has a strong history with the genre through titles such as Blazing Star, Pulstar and Last Resort, although this new project is not presented as a direct follow-up to any of them beyond sharing the horizontal-shooter format.
The game is planned to include six stages. Beta gameplay footage provides an early look at the project, with the game beginning at the 1:30 mark. The official page for it currently provides limited information, and no release date or price is listed.
What could the cartridges cost?
Past MVS homebrew releases suggest that physical cartridges for either project could potentially reach the $500 USD range. That is only an early expectation, however, since the final amount will depend on manufacturing factors when the cartridges are produced.
Neither project has all of its release details confirmed yet. For owners planning a dedicated upright arcade setup, or collectors comparing options through the arcade machine buying guide, both games are promising examples of continued interest in Neo Geo hardware.
Further information may clarify release timing, pricing and how each title will be distributed. For now, Necro Pop and Ormanauta represent two contrasting additions to the MVS and AES homebrew scene.
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