NEOGEO 4 PLAYER GAMES

(without the multi link function)

In this section, we will cover NEOGEO games which had multi player abilities, but without the use of the MULTI LINK function.

regular english title screen
special english title screen
KIZUNA ENCOUNTER / SUPER TAG BATTLE / SAVAGE REIGN 2

This game not only pioneered the introduction of a tag system for the fighting game genre, but it also initially tested as a 4 player title. The released version of the game actually contains the programming code for this option and can be accessed and viewed with a debug bios chip. However, without the special dual jamma interface connector board, the functions and controls for players 3 and 4 cannot be utilized properly. A picture of this unique board can be seen below.

The DUAL JAMMA interface board allows for the game to be used with 2 players per monitor for a 4 player simultaneous game, and/or for a 2 player simultaneous game with each player having their own monitor. (like Atari Cyberball)

Here is a picture of the complete MVS KIT from SNK.

This is what the original Dual Jamma Interface Board looks like.

This is what a reproduction Dual Jamma Interface Board looks like.

ROM STATUS: FREELY AVAILABLE

regular jap title screen
special jap title screen
Four player melee!
NEO BOMBERMAN WITH 4 PLAYER GAMEPLAY!

Hudson Soft hit it big with this very popular team play battle game which saw release across most home systems. One of the biggest elements of gameplay which drew the attention of players was the multi-player feature which allowed for players to play cooperatively and/or competitively. The Neo Geo version was apparently at one point along its design intended to incorporate a 4 player function, although that version never seemed to come to light, remnance of its existance can still be found in the released rom. (see composite screenshots below) Neo Bomberman also holds the distinction of being one of only 8 NEO-GEO games which did not utilize the memory card feature. Furthermore, it seems to have been promoted for the European market because the factory setting language is Spanish on the USA/EURO systems.

October 1996 issue of GAMEST Magazine ran a PREVIEW of the 4 player Neo Bomberman.

Player 3 wins!