net becomes a Neo • Geo system upright simply by peeling off the cabinet art and replacing it with a complete Neo•Geo graphics package the company will supply.

The conversion kit consists of the cartridge, hardware player, logo plex, monitor bezzle, control panel overlay, sticks and buttons and side graphics, all to turn an existing video cabinet into a Samurai Shodown II. The cartridges, of course, can be purchased singly for use in the many Neo•Geo system cabinets now in the field.

GAME PLAY

Tate says Samurai Shodown Hhas more depth, quicker action and new characters (plus some returning warriors) when compared to the original. Obviously, this sword-on-sword slasher evokes the spirit of the ancient samurai ... to destroy all enemies.

The game takes the player back to the time long ago when the Katana legend was lived. Over 15 warriors, including the player's "alter ego," stand in his way as he tries to defeat the evil sorcerer. Fifteen individual

endings and a highly detailed cinematic introduction to the last "boss" are featured in this sequel.

By changing and improving screen graphics and backgrounds, introducing four new characters jam-packed with individual special moves, and adding special moves to existing characters, Samurai Shodown II "avoids the classic `upgrade' approach used by various video game companies," in the words of Tate.

Included among the new characters is a girl from the jungle who wields a boomerang and commands a monkey sidekick. Also, a new set of POWer moves (secret moves players must struggle to learn) adds another dimension to this innovative fighter. As the follow-up to the successful chart-topper, and by more than slightly improving on game play and graphics, Samurai Shodown II is a total package.

Neo•Geo games are manufactured by Japan-based SNK Corporation and marketed here by SNK Corp. of America in Torrance, CA. The system has proven to be the most successful cartridge-based software-change program on the coin-op market today.

Besides bringing out the three configurations of the new Shodown, the domestic office is also offering distributors game cartridges that include their brand new Zed Blade (space shooter/flier), King of Fighters '94, Aero Fighter 2 and Aggressors of Dark Kombat. The 330 Meg Neo•Geo system features 380 sprites, 15 channels of symphonic stereo sound and can display 4,096 simultaneous colors.

For more information on their products, and for distributor referral, contact Tracy Tate or Heh Kyu Lee at SNK Corp. of American by calling

310/371-7100.

When you need machines, why bother

with expensive new ones when

an inexpensive, proven second-machine will go the distance? We are reliable and so are

our machines. We have a large stock to choose from, so

if you need equipment, we're the ones for your special needs.

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CLARIFICATION

As some readers know, Samurai Shodown II appeared on RePlay's October 1994 Players' Choice chart as the result of an error at the publication. We regret the confusion and restate that this new SNK game only began shpping in dedicated form the last week of October, and that its kit and its cartridge won't be coming to SNK's North American dealers until the middle of November.

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3/F, RINEN BLDG., 32-2, HIROMI-CHO, NISHINO, YAMASHINA, KYOTO JAPAN

TEL: 81-15-595-1136 FAX: 81-15-595-1139

If you send a FAX, please include your country name and code number along with your telephone number.

Page 108

November 1994

RePlay Magazine