The bustle of the arcade, the crowds around the Versus cabinets, that distinctive electronic sound—”ACA NEOGEO SELECTION Vol. 7” is packed with all the memories of the NEOGEO arcade golden age. This selection features 10 carefully chosen titles from among numerous masterpieces, and the luxurious lineup is truly impressive. It is brimming with works that cannot be described by nostalgia alone and deserve to be “re-evaluated” right now.

The flagship title, “THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2003,” is a work that further evolved the nature of fighting games. While based on the traditional 3-on-3 style, the introduction of the “Multi Shift” system, which allows for real-time member changes during battle, made the matches significantly faster and more strategic. Its exquisite balance and tempo make it appealing and highly recommended not only to series fans but also to KOF beginners.

Titles that spearheaded the fighting game boom in the early 90s, such as “FATAL FURY SPECIAL” and “WORLD HEROES 2,” are also not to be missed. FATAL FURY SPECIAL, in particular, features the surprise element of Ryo Sakazaki appearing as a hidden character and a combo system that was innovative for its time, still offering a sense of freshness when played today. And in WORLD HEROES 2, unique characters based on historical figures clash. It is an excellent title for enjoying battles where individuality stands out.

What makes this selection interesting is that it is not skewed solely toward fighting games. With titles like the flashy side-scrolling action of “METAL SLUG 5” and the vertical shooting of “PREHISTORIC ISLE 2” featuring rampaging dinosaurs, the range of genres is wide, making you feel as if you've brought home an entire arcade from that time. The tempo and presentation of METAL SLUG 5, in particular, are exhilarating and stress-free even when played today, possessing a depth that allows newcomers to quickly get hooked.

Attention should also be paid to titles that might seem minor at first glance, such as “ZUPAPA!” and “KING OF THE MONSTERS 2.” Despite its cute appearance, ZUPAPA! offers a solid action feel, and you are sure to get absorbed in its well-paced development. KING OF THE MONSTERS 2 offers battles full of scale as gigantic monsters rampage across the world, exuding a unique charm not found in other games.

For a relaxing break when you're tired, “PUZZLE BOBBLE” and “POWER SPIKES II” are recommended. The former is now the well-known originator of bubble shooting; despite its cute appearance, it is highly strategic and possesses an addictive quality that makes you keep playing repeatedly. POWER SPIKES II, on the other hand, features a Hyper Mode that could be called “Fighting Volleyball” set in the near future, in addition to the regular Volleyball Mode, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique arcade-style appeal within a sports game.