Sengoku 3 manages to tick the boxes for a good beat'em up game, and at only $6. Sengiku 3 features four playable characters who're varied in their moves, speed, power, and appearances. the controls are pretty tight and allow for a variety of combos. The stages all have cool themes and BGM. The enemies start out a bit samey, but are challenging and will take advantage if you're not mindful of their positions around you. Linux and Mac are also supported in Sengoku 3. Fun in single player and even better in co-op, you get a pretty solid beat'em up in Sengoku 3. For two controller co-op: 2P must press COIN (R Bumper) then START.
Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 is probably the most underappreciated game in the Fatal Fury series! RBFF2 retains the two plain swapping (a dodge move) and familiar characters of earlier Fatal Fury games. The art style and BGM of RBFF2 are unique to the series and very welcome. The characters are varied in special attacks, combos, appearances, and even personalities. And, as with KOF2002 and Metal Slug 3, Linux and Mac users can now get in on the action. Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 is among the best fighting games out there and a steal at only $6. For two controller versus play: Have 2P press COIN (R Bumper) then START. Kinda like the ol' Neo Geo arcades.
Metal Slug 3 wraps everything we enjoyed about the first two games (MSX was an improved MS2), and tosses in alotta goodies. The various themes of the first two MS games are here...with additional side paths adding more variety to already varied stages. Boss battles are as epic as ever. The o' trusty weapons and vehicles make a return. And, as with KOF2002 and Garou, Linux and Mac users are accommodated as well. Metal Slug 3 is plenty of bang for only $6 and sometimes on sale for even less. For two controller co-op play: Have 2P press COIN (R Bumper) then START. This is like the old Neo Geo arcades.
King of Fighters 2002 runs a close second behind KOF98, yet has the Linux support not offered in KOF98. The huge roster of playable characters, cool special attacks, combos, 1on1 matches, 3on3 matches, trademark Neo Geo graphics style, cool BGM, and tough-as-nails boss matches are all here in fine form. And, unlike KOF98, KOF2002 doesn't leave Linux and Mac users out in the cold. For two controller versus play: Have the 2P press COIN (R Bumper) then START. This is in line with the old Neo Geo arcades. You're welcome.
Garou Mark of the Wolves is time tested classic 2D fighting game. Played on Linux Mint with a Logitech F310. Garou MOTW is the final game in the Fatal Fury series by SNK for the Neo Geo arcades and consoles. The diverse characters with unique special attacks, almost arthouse graphics style, cool looking backgrounds, and fluid controls are all here in fine form. Garou has been ported to a wide range of platforms from Sega Dreamcast to Xbox 360 to XB1 to PS3 to PS4 to Nintendo Switch to...right here on personal computers. The two gamepads issue is easily remedied: The second controller must press COIN (usually the R Bumper) to load a credit in the 2P slot, then press START. This is very much like the arcade releases of Neo Geo games. Solved!
Looks better, plays better, and has more content than the original N64 and PS1 releases. I haven't tinkered with the multiplayer, but replaying beaten stages and finding all the goodies is fun enough. The low system requirements and Linux support is a godsend. Worth grabbing at $20 and regularly on sale for less.
Linux users have truly been blessed by Runic. Torchlight II is not only a very fun action RPG, but also has modest system requirements and runs on Linux and Mac. The single player campaign is fun, but the story is disposable. The multiplayer is a blast, but doesn't get much traffic. The upgrades, loot, and unlockables are pure gold. Toss in the NG+ mode and mods like the Synergies and Torchlight II's replay value becomes exponential. Some pine for a sequel, but I'm good right where I'm at.
Shadow Warrior Classic is a FPS with a Hong Kong action movie motif and proves gameplay makes all the difference. Shadow Warrior Classic is one of three Build Engine games from the latter half of the 1990s, which includes Duke Nukem 3D and Blood. This trio of 3D Realms classics were renown for excellent gameplay, clever level design, challenging enemies, environmental puzzles, well placed secrets, and a vulgar sense of humor. Shadow Warrior Classic is the last of 3D Realms' Build Engine trio and delivers in every aforementioned department. Where Shadow Warrior Classic stands out is its Honk Kong action movie vibe. While it can seem rather stereotypical, it lends alot to the comedy, locales, weapons, enemy types, movie references, and jokes. What could seem offensive to some actually helps Shadow Warrior Classic stand out among its genre peers. Linux and Mac users are also in luck here too. The included DOSbox wrapper allows Shadow Warrior Classic to run on Windows XP thru 10, Mac OSX, and various Linux distributions with ease. Keys can be remapped to fit modern FPS controls and resolutions can be cranked up as well.
