The SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is live, and here’s what games are in it

The SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is live, and it’s bringing a bunch of classic games from 1980-1990 to the Nintendo Switch.

In terms of what games are included, there’s a fairly healthy variety. There will be a total of 24 titles planned to come to the bundle. There are 13 games in the launch version, with another 11 planned as part of post-launch updates. Two of these will be part of the DLC called Beast Busters/ S.A.R.

There’s even a launch trailer showcasing some of the games,

Featuring arcade and console switching

Alpha Mission
Originally from 1985, this single-player vertical scrolling shooter uses lasers to hit airborne forces and missiles to destroy ground units.

Athena
Another single-player title, this time from 1986 and a platformer where protagonist Athena starts in a red bikini, progressively unlocking more armor and weapons. It allows players to warp to different areas and following branching paths.

Crystalis
Launching in 1990, this was SNK’s first delve into action RPG where the player would traverse vast lands in a sci-fi fantasy hybrid. It allows players to utilize swords, equipment, and armor while battling evil. This is only available as a console version.

Ikari Warriors
A 1986 title for 1-2 players and uses a run and gun theme inspired by popular Western movies around that time. This was SNK’s first co-op title.

Victory Road
Another title for 1-2 players, this 1986 game was the sequel to Ikari Warriors, introducing aliens, vehicles, and monsters instead of human enemies. It also features the “Show some guts!” line during the boss.

Ikari III: The Rescue
1989 saw the final part of the trilogy bring 1-2 players to the run and gun scene once more but with a stronger focus on melee. Players can find weapons, but they’ll mainly be roundhouse kicking and throwing barrels.

Guerrilla War
This title brought back the style of Ikari Warriors in 1987 and allows 1-2 players to cause havoc with tanks. This was known as Guevara in Japan and has enemies that could change tactics depending on the order their teammates were killed.

P.O.W.
This brawler title for 1-2 players that launched in 1988 had players trying to escape from a prison. They’d use a three button input to perform a wide range of brawling combat and could find rare weapon drops.

T.N.K. III
This 1985 title is a single-player experience that features a top-down run and gun that allows scrolling in all directions. Tanks can fire different types of shots it was the first SNK title to use the rotary knob.

Arcade Only Versions

Prehistoric Isle
This single-player 1989 scrolling shooter put players against dinosaurs, creatures, and hostile cavemen. The title allows players to rotate around the ship, and depending on where they are placed, one of five special weapons would spawn.

Psycho Soldier
1987, this 1-2 player title brought platforming fun as someone who seems to be a direct descendant to Athena and must rid evil from the world after a seal of darkness breaks. She’s joined by Sie Kensou and the two smash through bricks to find items and power-ups.

Street Smart
The first fighting title from SNK landed in 1989 and had 1-2 players choosing between Karate Man or Wrestler. The levels allow players to move in all directions and even lets them go co-op against the computer. Once the computer is defeated they fight each other anyway to get the attention of a lady.

Vanguard
In 1981 this single-player allowed scrolling in multiple directions, horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. It was the first SNK title to use 4 buttons and takes place through six stages with a boss battle at the end. Once defeated the game loops on a harder difficulty.

Chopper I (Post-launch)
This 1988 1-2 player schmup takes players on a journey into enemy territory to blast away airplanes, tanks, gun emplacements and other war materials.

Fantasy (Post-launch)
Controlled using only a joystick, this 1981 action adventure title finds one player avoiding enemies rather than attacking. The goal is to trawl through a bundle of levels until you finally rescue Sherry, the love of your life.

Munch Mobile (Post-launch)
A single-player title from 1983 allows players to race a sentient car with stretchy arms. Players control the car and also control the arms to grab food, gas, and money. You also get to throw rubbish in the bin, so it keeps you thinking clean.

Sasuke vs Commander (Post-launch)
This gallery-shooter allowed solo players in 1980 to protect the Shogun from Ninja. It’s detailed that this title was one of the first games to feature bosses.

Time Soldiers (Post-launch)
Another single-player title and one from 1987 and has the player traveling through time so they can rescue their comrades. It’s a top-down action shooter.

Bermuda Triangle (Post-launch)
Taking control of a ZIG aircraft, this 1987 title for 1-2 players would command up to 3 SYD escort fighters while battling enemies. These battles take place through space-time warps which will have them traveling further back in time.

Ozma Wars (Post-launch)
This 1979 title that pits players against an alien invasion. Your task is to invade the mothership, then to blast your way out through waves of UFOs.

Paddle Mania (Post-launch)
1988 saw 1-4 players play tennis against one another as different athletes from different sports. It can be played as a 1v1, 2v2, and even 2v1.

World Wars (Post-launch)
In 1987 players could play the sequel to the Bermuda Triangle, and 1-2 players can move their ship around and travel the world while dispatching enemies as they travel.

Titles available with the Beast Busters/S.A.R. DLC Bundle

Beast Busters
A rail shooter with seven different stages. This 1989 game lets 1-3 players compete to earn the best score.

S.A.R. Search and Rescue
A 1-2 player shooter that sees players taking on hordes of hostile aliens.

ISKMogul Gaming

ISKMogul is a growing video game publication that got its start covering EVE Online, and has since expanded to cover a large number of topics and niches within the purview of gaming.