"Perfection Exists..."

This is it. Two of the largest Fighting Game producers in the world join forces to create a magnificent handheld masterpiece. Released in the December of 1999, SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium (MotM for short) was hailed by many as the best 2D Fighter on the Neo Geo Pocket Color (NGPC for short) to date. It combined world-famous game play, a massive array of [Hidden] characters, tons of replay, and the mutated but astonishingly good graphics. On with the review.

Story
As most of humanity knows, Fighters aren't designed with story in mind. Surprisingly though, MotM serves as the platter to a well-conceived story. M. Bison (From the well-known Street Fighter series) and Geese Howard (From the not-so mainstream King of Fighters series) join forces to hold a massive tournament [of evil]. More is to be revealed as you progress further into the ''Tourney'' mode. Upon starting this mode, you will choose between a plethora of characters.

Graphics
The graphics of a NGPC game are much like that of a Game Boy Color. The characters are deformed and shrunken, yet once you become use to them, you won't notice it at all. There are familiar backgrounds from well-known Capcom and SNK to fight on, each represented perfectly. Sadly, there are only 3 characters to choose from which have a skin color. Zangief, and two other hidden ones. This can sometimes put a damper on game play excitement. While highlighting you're warrior in preparation of choosing, you are treated to a portrait of the characters. These pictures are actual art, which look very spiffy.

Sound
If you look at the NGPC, you will notice a tiny little speaker. Yes, that is where this majestic sound comes from. It's unfortunate that the NGPC couldn't possibly fit such things as the finishing move name, or more importantly, Voices. That's correct, Ryu doesn't quickly say ''Hadouken'' when you execute such a move. In fact, none says anything. The music is fairly familiar, with catchy tunes. As for the sound effects, there are many. The overall quality and sharpness of the sound is a bit blurred, to say the least.

Game play
This is what defines a fighting game. The fighting engine in this game ranges from Street Fighter Alpha counters, to King of Fighter special gauges. It is in one word: Perfect. Along with the flawless fighting, you are treated to another game within this itself, which adds many different game play experiences. The aptly titled: ''Olympic'' mode. It offers many Mini-Games, ranging from First Person Shooters (Yes, Yes!) to a Dance-Dance type game. Along with these are other challenges with the actual fighters. These range from ''Survival'' (A hundred opponents in a row!!!) to First Blast. There are so many things to do and replay value in this game, it makes it one of the best experiences on the NGPC to date.

Replay Value
The overwhelming amount of things to complete and achieve in this game is monumental. You could spend a year mastering every character, or getting insane scores in Olympic mode, or raise your win count in the ''Records'' list. Add to this the extra ordinary amount of characters in this *Portable* game, and you've got a game that could literally last you years (It has for me).

Rent or buy?
Must you ask such an idiotic question? If you get a NGPC, you Must Buy this game! No question. The entertainment up to this day is the same. You could beat Tourney mode in about 10-12 minutes. But you wouldn't experience even 1/4 of the total game. But the question remains: Where would you rent it?

Story ~ 7/10

Graphics ~ 7.5/10

Sound ~ 8/10

Game play ~ 11/10

Replay Value ~ 10/10

Overall ~ 11/10
To bad you can't surpass 10 in the rating system!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/29/02, Updated 08/08/02