Pumping quarters into a Neo Geo cabinet back in the day felt like stepping into the future. SNK's monstrously powerful hardware delivered arcade experiences that few other consoles could match. While titles like Metal Slug or Fatal Fury often steal the spotlight, there were plenty of other gems that offered intense action and distinct character. One such game, a staple of early Neo Geo lineups, was the sci-fi blast-a-thon known as Cyber-Lip.
Released in 1990, Cyber-Lip threw players headfirst into a chaotic future filled with hostile androids and alien invaders. It was a classic run-and-gun shooter, a genre SNK would later perfect, but Cyber-Lip brought its own unique flavor to the table.
What is Cyber-Lip?
At its core, Cyber-Lip is a side-scrolling action game in the vein of arcade hits like Contra. You play as one of two veteran android soldiers, Rick or Brook, sent on a desperate mission. The goal? To stop a rogue supercomputer, the titular Cyber-Lip, which has turned Earth's defense network and its android army against humanity. It's a simple premise that sets the stage for non-stop shooting action.
Gameplay: Run, Gun, and Choose Your Fate
The moment-to-moment gameplay in Cyber-Lip is pure, unadulterated arcade chaos. You'll constantly face waves of enemies, from robotic soldiers to bizarre alien creatures, all while navigating platforming challenges and avoiding hazards.
Key gameplay features include:
- Standard Shooting: Your primary weapon has unlimited ammo, but you'll want those power-ups!
- Weapon Pickups: Grab temporary, more powerful weapons like flamethrowers, rocket launchers, and spread shots. Managing limited ammo for these is key.
- Boss Battles: Each stage culminates in a showdown with a massive boss, often requiring you to target specific weak points.
- The Elevator Mechanic: This is perhaps Cyber-Lip's most memorable quirk. Between stages, you enter an elevator and must choose to ascend or descend. One choice leads to the next stage, while the other sends you into a dangerous bonus/sub-level before you can proceed. It adds a layer of unpredictable tension!
- Two-Player Co-op: Like any good arcade shooter, Cyber-Lip is best enjoyed with a friend, doubling the firepower and the fun.
While the action is solid, some players noted the lack of diagonal shooting or the ability to shoot downwards while jumping – features common in contemporaries like Contra. However, the sheer volume of enemies and the intensity of the boss fights kept players engaged.
The Story: Androids vs. AI
The plot, while standard sci-fi fare for the era, provides a decent backdrop for the action:
- The Year is 2030: Earth is under siege.
- The Threat: A combination of alien invaders and rogue androids.
- The Cause: The supercomputer Cyber-Lip, originally built to control androids and defend against aliens, has gone haywire.
- The Heroes: Rick and Brook, two veteran androids, are the last hope to infiltrate the defenses and destroy Cyber-Lip itself.
It's not Shakespeare, but it perfectly serves the purpose of giving you a reason to blast everything on screen.
Ports and Legacy
Cyber-Lip first hit arcades on the Neo Geo MVS system. It later saw a release on the Neo Geo AES home console. In 1995, it was ported to the Neo Geo CD, featuring improved voice acting and a short intro sequence that fleshed out the plot slightly.
Its legacy is that of an early, solid entry in the Neo Geo's action library. While sometimes overshadowed by SNK's later run-and-gun masterpieces, it's a game that helped establish the system's reputation for high-quality arcade ports and intense action.
Was it Any Good?
Reception for Cyber-Lip was mixed upon release. Critics often praised its impressive graphics, detailed character animations, and powerful audio design – hallmarks of the Neo Geo hardware. The boss fights were frequently highlighted as a strong point.
However, criticisms included:
- Lack of originality (often compared unfavorably to Contra).
- Short length.
- The inclusion of unlimited continues in some versions, which reduced the challenge and replayability for some.
- The aforementioned inability to shoot diagonally.
Despite these points, many players found the game enjoyable and challenging, especially in co-op. It's a game that might not be a top-tier classic for everyone, but it holds a fond place in the memories of early Neo Geo adopters.
Reliving the Action Today
Want to experience the frantic action of Cyber-Lip yourself? While finding an original Neo Geo cabinet or AES cart might be tricky and expensive, there are modern options:
- SNK Collections: Keep an eye out for SNK arcade collections on platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or PC (via GOG). Cyber-Lip occasionally appears in these compilations.
- Emulation: Emulators for the Neo Geo are widely available, allowing you to play the arcade or home console versions on PC or other devices (Note: You'll need to source ROMs legally). Sites like Archive.org often host historical arcade ROMs for preservation purposes, though availability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cyber-Lip just a Contra clone? A: While it shares similarities as a run-and-gun game, Cyber-Lip has its own style, unique weapons, and the distinctive elevator mechanic. It was an early entry for SNK in the genre before they refined it with series like Metal Slug.
Q: Can I play Cyber-Lip on modern consoles? A: Yes, Cyber-Lip has been included in some SNK arcade collections released on modern platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Q: How long is Cyber-Lip? A: Like many arcade games of the era, Cyber-Lip is relatively short, designed for quick playthroughs. Its length was a point of criticism for some reviewers.
Q: What's unique about Cyber-Lip's gameplay? A: The most unique feature is the elevator choice between stages, where picking the "wrong" direction sends you into a challenging bonus area.
Final Thoughts
Cyber-Lip might not be the most famous game in the Neo Geo library, but it's a solid, action-packed shooter that deserves a look for fans of the run-and-gun genre. Its intense gameplay, memorable bosses, and slightly bonkers elevator system make it a fun slice of early 90s arcade history. If you get the chance to play it, grab a friend, choose your elevator path wisely, and prepare to blast some rogue robots and aliens!
