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| The SNK 40th Anniversary Collection comes with a plethora of classic 1980s arcade games, including Alpha Mission, Athena, and Crystalis (plus a lot more). Pictured - a thumbnail collage of games present in the bundle. |
In a surprise move for retro gaming fans, SNK’s celebrated SNK 40th Anniversary Collection has just been marked down to free on the Stove platform for PC. Normally priced at $29.99, the bundle is now listed at $0.00 with a 100% discount for a limited time, offering a massive injection of 1980s arcade nostalgia at no cost.
This collection is a deep dive into SNK’s formative years, packing 24 classic titles that defined a generation of arcade-goers. From run-and-gun classics to pioneering shooters, it’s a comprehensive look at the studio’s legacy before the Neo Geo era.
What’s in the Bundle?
The lineup reads like a who’s who of early arcade and NES-era hits. Key titles include:
- Ikari Warriors & Guerrilla War (the iconic top-down military shooters)
- Athena (the fantasy action-platformer)
- Crystalis (the beloved action-RPG)
- P.O.W.: Prisoners of War & Street Smart (the gritty beat 'em ups)
- Alpha Mission (the vertical shooter)
- Psycho Soldier (notable for its iconic theme song)
- Plus deeper cuts like Prehistoric Isle, Vanguard, and Time Soldiers.
You can claim the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection for free directly on the Stove store before the deal ends. Get it here: https://store.onstove.com/en/games/4334
Modern Touches on Classic Games
While these are faithful emulations of the original arcade hardware, the collection isn’t bare-bones. SNK included several quality-of-life features to bridge the gap between 1980s quarter-munchers and modern playstyles:
- Save States & Rewind: Crucial for conquering notoriously tough games.
- Updated Control Schemes: Flexibility beyond the original arcade layout.
- High-Resolution Support: Clean visuals up to 4K.
- Museum Mode: A treasure trove of concept art, promotional materials, and historical insights, perfect for gaming history buffs.
A Note for Modern Players
It’s important to set expectations: this is not a remaster. These are the original games, with their original (and often brutally challenging) design philosophies intact. The appeal is pure nostalgia and a chance to experience gaming history firsthand. For those accustomed to modern conveniences, the dated mechanics can be a hurdle, but for retro enthusiasts, it’s the authentic experience they crave.
How to Get and Play It
To play, you’ll need the Stove PC Client, the platform's dedicated launcher. It allows you to download, manage, and launch your Stove games, and includes features like library organization and remote play via "Stove Link." You can also link your account to the mobile Stove app for notifications and community features.
How Good is This Deal?
While Stove doesn’t have extensive public price tracking, we can look to Steam as a reliable benchmark. On Steam, the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection maintains a $29.99 regular price and holds a "Very Positive" rating from hundreds of reviews. According to SteamDB, its deepest historical discount was $4.49. This makes the current free promotion on Stove an exceptional, unprecedented value.
The Bottom Line:
If you have any interest in the roots of arcade gaming or SNK’s storied history, this is an unmissable offer. The bundle provides incredible historical value and countless hours of classic gameplay, now completely free. Just be prepared to install the Stove client to access it.
Act quickly—this free promotion ends on December 31.