PSXExtreme reports:
''Assembling a fantastic compilation requires more than just slapping together titles from a franchise and putting them all on one disc. No, the developer should probably attempt to include a few other features that cater specifically to avid followers of the series in question, and that might include unlockables (for screenshot or even video galleries), added characters or levels, and/or updated visuals. Unfortunately, SNK Playmore believed the four World Heroes titles was all they needed to produce a high-quality Anthology, and the result is a lackluster production that may not even appeal to hardcore fans of the classic fighter. Back in the day of the Neo-Geo, these games were a big draw, primarily because of their original cast of characters and high-impact combat action that helped to define the '90s video game scene. But now, a lot of that old panache is gone, and this compilation doesn't do much to revive it.''
GI writes: "Whether it be the old or new, game companies left and right are trying to shove product down our throats so bad that oversaturation is not only inevitable, it's usually a reality. From any number of trends at the time, you'll always get your fair share of innovators of substance, and the trailers of mimicry are not far behind. The important idea is to find what suits your needs and go all out with them. While "party" and "casual" have been thrown around as hot words recently, there was a day not that long ago where 2D fighters reigned supreme as the standard. World Heroes Anthology harkens back from the days of SNK and follows up with not only one popular trend, but two in the form of nostalgia, as this series of four old-school 2D fighters tries to remind you why you loved shouting out the names of your favorite arcade moves back in the day."
Square-Go:
"I tried hard not to mention Street Fighter 2 in this article, but the comparison will always be there, particularly when looking back on that gaming era. Capcom made a classic and this feels like a cheap knock-off in comparison. Whilst other beat-'em-ups offered something fresh to the genre, there is nothing here in any of the World Heroes Anthology that you haven't seen before, except that it's been done here worse. So much worse. Only a true fan of the series could consider buying this compilation. If you need the retro action spend the cash on SNK Arcade Classics, which at least gives a more balanced offer of what was available on the Neo Geo console."
VGR:
"The final iteration is 'World Heroes Perfect' which while not living up to the rather grand title does represent the game at its most complete. It only adds two new characters to roster, but does kick sprite animation and backgrounds up a notch, practically humming with bright colours. The combo list has once again been expanded, with a special attack meter added for the more complex moves. While this isn't quite the revelation that it was for the Street Fighter series, it does add another layer to what was once quite a simple beat-em-up.
While this final version isn't particularly 'Perfect' it is quite satisfying to approach it having seen the originals meagre beginnings. The series will be of little interest to anyone outside the most devout of beat-em-up fans, but for those curious about the development of this genre through the mid-nineties will find this collection of certain archival value. For the unconverted this really isn't going to provide a welcoming gateway in."
