Jump to content

SNK Hidden Gem Fighting Game: Waku Waku 7


thanonyx

Recommended Posts

Waku_waku_7_arcadeflyer.png

 

Waku Waku 7 is a 2D fighting game developed and published by SUNSOFT in 1996 initially as an arcade game for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system. It was later ported to the Neo Geo in 1996 and then the Sega Saturn in 1997. 

 

Waku Waku 7 has an irregular feature set for a fighting game of its time, and includes features common to SNK fighting games (four basic attacks, screens zooming, etc.). The game has a roster of nine characters (Two of which were available only in the Versus mode of the console ports). Each has a significantly different play style and parodies a well-known character from another game.
 
Each character has a powerful special move (Referred to as the Harahara movement, or Harahara motion). They had several factors that made them unique, including:
  • They were easy to execute;
  • They needed to be charged. (during which the character concentrates, says something, strikes a pose or blows a fanfare)
  • They were unblockable and difficult to dodge, but could be interrupted while charging.
  • While charging, the game flashes a warning and sounds an alarm.
  • Characters could be launched through the screen to hit the other corner, and attacked while on the ground; but could also dodge or attack while getting up.

"It is said that the person who collects all sevens of the legendary WakuWaku balls will have their dearest wish granted. Those who find one of the balls become obsessed with the ruthless desire to obtain the others, who will be victorious in the bitter battle to become the owner of all the balls. Victory or defeat - it all lies in your hand."

[spoiler=Characters]

[spoiler=Rai]

Rai.jpg

 

Rai Bakuoh is a cocky 15-year old boy who pursues the Waku Waku Balls to achieve his dream of more exciting adventures. He is a parody of Sie Kensou of King of Fighters/Psycho Soldier. He practices BMX tricks and has an excellent jumping ability (including a double-jump). However, most of his special moves use some sort of dark electric power.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Arina Makihara]

Arina.jpg

Arina Makihara is a 17-year old girl with bunny ears, clad in a unitard and short-sleeve jacket. She pursues the Waku Waku Balls to achieve her dream to have a nice love. She is said to have learned to fight in an extracurricular compulsory class in high school, and is often seen with her friends and little brother, who are, like her, all parodies of typical half-animal/half-human characters from several shōjo manga and anime.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Dandy-J]

Dandy-J.jpg

Dandy-J is a treasure hunter hired to go after the Waku Waku Balls, though has no wish to grant in particular, and is accompanied by his friend's daughter Natsumi Hazama and pet cat "Rampoo" (sometimes mentioned as Ramp or Rump) in his quest. Dandy-J uses a whip in his battles, with Natsumi and Rump sometimes making single attacks at the opponent. He is a parody of both the titular character of the Indiana Jones series and Joseph Joestar from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Mauru]

Mauru.jpg

Mauru (known as Marurun in the Japanese version) is a purple forest creature that is a parody of Totoro. He carries a lost little girl named Mugi Rokujoh. He likes fruits and singing. Mauru's play style is similar to Darkstalkers' Sasquatch, with many moves mimicking near-verbatim.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Politank-Z]

Politank-Z.jpg

Politank-Z is a tank-mecha of the police department, which is a parody of the police tanks from Dominion: Tank Police. It is piloted by the Chief and his trusty sidekick, the Mechanic, who is a dog. The Politank is large and slow, making it easy to hit, but is able to deal large amounts of damage.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Slash]

Slash.jpg

Slash is a calm and collected elf with light green hair and blue trench coat who battles with a laser sword. He has no wish to grant in particular when he obtains the Waku Waku Balls. He is a parody of typical sword-using heroes of certain manga and anime.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Tesse]

Tesse.jpg

Tesse is the seventh robot built by Dr. Lombrozo, Tesse was made to be that of a maid (cooking and keeping the house clean). She pursues the Waku Waku Balls to not only to cure the illness of Dr. Lombrozo, but to also achieve her dream of becoming human. She fights using an assorted array of cleaning utensils, electricity attacks, and a syringe. She is possibly a cross parody of Astro Boy and cosplay restaurants.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bonus-kun]

Bonus-kun.jpg

Bonus-kun is a living punching bag whose looks, motives and attacks directly lampoon Ryu from Capcom's Street Fighter franchise. His origins lie in Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors; he was Rouwe's punching bag, until it became alive and was then trained by him. Due to lack of limbs, he cannot crouch or grab opponents. In Waku Waku 7, he features more moves than he did in Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Makaitaitei Fernandez]

Fernandez.jpg

Makaitaitei Fernandez (known as Fernandeath in the Japanese version) is a black sphere with stubby arms, legs and wings, a large grin and an irritating modulated voice. Fernandez is the game's final boss, and is as tall as a skyscraper. Through a variety of magical means, the other characters are enlarged so as to fight him on equal terms, which is a reference to the kaiju genre.[/spoiler]

[/spoiler]

 

Gameplay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a_pHAHzJpk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...