Waku Waku 7: The Quirky Neo Geo Fighter You Need to Revisit
Step back in time to the mid-90s arcade scene. While Street Fighter and King of Fighters dominated, a different kind of fight game quietly landed on the Neo Geo, bursting with color, personality, and pure, unadulterated silliness. We're talking about Waku Waku 7. Developed by Sunsoft, this isn't your typical serious martial arts tournament. It's a quest for seven magical balls (sound familiar?) that grant wishes, drawing together perhaps the most bizarre and lovable cast in fighting game history.
If you missed it back then, or if the memory is a little fuzzy, let's take a nostalgic trip to discover why Waku Waku 7 remains a delightful oddity worth revisiting.
What Exactly is Waku Waku 7?
Released in arcades and on the Neo Geo in 1996, Waku Waku 7 is a 2D fighting game that leans heavily into charm and over-the-top spectacle. Unlike the complex combos and intricate systems of some contemporaries, Waku Waku 7 is accessible yet deep, featuring mechanics like charging up powerful "Harahara" and "Dokidoki" attacks and a unique "Love System" that impacts super moves. But its real draw? The characters.
The Wild and Wacky Roster
Forget stoic martial artists and brooding anti-heroes. Waku Waku 7's roster is a fever dream of creativity. Each fighter is on a quest for the Waku Waku balls, and their motivations and designs are wonderfully eccentric:
- Arina: A spunky junior high girl who loves the outdoors and zaps opponents with electric shocks. Energetic and unpredictable!
- Dandy-J: A suave, wandering treasure hunter. He travels with his companions, seeking legendary riches, including the Waku Waku balls themselves.
- Rai: Another junior high student, but this one's learned fighting at school. He's into sports, sweets, shopping, and sports some rather long ears.
- Mauru: A giant, friendly woods animal who understands humans. He loves fruit and singing and is often seen with a lost girl he befriended. Prepare for cuddly, powerful attacks!
- Politank-Z: Not a person, but an armored tank! Developed by a police chief for peace, this ambitious machine is maintained by a loyal dog. It rolls and shoots its way through the competition.
- RobotA: The 7th model automaton who desperately wants to become human. RobotA loves people and uses replaceable parts in combat, making for some unique moves.
- Slash: A mysterious monster hunter from another world. Wielding a sword of light, he fights escaped evil creatures and enjoys the simple things: wandering and good food.
Each character feels distinct not just in design but in how they play, making experimenting with the roster a huge part of the fun.
Gameplay That Pops
Waku Waku 7's gameplay is fast-paced and visually striking. Beyond standard punches and kicks, characters can charge up their "Harahara" (chargeable special) and "Dokidoki" (super) attacks for devastating effects. The "Love System" builds up a meter during the match, allowing for even more powerful, often screen-filling, super moves. It's a system that rewards aggressive play and creates thrilling comeback opportunities. The stages are vibrant and full of personality too, matching the game's overall aesthetic.
Finding the Secrets
Like many arcade games of the era, Waku Waku 7 hid a few fun secrets for players to discover. While some might require specific conditions or even the Japanese BIOS version, they add a layer of charm:
- Karaoke Stage: On Arina's stage, holding specific buttons before a match (often tied to the Japanese BIOS) can hide the POW meters and display karaoke-style lyrics! Sing along... or just enjoy the weirdness.
- Alternate Colors: Want your opponent to rock a different look? Holding certain buttons before a single-player match can cycle through alternate color palettes. You can repeat the code to go back to default.
- Zoomed-Out Camera: For a different perspective, a button code before a match can force the camera to stay fully zoomed out for the entire fight. See all the action (and the edges of the stage!).
- Victory Icon Changes: Even the little details were customizable. Holding specific buttons before a match can change the victory icons displayed after a win.
These little touches show the playful spirit Sunsoft injected into the game.
Why It Still Shines Today
Waku Waku 7 might not have reached the same heights of fame as its contemporaries, but its unique style, memorable characters, and accessible yet fun gameplay have earned it a dedicated fanbase. It's a perfect example of the creativity and variety found in the 90s arcade scene and on the Neo Geo. Its vibrant pixel art holds up beautifully, and the sheer joy of landing a giant, over-the-top super move never gets old.
Thankfully, this gem isn't lost to time. You can often find Waku Waku 7 available in retro game collections on modern consoles or via digital storefronts like the ACA NeoGeo series, making it easy to experience this quirky fighter today.
FAQ
- What system was Waku Waku 7 originally on? It first appeared in arcades and was later ported to the Neo Geo home console.
- Who developed Waku Waku 7? The game was developed by Sunsoft.
- Are the characters based on anything? While not direct adaptations, the characters have a strong anime influence and playful designs reminiscent of various tropes from the era.
Conclusion
Waku Waku 7 is more than just a fighting game; it's a burst of pure, unadulterated fun from a bygone era. Its unforgettable characters, bright visuals, and straightforward yet engaging combat make it a standout title on the Neo Geo. If you're a fan of retro fighters or just appreciate games with a unique personality, do yourself a favor and dive into the wonderful, wacky world of Waku Waku 7. You won't regret it.
