Waku Waku 7 [Arcade Game] – Info, Main Characters, Gameplay Mechanics
Japanese Title: わくわく7 (Waku Waku 7)
Year of Release: 1996
Origin: Japan
Platform: Arcade, others
Modes: Single Player, Multiplayer
Series: Waku Waku
Developer: Sunsoft
Publisher: SNK
Plot
At its heart, Waku Waku 7 revolves around an age-old legend: the quest for seven fabled “WakuWaku balls.” Folklore tells of a singular power bestowed upon the one who manages to collect all seven – the ability to have their most cherished wish granted. The narrative then follows a colorful cast of characters, each consumed by an intense obsession to obtain these mystical artifacts. This shared desire ignites a series of exhilarating and often comical battles, as protagonists and antagonists clash in their pursuit of ultimate fulfillment. The story powerfully emphasizes the dramatic struggle between the elation of victory and the sting of defeat, delving into the deep-seated desires and unique motivations that drive each character.
Main Characters
Waku Waku 7 boasts a diverse roster of nine characters, each with distinct abilities and gameplay styles.
Character Overview
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Rai Bakuoh | A 13-year-old boy who rides a BMX and utilizes electric attacks. Known for his impressive jumping ability, he is a parody of Sie Kensou from The King of Fighters. |
| Arina Makihara | A 14-year-old girl with bunny ears, skilled in martial arts. She wears a unitard and employs a playful fighting style. |
| Bonus-kun | A living punching bag that parodies Ryu from Street Fighter. Despite limited mobility, he possesses a variety of moves. |
| Makaitaitei Fernandez | The final boss, presented as a colossal black sphere with stubby limbs. He wields magical powers and is a clear reference to kaiju films. |
Additional Characters
- Tesse: A robotic maid with a unique fighting style.
- Slash: A brooding, vampire-like character, embodying traits from various anime archetypes.
- Dandy J: A character known for his flamboyant style and flashy maneuvers.
- Politank-Z: A mech character operated by two small beings, adding a humorous element to the roster.
Gameplay Machanics
Waku Waku 7 distinguishes itself as a 2D fighting game, boasting a distinctively colorful and eccentric roster of characters, each armed with unique playstyles that promise a highly engaging experience. Key gameplay elements include:
- Character Roster: A Motley Crew of Nine:
- The game features a total of nine playable characters, though two are exclusively accessible in Versus mode, adding an extra layer of excitement for head-to-head competition.
- In a testament to its playful spirit, each character serves as a witty parody or homage to well-known figures from other popular video games, injecting a delightful sense of familiarity and humor into the proceedings.
- Combat Mechanics: Unleashing the “Harahara” Spirit:
- Players have access to four fundamental attack buttons, alongside a unique set of special moves referred to as the “Harahara movement.”
- Many of these exhilarating special moves require a charging mechanic. During this period of concentration, characters prepare and execute their specific, often visually spectacular, actions.
- The game introduces dynamic screen-zooming effects, which can dramatically enhance the impact of certain attacks and transitions. Furthermore, characters can be launched across the screen, adding a sense of explosive power to the combat.
- Game Modes: For Fun and For Glory:
- Waku Waku 7 offers robust support for both engaging single-player campaigns and thrilling multiplayer battles.
- Players can test their skills against a challenging AI opponent in single-player, or dive into the competitive arena to battle against friends and rivals in the vibrant multiplayer modes.
In essence, Waku Waku 7 masterfully blends its infectious humor, vibrant and eye-catching graphics, and deeply engaging gameplay mechanics, forging a truly distinctive and memorable entry in the annals of the fighting game genre.
