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Waku Waku 7

Neo Geo AES

Neo Geo AES

Waku Waku 7 is a 2D fighting game in which players can choose from seven characters, each possessing one of the Waku Waku balls. Each character has a super meter that can be increased rapidly by successfully attacking opponents, but will also steadily increase even if the character isn't doing an...

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Developer
Sunsoft

Released on
1996

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Neo Geo AES

Requirements
SNK Neo Geo AES

Downloads
Fighting

Publisher
SNK

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Description

Waku Waku 7 is a 2D fighting game in which players can choose from seven characters, each possessing one of the Waku Waku balls. Each character has a super meter that can be increased rapidly by successfully attacking opponents, but will also steadily increase even if the character isn’t doing anything. Once filled up to level one the meter can be used in one of several ways. The characters each have several unique special moves activated with a joystick motion and one punch or kick button. By pressing both punch or kick buttons instead of just one players can unleash an enhanced version of the special attack that does more damage, but also uses up one level of the super meter. Players can also use two different types of desperation moves, both of which drain one level of the meter. The first type does moderate damage, but is executed reasonably fast. The second type does enormous damage, but has a charge time of several seconds during which they can be hit out of the desperation.

Waku Waku 7

Overview & History

Released by Sunsoft in 1996 for the Neo Geo AES and arcade hardware, Waku Waku 7 stands as a vibrant, eccentric high-water mark for 16/24-bit 2D fighting games. Eschewing the gritty realism popular in mid-90s fighters, Sunsoft crafted a delightfully bizarre universe where seven magical spheres—the "Waku Waku" balls—must be gathered to grant a wish. The storyline centers around a charismatic, whimsical cast ranging from a schoolgirl piloting a giant robot to a ferocious beast-boy trapped inside a magical box. Its dripping charm, pastel-hued aesthetic, and frenetic anime tropes make it a beloved cult classic among retro fighting game enthusiasts.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Waku Waku 7 operates on a four-button arcade layout (Light Punch, Heavy Punch, Light Kick, Heavy Kick) but introduces a suite of dynamic mechanics that separates it from standard SNK offerings. Combat is lightning-fast, emphasized by exaggerated super-jumps, air-dashes, and screen-filling "Waku Waku" super moves. A standout mechanical addition is the "Harassment" (Dama) system: holding down a specific button combination lets characters temporarily annoy or mock their opponent to build meter or interrupt pacing. Characters boast incredibly distinct playstyles—from Tesse, the robotic maid who deploys sweeping energy beams and buzzsaws, to Mauru, the giant fluffy monster who swallows rivals whole. The game balances its cartoonish presentation with deep combo potential, corner-presses, and tight cancel windows.