Waku Waku 7

Game Details:

Waku Waku 7 was officially released to the arcade market by Sunsoft in 1996 (running on the MVS board). The story revolves around the seven "Waku Waku Balls" which, when gathered, can grant any wish. Seven unique protagonists with distinct anime-inspired aesthetics battle it out to claim the balls for their own desires. The game features incredibly vibrant colors and character designs that pay extensive homage to popular Japanese anime of the era (such as My Neighbor Totoro, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Mashin Hero Wataru). The gameplay system is highly polished, featuring screen zooming, air blocking, pursuit attacks, and the devastating "Harahara Motion" (unblockable super moves), creating a fighting rhythm that is both upbeat and deep.

Game Guide:

The core gameplay centers on power gauge management and the execution of Super Specials.

Clear Strategy:

Every character in the game possesses a "Harahara Motion" (input: Down, Down + two attack buttons)—a move that is extremely slow to start up but unblockable and full-screen. In single-player Story Mode, high-level AI opponents can easily dodge them, so avoid using them blindly. The most reliable strategy is to utilize each character's standard combos or command throws. For example, when playing as the protagonist Rai, you can use his powerful "Spark Bomber" to control distance and follow up with "Lightning Slash" for punishes. When using the cute character Mauru, you can break through the opponent's defense with heavy aerial pressure and command throws. When the power gauge is full, activating "Super Mode" will significantly boost your attack power for a short duration. When facing the final boss, Fernandez—a massive black sphere—exploit his lack of mobility and large hitbox by landing multi-hit combos or Super Specials during his recovery frames. Avoid trying to out-prioritize his moves directly; focus on counter-attacking to clear the game smoothly.