Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rakugakids delivers a classic 2D fighting experience with a playful twist. Players choose from a roster of hand‐drawn characters, each boasting unique low, middle, and high attacks. Standard special moves are executed with familiar button combinations, while the built‐in “crayon meter” fills as you land hits, unlocking devastating super attacks once fully charged. This system adds a strategic layer, encouraging aggressive play to unlock powerful finishers.

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The character roster is packed with imaginative creations drawn by the Twinkle gang themselves. From Robot C.H.O., which morphs into cars, rockets, and even garbage cans mid‐match, to BearTank, a teddy bear equipped with turret guns, each fighter brings a distinct playstyle. Captain.Cat.Kit combines slick basketball dribbles with sonic musical instrument assaults. Learning each hero’s signature moves and timing is key to mastering the game’s varied combat scenarios.

One of Rakugakids’ most intriguing features is its Story Mode integration with Training Mode. Rather than a separate narrative ladder, you train your chosen character against any opponent to build up AI “intuition.” Once your fighter has logged enough matches, you can engage in Battle Mode, where your polished AI will react to opponents just as you would. This innovative mechanic offers both casual players and seasoned competitors a fresh approach to single‐player progression and replayability.

Graphics

The visual style of Rakugakids is a vibrant celebration of childlike creativity. Every stage and character looks as if it were sketched with crayons and colored pencils, complete with bold outlines and bright hues. Backgrounds teem with quirky details—schoolhouses, beachside cliffs, and the mysterious crayon cave—each lending a hand‐drawn charm that sets the game apart from more polished, corporate fighters.

Character animations are fluid and exaggerated, capturing the feel of a doodle coming to life. Robot C.H.O.’s rapid transformations, BearTank’s turret recoil, and Captain.Cat.Kit’s breakdance‐inspired combos all flow smoothly, thanks to tight frame‐by‐frame work. Subtle flourishes—like crayon smudges appearing when super moves connect—add a playful touch that reinforces the game’s artistic theme.

Stage transitions and victory poses maintain the whimsical atmosphere, often breaking the fourth wall with crayon scribbles or playful on‐screen doodles. Although the resolution is modest by today’s standards, the stylized graphics ensure the visuals never feel dated. Instead, the art direction remains a standout, giving Rakugakids a unique identity in the 2D fighting genre.

Story

At its heart, Rakugakids tells a simple, charming tale: during school holidays, the Twinkle gang discovers a hidden cache of crayons on a remote island. Their fun is cut short when a local bully absconds with the last two crayons and draws a mischievous character that comes to life, threatening Twinkle Town with chaos. In response, the gang sketches their own heroes to restore peace.

This narrative unfolds through lighthearted cutscenes peppered between fights, emphasizing creativity, teamwork, and a childlike sense of wonder. While the story itself won’t rival epic RPG arcs, it supports the game’s tone perfectly, framing each duel as part of the gang’s artistic adventure. The bully’s antics and the crayon‐born monster add just enough conflict to keep players invested without bogging down the action.

The innovative Training Mode as Story Mode twist enhances the plot by tying progress directly to your performance. Each victory not only hones your character’s AI but also advances the gang’s quest to reclaim the missing crayons. This cohesive design merges gameplay and storytelling, making every match feel like a step in the larger narrative and rewarding players who invest time in mastering their fighters.

Overall Experience

Rakugakids stands out as a whimsical, accessible fighter that balances solid mechanics with creative flair. Its core combat is intuitive yet deep enough to satisfy genre enthusiasts, thanks to the crayon meter and diverse move sets. The charming art style and playful animations make even casual skirmishes feel fresh, while the Training Mode/Story Mode hybrid offers a novel single‐player campaign.

This game is ideally suited for families, younger players, and fans of lighthearted fighting games who appreciate aesthetic originality. Local versus matches shine, offering instant fun for couch co‐op, and the AI training system ensures solo players have an engaging challenge. Though it lacks robust online support, its local multiplayer and single‐player depth deliver plenty of replay value.

If you’re seeking a fighter with personality—one that swaps gritty realism for crayon sketches and childlike wonder—Rakugakids is a hidden gem worth exploring. Its blend of creative characters, colorful graphics, and accessible yet strategic gameplay makes for an enjoyable package that stands out in a crowded genre.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10