Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Sunsoft Collection offers a robust package of two distinct fighting experiences tailored for Neo-Geo enthusiasts. Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors delivers fast-paced, combo-driven action where timing and positioning are crucial. Each character boasts a unique move set, from projectile zoning to close-range burst attacks, making every bout a chess match of skill and strategy. Training mode helps newcomers master intricate mechanics before stepping into the ring.

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Waku Waku 7 brings a lighter, more whimsical approach to the genre with its roster of colorful, cartoon-styled fighters. Here, the emphasis is on accessible special moves and quirky super attacks that feel satisfying even if you’re not a seasoned button-masher. The versus mode allows for seamless local face-offs, with a generous move list display that ensures you can experiment and refine your favorite characters’ signature combos.

Beyond local play, both titles support broadband matches for head-to-head clashes, though this feature is region-locked to Japanese servers. Still, the inclusion of online functionality represents a nod to modern expectations and keeps the community alive—assuming you can navigate the region restrictions. The training and versus modes are intuitive and stable, providing a consistent frame rate and responsive inputs, critical for any fighting game worth its salt.

Another highlight is the dual audio tracks—original and arranged music—that can be toggled on the fly. This adds replay value as you experience classic Neo-Geo soundscapes in their authentic form or enjoy fresh remixes that breathe new life into old favorites. The controller mappings are smartly implemented, accommodating both arcade-style stick setups and modern pad layouts for maximum comfort.

Overall, the gameplay package caters to both casual and hardcore players. Galaxy Fight challenges veterans with complex air combos and precision play, while Waku Waku 7’s charm and simplicity make it an inviting gateway for newcomers. The compilation’s training suite, coupled with online and local competition modes, ensures that hours of replayability are well within reach.

Graphics

Both games in the Sunsoft Collection remain visually stunning, showcasing Neo-Geo’s hallmark high-definition sprites and vibrant color palettes. Galaxy Fight’s character designs are sharp and detailed, with dynamic animations that accentuate every punch, kick, and special effect. Backgrounds are richly rendered, ranging from futuristic arenas to elemental landscapes, each packed with environmental flourishes that reward close inspection.

Waku Waku 7’s graphical style contrasts sharply with a more playful, anime-inspired aesthetic. Characters sport exaggerated expressions and bright hues, moving with fluid, almost cartoonish elasticity. The stages are delightfully hand-drawn, featuring interactive elements—such as NPC onlookers and destructible objects—that bring each battlefield to life. The overall effect is a joy to behold, particularly for fans of classic 2D artistry.

Resolution scaling and filters on modern hardware preserve the original pixel charm while smoothing out jagged edges. Players can choose between pixel-perfect mode or a subtle upscaling filter, ensuring that the visual presentation aligns with personal preference. In either setting, the frame rate remains rock-solid, eliminating distracting slowdown even in the most effects-heavy confrontations.

Special effects, including energy blasts, screen-filling supers, and finishing moves, pop with crisp clarity. Galaxy Fight’s particle trails and Waku Waku 7’s extravagant finishers both shine under the compilation’s optimized engine. Whether you’re dispatching an opponent with a fiery barrage or unleashing a whimsical group attack, the visual feedback feels weighty and impactful.

Ultimately, this collection stands as a testament to SunSoft’s ability to craft enduring visuals. It honors the legacy of Neo-Geo hardware while embracing modern polish, making both titles look as impressive today as they did on their original arcade and home console releases.

Story

While neither game is plot-driven in the traditional RPG sense, each offers a concise backdrop that enriches its fighting action. Galaxy Fight sets the stage with an intergalactic tournament hosted by a mysterious emperor, inviting warriors from all corners of the universe to vie for ultimate supremacy. Character endings, unlocked through arcade mode, reveal brief but engaging vignettes that reward you with a glimpse of each fighter’s motivations and quirks.

Waku Waku 7 adopts a more whimsical narrative framework, revolving around a magical artifact that grants wishes. This lighthearted premise sets up a cast of eclectic characters—ranging from a fortune-hungry magician to a sentient doll—each seeking the Waku Waku 7 gem. Story outcomes are presented as short, animated ending sequences, often peppered with humor and charm that capture the era’s irreverent arcade style.

The compilation’s presentation of story content is straightforward but effective. Character profiles, voice snippets, and ending illustrations are all accessible from the main menu, making it easy to revisit your favorite endings or dive into backstories. Though not the main draw, these narrative elements provide context and personality, elevating each match beyond mere button-mashing.

Localized text and menus are clear and faithful to the original releases. Even players unfamiliar with Japanese culture can follow each character’s arc without confusion, thanks to concise translations. The blend of sci-fi drama in Galaxy Fight and playful fantasy in Waku Waku 7 gives the Sunsoft Collection a tonal variety that keeps the experience engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

The Sunsoft Collection is a lovingly curated homage to two hidden gems of the Neo-Geo era. For fighting game aficionados, it offers a challenging, combo-heavy environment in Galaxy Fight and a welcoming, animated spectacle in Waku Waku 7. The dual-audio option and graphic filters provide customization that respects both purists and newcomers, while the inclusion of training, versus, and online modes covers all the bases for competitive play.

Despite the regional limitation on broadband matches, the local multiplayer remains a highlight, encouraging couch-side showdowns and friendly rivalries. The menu interface is clean and responsive, making it easy to jump between games, adjust settings, and explore bonus content like character bios and sound test modes. This level of accessibility ensures that casual players and tournament seekers alike will find something to appreciate.

Price-wise, the collection delivers remarkable value, effectively granting access to two full-fledged fighting titles, their arranged soundtracks, and a suite of modern conveniences. Whether you’re chasing high-score bragging rights, mastering intricate combos, or simply savoring retro aesthetics, the Sunsoft Collection stands as one of the more compelling Neo-Geo compilations available.

In the end, Sunsoft Collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of 2D fighters. It bridges the gap between nostalgia and contemporary expectations, offering a polished package that honors the past without feeling dated. For anyone looking to expand their fighting game library or revisit classic Neo-Geo offerings, this anthology is a must-own.

Retro Replay Score

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