Summary

• Release Year: 1998
• Genres: Fighting
• Platforms: Nintendo 64
• Developers: Konami
• Publishers: Konami

Rakugakids: The Quirky and Imaginative Fighting Game from 1998

Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Rakugakids is a unique and charming fighting game that stands out with its vibrant and whimsical art style and innovative gameplay mechanics. Developed by Konami, the game’s title is a portmanteau of the Japanese words “rakugaki” (meaning “doodle”) and “kids,” perfectly encapsulating the game’s visual aesthetic and lighthearted tone.

A Visual Masterpiece

Rakugakids’ most striking feature is its distinctive visual style. The game’s characters and environments are rendered in a 2.5D cel-shaded art style that resembles children’s drawings, giving the game a playful and imaginative look. The character designs are particularly impressive, with each fighter possessing a unique and memorable appearance. From the crayon-wielding Sketch to the graffiti-inspired Tag, each character exudes personality and charm.

Innovative Gameplay

Beyond its captivating visuals, Rakugakids also boasts innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other fighting games of its era. The game’s combat system is simple to learn but difficult to master, with a focus on timing, spacing, and creative use of special moves. Players can unleash a variety of colorful attacks, including punches, kicks, projectiles, and grapples.

One of the most unique aspects of Rakugakids is its “Scribble” mechanic. By pressing a button, players can create a temporary drawing on the screen that can be used to attack opponents, block projectiles, or even create platforms. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and creativity to the gameplay, allowing players to express themselves through their own unique drawings.

A Diverse Cast of Characters

Rakugakids features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and personalities. Players can choose from a variety of fighters, including:

• Sketch: A young boy who uses crayons to create powerful attacks.
• Tag: A graffiti artist who can spray paint projectiles and create explosive tags.
• Ribbon: A rhythmic gymnast who uses ribbons to gracefully attack her opponents.
• Block: A shy and timid boy who uses building blocks to create defensive structures.
• Prism: A mischievous girl who can refract light to create illusions and confuse her enemies.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Rakugakids received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming art style, and unique cast of characters. However, some critics found the game’s visuals to be too simplistic and its roster of characters to be somewhat limited.

Despite these minor criticisms, Rakugakids has developed a cult following among fighting game enthusiasts. The game’s unique blend of creativity, imagination, and solid gameplay mechanics has ensured its place as a beloved classic in the Nintendo 64 library.

Conclusion

Rakugakids is a truly unique and imaginative fighting game that stands out with its vibrant art style, innovative gameplay mechanics, and diverse cast of characters. While it may not be the most technically advanced or complex fighting game ever made, Rakugakids more than makes up for it with its charm, creativity, and sheer fun factor. If you’re looking for a fighting game that’s both visually stunning and mechanically engaging, then Rakugakids is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots