於199年在Neo Geo街機基板（MVS）推出，並很快移植AES 與Neo Geo CD 的《七戰士》（Waku Waku 7／わくわく7），由Sunsof開發、SNK 發行，是一款在當時格鬥遊戲市場中極為少見、風格大膽鮮明的作品。在多數同類型作品傾向強調寫實對抗、嚴肅氣氛甚至武道精神的年代，《七戰士》反其道而行，以誇張的卡通表現、濃厚的動漫語彙以及帶有惡搞意味的角色設定，打造出一個如同嘉年華般歡樂的格鬥舞台，也因此成為Neo Geo系列中最具辨識度的異色經典之一。

在基本資料與整體呈現上，可說是Neo Geo 硬體的2D點陣能力推至極致。畫面色彩極為鮮豔飽和，角色設計巨大且動態誇張，每一個動作都充滿張力與幽默感。整體視覺風格明顯受到1990年代日本動畫文化影響，從熱血少年到巨大可愛生物，再到機械系角色，都帶有對流行作品的致敬與戲仿意味，例如令人聯想到《七龍珠》的戰鬥風格，以及近似《龍貓》的奇幻生物設計。配合節奏輕快又帶點搞怪的電子音樂，使整體遊戲氛圍更像是一場歡樂祭典，而非傳統的生死決鬥。

在劇情方面，採取簡單直接卻充滿趣味的設定。傳說中只要集齊七顆「Waku Waku 能量球」，便能召喚神秘精靈實現任何願望。來自不同背景的七位角色，為了各自或荒誕、或真誠的願望踏上戰鬥之路。主角雷渴望成為英雄，巨大生物波利路則為尋找夥伴而戰，還有騎著掃帚的魔女少女等各具特色的參戰者，使整體敘事呈現出一種輕鬆又帶點童話感的冒險氛圍。當玩家成功收集所有能量球後，最終將面對帶有強烈惡搞氣息的Boss「波那斯君」，為這場關於夢想與歡笑的亂鬥畫下戲劇性的句點。

在操作與系統設計上，延續傳統四鍵格鬥架構，卻透過簡化指令與強化演出，大幅降低上手門檻，同時保留足夠的戰略深度。遊戲中的超必殺技（Waku Waku 必殺）不僅發動條件直觀，還伴隨誇張的全畫面特效與角色特寫，使玩家即使是初學者，也能輕易體驗逆轉局勢的爽快感。進一步地，「超級模式（Super Mode）」讓玩家可主動進入強化狀態，在短時間內提升攻擊與部分防禦能力，形成攻守節奏的變化。此外，牆壁反彈與倒地追擊等設計，讓戰鬥不只是平面對打，而是具有空間感與連段延伸的立體體驗。畫面還會隨角色距離進行動態縮放，讓巨大角色依然保有壓迫感與細節，這項技術也呼應SN在Neo Geo 平台上的成熟表現。

至於市場評價，長年被視為格鬥遊戲中的「另類經典」。評論普遍肯定其在美術風格與角色塑造上的創意，認為它成功跳脫當時市場對「硬派格鬥」的單一想像，開拓出更輕鬆、娛樂性更強的遊戲方向。雖然角色數量僅有七位，但每位角色的招式設計與個性呈現都極具完成度，使遊戲在玩家之間維持高度黏著度。對收藏玩家而言，更因發行量與風格獨特性，成為Neo Geo AES平台上的熱門收藏標的。

即使放到今日回顧，《七戰士》依然展現出難以取代的魅力。它沒有選擇走向《侍魂》的肅殺，也不同於《拳皇》系列複雜的連段體系，而是以純粹的娛樂性與創意，證明格鬥遊戲同樣可以是輕鬆、歡樂且充滿想像力的存在。在眾多以勝負與技巧為核心的作品之中，它就像一抹鮮豔的色彩，為整個類型注入了難得的溫度與趣味。

Released in 1996 on the Neo Geo arcade system (MVS) and quickly ported to the home consoles AES and Neo Geo CD, Waku Waku 7 (わくわく7), developed by Sunsoft and published by SNK, stands out as a uniquely vibrant fighting game in an era dominated by serious, realistic 2D fighters. While most contemporary titles emphasized gritty, disciplined combat, Waku Waku 7 embraced an exaggerated cartoonish style, anime-inspired aesthetics, and playful, over-the-top character designs, creating a festive, joyful fighting experience that became one of Neo Geo’s most visually distinct and memorable titles.

Technically, the game pushed Neo Geo’s 2D sprite capabilities to their limits. Its visuals feature bright, saturated colors and oversized, highly expressive characters whose animations are both exaggerated and fluid. The art style clearly draws from 1990s Japanese animation, paying homage to and parodying popular media—from hot-blooded heroes reminiscent of Dragon Ball, to giant fantastical creatures echoing My Neighbor Totoro, and even spoofing mecha robots in the vein of Mobile Suit Gundam. Complemented by upbeat, sometimes intense, sometimes comedic electronic music, the game evokes the atmosphere of a lively festival rather than a traditional duel-to-the-death.

The story is simple yet entertaining. Seven unique fighters from around the world compete to collect the seven legendary “Waku Waku Energy Balls,” which summon a mystical spirit capable of granting any wish. Each character pursues their own goal, whether heroic, whimsical, or absurd. Among them, Rai seeks to become a true hero, the giant beast Polilu searches for lost companions, and a broom-riding witch joins the fray. After gathering all the energy balls, players face the comically evil final boss, Bonas-kun, concluding this colorful tale of dreams, laughter, and over-the-top combat.

Gameplay mechanics maintain the traditional four-button fighting setup while introducing systems designed for accessibility and spectacle. Each character has a Waku Waku Super Move, which consumes the energy gauge and triggers visually striking fullscreen effects and exaggerated close-ups, allowing even beginners to experience the thrill of turning a match around. The Super Mode enhances attack power and provides limited defensive bonuses, while wall bounces and follow-up attacks add depth and spatial strategy to combat. Dynamic camera scaling ensures that even enormous characters feel imposing without losing visual clarity, a testament to SNK’s technical mastery on the Neo Geo platform.

Critically, Waku Waku 7 has long been regarded as an “alternative classic” within the fighting game genre. Reviewers praised its bold visual design, distinct characters, and ability to offer a lighter, more entertaining alternative to the era’s dominant “serious” fighters. Despite featuring only seven playable characters, each has unique movesets and personalities, ensuring lasting engagement. For collectors, its rarity and distinctive style have made it a coveted title on the Neo Geo AES platform.

Even decades later, Waku Waku 7 retains its charm. Unlike the grim intensity of Samurai Shodown or the complex combo systems of The King of Fighters, it emphasizes pure enjoyment, creativity, and humor, demonstrating that fighting games can be bright, playful, and full of imagination. Amid a genre often defined by skill and competition, Waku Waku 7 remains a vivid, unforgettable burst of color and joy.