Current version:Nintendo 64
Rakugakids

Rakugakids

Rakugakids is a Nintendo 64 fighting game released in 1998 developed by Konami. It centers on combat encounters, move inputs, and offense-defense reads, with controls, information, and pacing arranged around the analog stick, directional pad, A/B buttons, C buttons, and Z trigger.

AI score · out of 10
7.0 / 10
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About this game

Rakugakids is a Nintendo 64 fighting game centered on combat encounters, move inputs, and offense-defense reads. Short bouts use character differences and rising difficulty for variety, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make its immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on length, sales, or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Animation, hit feedback, and readable arenas create match tension, while 3D scenes, fog, textures, and cartridge audio need to preserve target readability within limited memory and television output. The genre-specific limitation is that button or motion mapping, move recognition, networking, and cpu behavior can affect balance. Platform conditions also include camera control, stick precision, Controller Pak saves, Rumble Pak support, Expansion Pak requirements, and four-player setup can affect original-hardware use. This description covers only this platform release and does not import features from other editions.

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Nintendo 64

AI review

AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:

7.0 / 10Nintendo 64

A distinctive doodle fighter whose charm exceeds its competitive depth.

Crayon-like characters immediately distinguish this fighter from its realistic or melodramatic peers. Familiar six-button punches and kicks, along with circular special-move inputs, make the basics inviting. The comparatively small special-move selection helps newcomers find a rhythm, although it also limits character diversity and room for prolonged experimentation. A route to the final boss, two-player versus and separate practice activities provide clear ways to play. Practice settings, remappable buttons and difficulty options help you settle in gradually. One awkward detail deserves attention: holding forward while kicking produces a throw, so advancing attacks require conscious direction management. Think of it as a personable, accessible sparring game rather than a tournament obsession. Its memorable hand-drawn identity is the strongest reason to return.

Strengths

  • Memorable crayon-like characters
  • Approachable six-button fighting
  • Practice and configurable controls

Weaknesses

  • Limited special-move diversity
  • Forward kicks can become unintended throws

Who it is for: Fighting-game newcomers and local rivals who enjoy unusual hand-drawn characters.

Play notes: Evidence concerns the Japanese import; forward plus kick triggers a throw, and story narration requires Japanese.

View scoring basis
DimensionReview stateScoreWeight
Dimension

Story, versus and training form a useful compact framework, with lasting appeal chiefly in repeated duels.

Reviewed6.4 / 10Not provided
Dimension

Six-button attacks and familiar motions are approachable, though limited special-move diversity restricts depth.

Reviewed6.7 / 10Not provided
Dimension

Crayon-like characters give familiar fighting a distinctive and memorable identity.

Reviewed8.0 / 10Not provided
Dimension

The friendly six-button layout has a recurring forward-plus-kick throw trap.

Reviewed7.5 / 10Not provided

Review sources

Not provided

Core information

Developer
Konami
Publisher
Konami
Release date
1998
Platforms
Nintendo 64
Content kind
Game
Release state
Released
Region
Worldwide
Official website
Not provided
Offline minimum players
Not provided
Offline maximum players
Not provided
Online minimum players
Not provided
Online maximum players
Not provided
Tags
3D GraphicsPlayer versus PlayerReplayableReal-time CombatCombosSolo-friendlyFast-pacedMain Story Under 10 HoursMelee CombatShort Sessions
Supported game languages
Not provided
Requires base game
Not provided
Standalone
Not provided
Age ratings
Not provided
Play modes
MultiplayerSingle player
Perspectives
Side view

Release editions

Sources

Not provided