Wonder Momo

Infobox VG
title = Wonder Momo


caption = PC Engine box art of Wonder Momo.
developer = Namco
publisher = Namco
designer =
release = ^JPN 1987 Arcade ^JPN April 21, 1989 PCE/TG16 ^JPN February 27, 2007 VC
genre = Beat 'em up
modes = Up to 2 players, alternating turns
cabinet = Upright, cabaret, and cocktail
arcade system = Namco System 86
display = Horizontal orientation, Raster
input = 4-way Joystick; 2 buttons
platforms = Arcade, PC-Engine, Virtual Console

Wonder Momo (ワンダーモモ) is a beat 'em up arcade game that was released exclusively in Japan by Namco in 1987. It runs on Namco System 86 hardware, and was later ported to the PC-Engine in 1989. It is Namco's last 8-bit arcade game. This game was never released outside of Japan, probably because of its slightly questionable content.

Gameplay

When the game is first started, players are treated to a parody of the MGM logo featuring Momo, even making the "lion" sound by Momo, a young girl who gets super-powers, hence becoming "Wonder Momo" and battling costumed villains. Then the game puts the player in the commands of Momo. Rather than playing a hero who must save the world, the setting is that of a live stage show (set at the "Namco Theater"), and players actually play as an actor who is merely playing the role of Wonder Momo. This game also features voice samples (in Japanese).

As Momo, she can only attack using kicks, and in doing so builds up her "Wonder" meter. When she touches a cyclone icon she can become Wonder Momo and can also attack using the "Wonder Hoop", which can be reused as long as she is Wonder Momo. After the Wonder Hoop is thrown, she won't be able to throw anymore, while she'll have to wait for it to bounce back to her. Her most powerful move is the "Wonder Typhoon", which shoots a lot of small waves of energy toward the left and right simultaneously while she spins.

When Momo jumps, players can visibly see her panties. Also Momo needs to be wary of a photographer in the audience who is determined to get a peek under her mini-skirt. If he is successful, Momo will be stunned for a short time. Additionally, one of the images that appears on the curtain (at the beginning and end of some stages) is Momo wearing only a towel.

Other appearances in media

* Wonder Momo appears as a magnus card in the Namco RPG "Baten Kaitos".
* Wonder Momo made a cameo appearance as one of Anise's dolls in "Tales of the Abyss".
* Momo (and Wonder Momo) appeared as one of the playable characters in the Japan-only, strategy RPG title "Namco X Capcom", partnering with "Bravoman" from the game of the same name.
* Yujin released a gashapon figure of Momo as part of the "Namco Girls" collection.
* J-pop singer Haruko Momoi released a song inspired by the game entitled "Wonder Momo-i" (a pun combining her last name with the name of this game). It utilizes both the game's main gameplay theme and the "henshin" (transformation) theme.

External links

*GameFAQs|type=arcade|id=584204|name=Wonder Momo (arcade version)
*GameFAQs|id=589164|name=Wonder Momo (PC Engine/Turbografx-16 version)
*GameFAQs|id=938081|name=Wonder Momo (Virtual Console version)
*StrategyWiki|Wonder Momo
*KLOV game|id=10467