Wonder Momo

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Wonder Momo
PC Engine box art of Wonder Momo.
Developer(s)	Namco
Publisher(s)	Namco
Platform(s)	Arcade, PC-Engine, Virtual Console
Release date	^JPN 1987 Arcade ^JPN April 21, 1989 PCE/TG16 ^JPN February 27, 2007 VC
Genre(s)	Beat 'em up
Mode(s)	Up to 2 players, alternating turns
Input methods	4-way Joystick; 2 buttons
Cabinet	Upright, cabaret, and cocktail
Arcade system	Namco System 86
Display	Horizontal orientation, Raster

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 in the United States, probably because of its slightly questionable content.

[edit] Gameplay

Screenshot of Wonder Momo (arcade version).

When the game is first started, players are treated to a parody of the MGM logo featuring 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. This game is unique in that, rather than playing a hero who must save the world, you play a character who has that role in a live stage show (set at the "Namco Theater"). 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.

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 the stages) is Momo wearing only a towel.

[edit] 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.