Words by Conor Woods for Levelhead Gaming
Attack names take centre stage in this charming, Dragon Ball-inspired turn-based fighter.
Calling out your attack instantly boosts its cool factor. Whether it is a spell, a punch, or an energy blast, anime has long relied on dramatic declarations to elevate action. For Western audiences, this vocal flair has become iconic from Bruce Lee’s legendary yells to arcade shouts of “Hadouken!” and “Sonic Boom!”, all the way to modern anime classics like My Hero Academia (hello, “Detroit Smash!”).
But for me, nothing hit quite like Dragon Ball Z.
When DBZ first aired in Australia, it took schoolyards by storm. Thanks to the Cheez TV pipeline, you could not walk across an oval without hearing someone screaming “Kamehameha” or arguing over who got to be Goku (and who had to be Krillin).
I would not be surprised if the creators of Wander Stars were among those kids. Because they have channelled that exact feeling, the boldness, the nostalgia, the joy, into something fresh and clever.
In Wander Stars, you play as Ringo (and no, do not call her Apple-head). She is a passionate Kiai Fighting enthusiast, obsessed with the galaxy’s most popular combat sport.
“Kiai” refers to the shout used in real martial arts to focus energy. Here, it has become the core of the battle system. If you want to throw a fire punch, you have to literally build and call out “Fire Punch!”. Want to block? Then say it. Loudly.
The game builds combat out of vocabulary. The better the phrase, the stronger the effect. It is ridiculous in the best way.
Wander Stars is bright, playful and full of heart. Locations are vivid, characters are memorable, and the combat is both intuitive and satisfying. The attack-name mechanic is more than a gimmick. It invites creativity and strategy.
One of my favourite elements is the Pep-Up system, where you are rewarded for sparing enemies with bonuses in future battles.
It reminded me of the old-school anime message: the strongest fighters do not always finish the fight, they earn respect.
Another great touch? The food. From healing items like arepas to sly nods to culture and character, Wander Stars does not miss a detail.
The game wears its 90s anime inspiration proudly. Think Toei Animation meets Saturday morning energy. Character designs are stylish, transitions are smooth, and the colour palette is just plain satisfying.
You will balance timing, item use, positioning, and of course the dramatic delivery of your coolest attacks as you fight your way through Kiai League greatness. There is even an enigmatic drifter named Wolfe, on a quest to uncover a mysterious map and earn a quick buck. Just watch out for Ringo’s dangerously jacked grandma...
Wander Stars blends nostalgic anime energy with a smart, engaging battle system. It is light-hearted, polished and refreshingly unique in its approach to turn-based combat.
The beta was a joy to play, and I am genuinely excited to see what the full release brings when it launches in August. Until then, I might just revisit the Cell Saga to tide me over.
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