Retro Gaming Life – Ongoing Finds Series: Asuka 120% Excellent: Burning Fest (PlayStation, 1997)
There’s something magical about uncovering a gem that blends both fighting-game energy and that unmistakable 90s anime charm—and today’s entry in the Ongoing Finds series brings exactly that vibe. This time, the spotlight lands on Asuka 120% Excellent: Burning Fest for the original PlayStation, a vibrant and often overlooked import title that still has plenty of personality to offer collectors and retro enthusiasts alike.
Released in 1997 by Family Soft, the game is part of the long-running Asuka 120% franchise, a series known for its all-girl cast, high-speed fighting mechanics, and upbeat anime-style presentation. While the series saw multiple entries across platforms like the PC Engine, FM Towns, and Sega Saturn, the PlayStation version—Asuka 120% Excellent—holds a special place as one of the most accessible entries… though still very much a Japan-only release.
What makes this find so exciting is how well it captures that era of mid-90s Japanese gaming: chaotic sprites, expressive character art, over-the-top move sets, and a soundtrack bursting with energy. The box art alone is a perfect time capsule—bright colors, school uniforms, and those highly expressive anime faces that defined the aesthetic of the period. This particular disc, with its bold pink lettering and stylish character branding, is exactly the sort of thing that makes collecting Japanese imports so fun.
Gameplay-wise, Burning Fest keeps things fast and fluid. Matches are built around chain combos, mobility, and explosive special attacks, making it feel surprisingly modern despite being nearly three decades old. Each character specializes in a school club theme—chemistry, kung fu, rhythmic gymnastics, and more—which gives the roster a charming and humorous identity. It's a fighting game that never takes itself too seriously, and honestly, that’s part of its appeal.
As with many PlayStation imports, this title wasn’t widely known outside Japan, but over the years it has gained a loyal cult following—especially among collectors who appreciate late-90s anime fighters and quirky, character-driven brawlers. Finding a clean copy, complete with case and disc, is always a thrill. And seeing it displayed next to some TMNT merch and modern hardware in the setup gives it that perfect Retro Gaming Life aesthetic: old and new blending together through the joy of the hunt.
This ongoing series is all about showcasing those treasures that don’t always get the spotlight they deserve—and Asuka 120% Excellent absolutely fits that mission. It's colorful, charming, and a great reminder of how creative and experimental the fighting genre was during the 32-bit era.
More finds are on the way, and the hunt continues! If you’ve ever played this one or are curious about diving into the Asuka 120% franchise, stay tuned—there’s always something new (or wonderfully old) to discover here at Retro Gaming Life.
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