Character Sheet: Young Cricket (Wario Ware)

YOUNG CRICKET

Let's begin our character sheets for our Wario Ware characters. Although it felt a little touch and go there, with most gameplay not being tied to the characters themselves, each one did do enough across the nine games to warrant their inclusion, with the only one I really had to fudge a little being Mike. (At that point, with everyone else in, it just felt a little wrong to leave him out). Either way, here they are:

1. Wario
2. Biker Wario
3. Mona
4. Jimmy T.
5. Ashley & Red
6. 9-Volt
7. 18-Volt
8. 5-Volt
9. Kat and Ana
10. Young Cricket
10e. Master Mantis
11. Dribble & Spitz
12. Dr. Crygor
12e. Penny Crygor
13. Mike
14. Orbulon
15. Lulu

Today, let's cover Young Cricket, a new character introduced in Smooth Moves, who has been a constant regular ever since. He comes to Diamond City while training with his master, Mantis, in a "Karate Kid"-style partnership. In Smooth Moves, he has to get to the front of the line to get some dumplings by walking over the other patrons' heads, though several quick cutscenes also show him doing a number of stereotypical martial arts actions like punching, kicking, doing a handstand, and balancing. Most of his microgames are based on keeping the wiimote balanced as well. In D.I.Y., he and his master simply run the game dojo. His Game & Wario appearance sees him jumping really high in order to pass an obstacle course set by his master. He can also dive downward super-fast if he needs to. Finally, in Gold, he and Master Mantis "train" by visiting an amusement part and riding a carousel. I think a lot of these can work well toward a moveset. I also think the form baton in general ought to be considered here, as he was the main newcomer (separate from anyone else) to the game.

Here's the moveset I came up with:

Standard B: Grab the Dumpling
This one is based on his and his master's love of dumplings. He will pull out a pair of chopsticks and suddenly dash forward as if grabbing at one. If he connects, he will pull away an actual dumpling that will heal some health (the same amount taken from the opponent).

Side B: Balance the Broom
This one is based on a frequent microgame of his and ties into his theme of balance very well. He will pull out a broom that he will have to balance on his hand for a short time. At an unexpected moment, he will lose his balance and drop the broom, which will land on anyone nearby.

Up B: Leap
This is based on his Game & Wario appearance. Basically, he will just jump high into the air. If a further command is pressed, he can dive back down again with his foot kicking at whatever is below him, otherwise he will just float slowly down.

Down B: Meditate
He will do the iconic crane pose and maintain his balance, meditating in the process. This move will slowly increase his attack power the longer it is held down.

Final Smash: The Form Baton
He will hold up the Form Baton, and a number of Splunks from the Temple of Form will appear behind him. He will tilt the baton in various directions, and any opponents in the specific direction pointed will be attacked by the Splunks.

Entrance: Walking on with his knapsack slung over his shoulder.

Taunts: switching between a number of poses, like Luigi's taunt. Perhaps a simple bow. So on.

Thanks for reading! Next up, we'll cover his trainer, Master Mantis!