Windjammers
One disc, two players, one net. The fastest grudge match of the '90s.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1994
- Manufacturer
- Data East
- Players
- 2 players at once
- Genres
- Sports
- Decade
- '90s arcade games
Windjammers is basically cutthroat tennis with a flying disc on a beach court. Two players, one on each side, whipping the disc back and forth with physics-defying curves until somebody sneaks it past the other into the goal.
It wasn't the biggest cabinet in the arcade, but anyone who found it was hooked. Matches are quick, you get it in ten seconds, and every one ends with someone demanding a rematch.
History
Data East released Windjammers in 1994 on the Neo Geo. In Japan it was called Flying Power Disc. Over the years it became a cult classic, a favorite at tournaments and meetups because it just works so well as a head-to-head competitive game.
All that fan love paid off much later, with new re-releases and a sequel that arrived well into the 21st century.
How to play
Each player guards their half of the court. Move with the joystick, throw with one button, and lob with the other. Push the stick as you release to curve it, or float a lob to catch your opponent leaning the wrong way.
The goal behind each player has zones worth different points, so aiming for the corners pays off. Every character also has a signature special throw, and learning when to pull it off is what separates the good players from the legends. The roster splits between speed and power: fast players get to everything, while strong ones blow right through your defense.
Fun facts
- In Japan it was called Flying Power Disc.
- It ran on the Neo Geo system.
- It's a cult favorite at retro competitive gaming events.
In the arcade
Windjammers isn't in the arcade yet, but it's on our wish list. If you want it on UsuArcade, hit “I Want to Play It” on this page; the most-voted games move up the line. Coming soon to UsuArcade with a little help from you.
In the meantime, if you're after quick sports showdowns, you can already play NBA Jam, Super Sidekicks 2 for soccer, or Neo Turf Masters for golf. And if one-on-one is your thing, Street Fighter II is waiting.
Once Windjammers lands in the arcade, you'll be able to play it online two-player, each on your own phone or PC, in the same game.
FAQ
When did Windjammers come out?
1994, from Data East, on the Neo Geo.
How many players is Windjammers?
Two players at the same time, head to head.
How do you play Windjammers?
Throw the disc with curves and lobs to get it past your opponent into their goal; corners score more, and every character has a special shot.
Can I play Windjammers on UsuArcade?
Not yet. You can vote for it with “I Want to Play It,” and meanwhile play NBA Jam or Super Sidekicks 2 in the arcade.
