I AM ASHAMED YOU MISSED THE OBVIOUS...
Whilst I would love a completely original game, a sprite hack of CHINA WARRIOR is clearly the BEST (and only) path for Wonder Momo 2.
Surely I'm not the only one who sees the beauty in this?!
Kaze Kiri, for me, is banal and tedious (excepting a few bosses). I'm 100% serious. I know the China Warrior haters will dismiss the idea, but I would love it.