It's been almost 15 years since Namco Bandai released the first Tekken. We still remember the good old days, booting up the game on PlayStation and smacking folks around with the powerful wrestler, King, and Paul Phoenix. Now we have Tekken 6, the first true sequel for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Despite a few snags, this game hits hard.
Every character from the Tekken universe is available from the get-go in Arcade mode. You don't have to work through a story mode to unlock folks, as they're already selectable. The variety of characters is impressive, ranging from bigger warriors (like Panda and Marduk) to slimmer, livelier fighting types (like the always-sexy Christina and Nina Williams). New additions are included as well. The most noteworthy is Alisa, a creation of Dr. Bosconovitch. She may appear innocent at first, but then she goes crazy, unleashing winged attacks and throwing her own head at you.
Tekken 6 is the most visually outstanding game in the series. All of the backgrounds were exquisitely designed and are fully destructible. For instance, if you suplex the rotund Bob with King, he'll leave cracks in the pavement as he slams into the ground. Do enough damage, and you'll eventually break through to another area, which looks just as good as the previous one (if not better). In addition, the animations are unbelievably realistic, with small blurring motions to indicate speedier moves and grab attacks. You'll also be able to unlock new outfits for each character, a sweet little bonus that has always been a part of the Tekken series.
There isn't much to the audio, but what's here works. Techno and rock tunes play in the background, while a gruff-sounding announcer lets you know when to fight, as well as the result of each match. The character voices are minimal, but effective. The only place they sound cornball is in the game's Scenario Campaign. (More on that in a second.)
Although the developers deserve kudos for the presentation, the gameplay will divide fighting fans. Some people think it's too simple compared to Virtua Fighter or Dead Or Alive, and in a way, they're right. However, that doesn't mean this game isn't enjoyable. It's great tapping buttons and seeing what moves your character comes up with next. You can also go into practice mode and hone your skills, including counters and more powerful moves.
The game works fine with regular controllers, but if you want to get the most out of Tekken 6, purchase a Mad Catz FightPad. Or, if you have cash to spare, pick up the special Limited Edition bundle that comes with a deluxe wireless fighting stick.
Better still, Tekken 6 gives you the opportunity to fight against others online. Although the fighting doesn't move as fast as we would've liked across Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network (there are minor bits of slowdown), it still holds up. Plus, you can match up with potential players across a series of different ranks, so you can slowly move up as you get better at the game.
Scenario Campaign mode, unfortunately, is Tekken 6's weakest feature. It's basically a modified version of Tekken 3's Tekken Force, with you taking a character and beating up thugs through a series of locales. Switching between baddies is a pain, and you'll have trouble performing the majority of your character's moves. Even worse, you start out with a weak fighter, and you'll need to learn the ropes with him before unlocking stronger characters.
That said, don't let this one blemish prevent you from checking the game out. Tekken 6 is still a quality fighter, from its straightforward and amusing gameplay to its rich presentation and huge roster. It falls short of Street Fighter IV, but it's still got enough power to knock you on your butt.
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