Tekken 6

Tekken fans have reasons to rejoice now that the latest installment of the 3D fighting franchise has arrived but gamers who haven't closely followed the series may be wondering what Tekken 6 has to offer them. We sent reviewer Andrew Hayward into the ring to find out how this brawler stacks up and he found it to be a worthwhile experience for both diehards and casual fighting fans alike.

REVIEWER'S NOTE: I had a chance to test out the online play in a retail copy for PlayStation 3, and while we've heard varying reports about the quality of the netcode, my experience playing online was mostly positive. Aside from a brief burst of lag after each match and some connection issues during matchmaking, I very rarely dealt with any noticeable lag during an actual match. When it did pop up, it seemed to be when I had the voice chat option on, so if you consider talking smack an essential part of the fighting experience, you might have to put up a bit more slowdown. Your mileage may vary, of course, but my time online revealed only minor and/or sporadic hitches.

If you're already a die-hard fan of the Tekken series then you've probably made up your mind about Tekken 6 already, so I won't bother wasting my breath telling you whether or not the game is any good. Rather, I'm going to talk to the newcomers and the casual fans who might know the series but haven't memorized the move list and can recite the storyline from memory. As I played, I kept the following questions in mind: What, if anything, does the latest Tekken installment have in store for them? And is it worth buying for fighting fans who haven't kept up with the series?

Tekken 6

Iron Fisticuffs

Like its well-received predecessor, Tekken 6 is an explosive, fast-paced fighter that is approachable, but rewards careful action and knowledge of your chosen character's numerous techniques. Mashing the punch and kick buttons may get you by initially, but learning the various throws and advanced maneuvers can go a long way in a game that carefully straddles the line between accessibility and depth. Regardless of your skill level, though, you can look forward to intense battles loaded with visual flair, as the detailed fighters intertwine amidst special effects, all set upon lavish and diverse backdrops.

Much of what defines the Tekken experience comes from the expansive roster, which bulges to 40 standard characters in this iteration, including several newcomers. Whatever your preferred fighting discipline, chances are you'll find a suitable character within this colorful crew, which includes humans, robots, animals, and even a wooden dummy. And with a ranking system and new ability to customize each character's appearance, you'll be able to put your own unique stamp on each included fighter.

Tekken 6

Beat Up

Besides the traditional fighting action, which is found in a variety of play modes (arcade, survival, Ghost Battle, etc.), Tekken 6 also features a Scenario Campaign, which recasts the typical Tekken combat within a 3D beat-'em-up action experience. These narrative-driven stages unravel the twisted fates of the numerous fighters, and while the Tekken fighting aesthetic doesn't transfer perfectly into this new arena, it's a fairly decent diversion that extends the experience beyond typical one-on-one matches.

Compared to something like Street Fighter IV, Tekken 6 might seem like a less consequential upgrade, as it largely seems like a refreshed and expanded update to Tekken 5. But Tekken 5 was an excellent fighter, and whether you've savored each series entry or only dabbled here or there, Tekken 6 is another great fight fest that will entertain players of all persuasions. Of course it will help if you have a working knowledge of the series and have played previous entries but it still offers enough depth to entertain even casual fans who are just looking to kick a little virtual ass. But take the time to learn the nuances and you will be suitably rewarded.

PROS: Exciting, fast-paced fighting that's detailed and accessible; large and diverse cast of customizable characters; sharp visual presentation.
CONS: Doesn't feel like a huge upgrade over the last game; Scenario Campaign is sort of a shallow, undeveloped experience.
Tekken 6

Comments [19]

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Toneman

Even though it may not look as good and it loads longer, Tekken is better than SoulCalibur IMO.

monkbaine

I'll buy it,if they toned down some of the juggle combos. Too many people abused that feature in Tekken 5 Online,still do as a matter of fact;I just got my ass juggled to death before writing this comment lol

StgSimpatico

the story mode to this game look stupid n weak grapic is really bad too the only thing that look good is the versus mode so y would i spend 60 on this game when it look like its worth 40 or less it's not worth buyin if u ask me
First...Spell Check!! Second...who cares what you think about Tekken 6 scrub noob,L2P!!

mcdavid6189

Are you kidding me? You're rating a fighting game before trying the online modes? lol.

If you don't like it dont buy it. imo this is the ultimate 3D fighter and every change however subtle is namcos way of changing the gameplay for the sequel without losing what makes a tekken game tekken.

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