Tekken 3D Prime Edition may be fighting game for the 3DS, but the lack of a download play option is unacceptable.
Presentation - There are a few basic modes such as special survival, versus battle, quick battle, practice, and using Tekken cards for StreetPass. There is also a short video built into the package. Unfortunately, there are no arcade and challenge modes in this game.
In special survival mode, you battle streams of opponents after each opponent you defeat. You will have to start over from the beginning once your health is completely depleted. Also, you earn Tekken cards and once card point for each opponent you defeat.
In versus mode, you can play against one friend (up to two players). Unfortunately, the other player needs to own a copy of the game in order to play against you because Tekken 3D Prime Edition doesn't support download play. In the lobby section, you can create or enter your friend's rooms to join a fight. You can press the Y button and adjust the rules, press X to choose a character, and press A to begin your battle. In the online modes, you can do a ranked or friendly match to play against your friend. However, the online mode again only supports up to two players.
In quick battle mode, you can fight against the CPU opponent during the 60 second rounds. You must win two out of three rounds to proceed to the next fight. In practice mode, you can do free style, vs CPU training, and defense training.
In StreetPass, you can earn Tekken cards, but you first have to register three Tekken cards to activate StreetPass. In the StreetPass card list, you can confirm cards that you previously didn't own before. You can also convert ten play coins from your Nintendo 3DS console to 30 CP.
Graphics - The character models move at 60 frames per second, and the visuals look decent for a Nintendo 3DS title. However, the 3D effect is turned off during online matches.
Sound - The music is pretty generic for a fighting game, and aren't a wide variety of different tracks to listen to.
Game play - In contrast to the controls of Super Street Fighter IV, the characters move a tad more slowly in local and online play. There are also reports of lag issues in the online play mode. Similar to Super Street Fighter IV, there are four different buttons on the touch screen to activate your special moves.
Lasting appeal - With the lack of a download play option, Tekken 3D Prime Edition is a difficult game to recommend because your friend might not want to buy this game. You're stuck with just online play and fighting against CPU opponents. Also, the variety of modes aren't as well varied at there is in Super Street Fighter IV. My recommendation is to skip Tekken 3D Prime Edition and buy Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition because that game at least has a download play option.
The Good - fast 60 second frame rates, decent visuals, still has online play
The Bad - no download play option, online mode might lag on you sometimes, not enough variety of modes, and music is too generic
Presentation- 6
Graphics- 8
Sound- 3
Game play- 5
Lasting appeal- 5
Overall 5.4 out of 10 GameSpot Score 5.5 out of 10