A simple but classic arcade Tekken experience.
I'll start off by saying I'm not a HUGE fighting fan, but I do find most of the games at least enjoyable. Besides Soulcalibur, Tekken is one of my favorite series.
Tekken 5 was a fantastic fighting game, and if you've got a PS3, there's a way to play through the experience in a toned down, cheaper way that previously hit the PSP. Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection is a downloadable game from the PlayStation Store, and it costs $19.99. Its a pretty cheap price for a quality fighting game, but is it worth it? I'd say pretty much.
There's no story mode in DR, which makes this version a bit shallow. The arcade mode is where you'll be doing most of your fighting. There's a large amount of characters to choose from, plus some customization, which is a high point. This isn't really a next-generation game (for a few reasons), but the graphics are pretty good, as well as a solid, pumping soundtrack. Then there's the gameplay. It's a lot like every other Tekken game, fast-paced and thrilling, but for new-comers, here's an explanation and review.The arrow-pad is used to control players, instead of an analog stick, which might annoy some. There's no button to block, instead you again use the d-pad to duck and jump. You have four different buttons for different attacks and finishers, like kicks, punches and drops. This amounts to a total button-mashing experience, although some strategy can be used for defense. Enemies become faster and more difficult as you progress through the rounds. Of course there are the multiplayer battles between you and a buddy, as well as some average online play. The game offers a very arcade-like experience from the classic Tekken days, but you probably won't find yourself coming back to it after a few hours of playthrough, unless you really enjoy it, which is very possible.
Pros:
-Solid combat fighting system
-Fun multiplayer
-Good graphics and character design
-Lots of characters to play as
-Affordable price ($19.99)
-Classic experience from the arcade days
Cons:
-Toned down version of Tekken 5
-No story mode to play through
-Probably not enough content to keep you playing for more than a few hours
Gameplay: 8.5
Graphics: 8.0
Sound: 7.6
Replay Value: 7.0
Concept: N/A (Arcade Fighting)