Tekken Series continue to amaze, entertain, and dazzle gamers with vast martial arts action and interesting storyline.
I was a little disappointed with Tekken 4, but accept it was a flagship release for the Playstation 2, meaning that the technology was never going to be fully utilised at that stage, and whilst Tekken Tag was a novel idea, I would have barely put a couple of hours into it. However, Tekken 5 was and had everything expected from a trailblazing release and remains fast and fresh nearly three years on.
Whilst there are a number of game modes, nothing ever really changes with the core mechanics of Tekken. It is one-on-one combat with a variety of kicks and punches and special moves at your disposal to knock your opponent to the ground. It's the best of three in the story and time challenge mode and you simply need to stay on your feet in the survival mode. The game also comes with a generic but reasonable third-person action adventure game, coin-op versions of the first three titles of the genre and a multiplayer (though no online) component. Basically, there's numerous ways to beat your opponents up, and it happens with speed and style to burn.
GRAPHICS
The graphics are superb. The combatants are wonderfully created and designed, with movement being very fluid in deed. Whether dishing out some biff or flying through the air and slumping to the ground after being given a bit back, the games looks and moves beautifully. The character models are stunning in their presentation (they look like people, not some blocky animated representation) and the speed with which every happens adds that extra layer of quality to the whole look. The backdrops are also superb, some breathtakingly so, as you work your way through the fights. The usual title screens and interface are bright and effective and the full motion videos, especially the opening cut, are amazing. Basically, this is one good looking game.
The sound presentation also holds it's own. The usual driving electronic music accompanies each bout, but the sound effects excel in actual combat. There are some seriously lifelike effects when combat is in full swing, with smacks, cracks, groans and pain articulated very well indeed. The game will come roaring out of your speakers, and it sounds flinchingly realistic. There is a fair bit of voice acting and it is all done quite well, and the usual title music and beeps and bloops of title and menu screens still exist.
STORYLINE
The story mode remains the core of the game and has been developed slightly for the better. It appears each fighter has an arch rival which will lead to a separate cut-scene and offshoot of the general (and generic) character story. It's a small advance, but a notable one. Completing the story mode unlocks new characters and provides a final FMV. The time attack mode is all about completing each characters 'story' as quickly as possible. Being a race against the clock, there is emphasis on attack and it is a competitive and satisfying game mode – one I've always enjoyed.
I haven't played the survival mode near as much as I had with Tekken 3, but it remains a solid and true component, with a scoreboard keeping the mode interesting and challenging. There is a genuine criticism of no online mode, but you can still beat you mates up in the 'versus' mode component. There is a reasonable third-person fighting campaign, where you play as Jin beating up a series of 'I-Robots'. It's an enjoyable diversion, but like Tekken 3's side-scrolling offshoot, you'll probably complete it once before going back to the core mechanics. And for the traditionalists, also including is Tekken, Tekken 2 and Tekken 3 in the coin-up mode. The trip down memory lane is an enjoyable but difficult one.
Tekken ultimately excels because no matter what mode you play, the action is fast, furious and downright addictive. It is a game that can be played for a few minutes or for hours on end, with the combat being a visceral and exhilarating experience. The range of modes (and the 'high score' tables) keep the inner competitor coming back for more and there will be several moments when you complete some of the more advanced moves (whether intentionally or not) with devastating and satisfying effects. Tekken 5 is a great slice of tradition arcade gaming.
OVERALL
I purchased Tekken 5 for $AUD70 soon after it was released, and whilst it hasn't had the hours put into it was Tekken 3, it still has had a decent run on my console. The gameplay caters for both quick and dirty fighting or more measured assaults the best times and performances on the relevant modes. The variety of characters keeps the game interesting for a long time and the pace (I know I keep mentioning this) is seriously cool.
I've been a fan of the Tekken series when first seeing the original back in 1994 and whilst it may have hit a plateau after the impossibly brilliant Tekken 3, Tekken 5 has again put a considerable amount of daylight between and it's rival beat-em-ups. This is good-looking, fast and furious arcade action which anyone can enjoy. I love it.