Worth Fighting for (Tekken 6 (PS3))

Member Name: tallpete33

Product:	Tekken 6 (PS3)
Date:	04/11/09 (64 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Massive cast of fighters, online play

Disadvantages: Online can lag, annoying boss

I've been a Tekken fan since number 2 and things have moved a long way since. Tekken Tag Tournament was excellent but the tag format was dropped sadly. T4 was pretty good in 3D if a little short of characters and scenes but with Tekken 5 they just about got it right in the variety and number of characters, backdrops and moves.

Tekken 6 is more of an evolution than a revolution, the main upgrade being online play of course. From the start you have all the 40 characters available which is a first. I am guessing that is so everybody is on a level playing field for online from day one but it spoils the surprise of unlocking newbies somewhat. New characters include the lardy (but fast) Bob, the doll-like Alisa with detachable head and chainsaws (one of her moves brings tears to the eyes!), spider-like Zafina, Dragunov, Lars and Miguel. All the old faves from Jack and Nina to King and Paul are still there but with tweaked moves and new trousers (or pretty frocks for the ladies of course).

As for the game play, well it's still "Tekken" at the end of the day with the usual arcade, survival, VS and team battle modes. Controls are the same still via the d-pad which is fine for me. The characters are bigger and better with sixteen varied and often wacky and destructable backgrounds to fight, in including a field of sheep who get bounced about if they're in the way (funny). Don't be surprised if you find yourself crashing through the floor either! As you progress you gain promotion (and trophies), from Beginner to 9th kyu and up to 5th Dan etc. Note your ranking applies per character so make it up to 5th kyu as Law, you're still a beginner as Yoshi. Win money allows you to customise your character but you'll need a lot of it for the full outfit and funky haircut or "aura" even.

Online is easy to get into, with both ranked and non-ranked matches though there are connection problems from time to time and don't be surprised if your opponent suddenly disappears just as you are toasting him/her on the final round (though he should incur a "penalty"). You can see your opponents stats and rankings but if you come across a heavily "pimped" out fighter then you know you're in for a battle as he or she has obviously played a few games to afford the new gear. Popular characters online seem to be Bryan, Hwoarang, Steve and the irritating Eddy Gordo. Newbie Bob is the surprising current world leader.

Graphically it is good but not brilliant compared to some next-gen titles, disappointingly only coming in at 720p. It still has that "arcadey" feel with the Namco banner, "Insert Coin" footer and the same often tinny Japanese soundtrack but you can play your own music from the PS3 if you like which is a bonus.

It's best played with mates but online really adds value. Against the computer and with the nightmare new boss it can be a pretty sterile affair IMO. Overall though, the series has been "Tekken" online and to a new level and it's a good addition to the franchise. Hard-core Tekkenistas will it lap up with its massive cast of characters and moves that will take months to master, having fun along the way.

Developer Namco
Rating 16

(also reviewed on amazon)

Summary: Good addition to the Tekken stable