Tekken 6 (2009)

Genre: Fighting | Players: 1-2 Vs. or Co-op | Developer: Namco Bandai

Tekken 6 is the latest in the fighting franchise that has become a staple of the genre with its eclectic ensemble of weird characters and action-packed 3D fights.

Gameplay:
The game is packed with a large roster of characters both old and new with all the standard game modes ( Vs., Survival, Team Vs., etc.) plus a new Scenario Campaign that is more akin to old school beat-em-ups. While it is great Namco is trying something different, Scenario is at best amusing and at worst frustrating and unsatisfying. That wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t come at the expense of the classic modes. It has been made the focus of the game. The quickest way to gain unlockables is playing Scenario which is unfortunate if you don’t like it. It gives about 1000 times more cash than the classic modes. Although it is not important if you don’t mind sticking with the default costumes and such. The classic modes are solid if understated and online can be a good time.

Controls:
Classic fighting is quick and intense with the addition of Bound and Auto-Block. Auto-Block may feel frustrating since it effectively nullifies 50% of your attacks with no effort from your opponent, but it gives its intended effect of making fights more aggressive since you now have to rely more on timing and switching between low and high attacks to start combos rather than just memorizing moves. Bound is just an official version of juggling that allows an extension of combos if you can slam your opponent to the ground. Scenario is hampered by allocating the joystick for movement forcing use of the D-pad for combos and an unreliable targeting system.

Sound:
Soundtrack is a bit similar at times, but then again how many music genres besides Rock and Metal are really appropriate for bloodsport? Some stand-out tracks I would listen to by themselves.

Story:
Jin has taken over the Mishima Zaibatsu and declares war on the world. It is really unimportant and often cheesy.

Buyers Guide:
Available in arcades, PS3, Xbox 360 and PSP. PSP and arcade versions omit the Scenario Campaign.


3.5 Devil Genes out of 5