What is the Best Tekken Game?
The Tekken series has been a staple of the fighting game genre for over two decades, with each new installment pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a 3D fighting game. With seven mainline games and numerous spin-offs, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each game in the series and highlight the key features that make them stand out.
Tekken 3 (1998)
The original Tekken 3 is often cited as one of the best games in the series, and for good reason. It introduced many of the mechanics that would become standard in future games, including the "rage" system, which allows players to perform powerful attacks when their health is low. The game also featured a diverse cast of characters, including the iconic Jin Kazama and Paul Phoenix.
Tekken 4 (2001)
Tekken 4 built upon the success of Tekken 3, introducing new characters, stages, and gameplay mechanics. The game’s "bound" system allowed players to perform aerial combos, and the "power crush" system made it easier to knock opponents down. The game’s story mode was also praised for its engaging narrative and memorable cutscenes.
Tekken 5 (2004)
Tekken 5 is often considered one of the best games in the series, and for good reason. It introduced a new "devil" system, which allowed players to transform into powerful, demonic versions of their characters. The game’s story mode was also praised for its epic scope and dramatic plot twists.
Tekken 6 (2007)
Tekken 6 was a major departure from the series’ traditional formula, introducing a new "rage art" system that allowed players to perform powerful, cinematic attacks. The game’s story mode was also praised for its engaging narrative and memorable cutscenes.
Tekken 7 (2015)
Tekken 7 is the latest mainline game in the series, and it’s a major improvement over its predecessors. The game’s "power crush" system has been revamped, making it easier to knock opponents down, and the "rage" system has been rebalanced to make it more accessible to new players. The game’s story mode is also praised for its engaging narrative and memorable cutscenes.
So, What is the Best Tekken Game?
So, which Tekken game is the best? It ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of the series’ traditional formula, Tekken 3 or Tekken 5 may be the way to go. If you prefer the more modern gameplay mechanics, Tekken 7 is the best choice.
Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table of the mainline Tekken games:
| Game | Release Year | Characters | Stages | Story Mode | Gameplay Mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tekken 3 | 1998 | 23 | 12 | Yes | Rage System, Bound System |
| Tekken 4 | 2001 | 23 | 15 | Yes | Power Crush System, Bound System |
| Tekken 5 | 2004 | 32 | 20 | Yes | Devil System, Rage System |
| Tekken 6 | 2007 | 41 | 24 | Yes | Rage Art System, Power Crush System |
| Tekken 7 | 2015 | 49 | 33 | Yes | Power Crush System, Rage System, Devil System |
Conclusion
The Tekken series has a long and storied history, with each game building upon the successes of its predecessors. Whether you’re a fan of the series’ traditional formula or prefer the more modern gameplay mechanics, there’s a Tekken game out there for you. So, what is the best Tekken game? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.