Is Akuma Easy in Tekken 7? A Deep Dive into the Raging Demon
No, Akuma is not an easy character to master in Tekken 7, despite potentially being able to cheese your way to a win occasionally. While his raw power and unique mechanics might initially seem appealing, he presents a significant learning curve, especially for players unfamiliar with 2D fighting game fundamentals. His unconventional playstyle within the 3D Tekken framework, coupled with his frail health pool, demands a high level of execution and strategic understanding. He is often seen as overpowered, but only in the hands of those who have mastered his playstyle. For beginners in Tekken, there are definitely better characters to start with!
The Devilish Details: Why Akuma is Complex
Akuma’s difficulty stems from several key factors that differentiate him from the standard Tekken cast:
- 2D Input Commands: Akuma relies on quarter-circle forwards, dragon punches, and other motions more commonly found in Street Fighter. Tekken players accustomed to directional inputs and button combinations might struggle initially adapting to these commands.
- Fireballs (Hadokens): The ability to throw fireballs is almost unheard of in Tekken. Mastering the proper use of this skill is something that is definitely not beginner friendly. It is a very useful skill though, since there isn’t really anything like it in the game.
- Rage Art Reliance: While all Tekken characters have Rage Arts, Akuma’s is particularly crucial due to his low health. A mistimed or blocked Rage Art can be devastating, making his comebacks reliant on precise execution under pressure.
- Stamina Concerns: Akuma’s low health pool necessitates a very calculated and almost perfect defensive play style, which puts beginners at a disadvantage since they’re going to be making mistakes that are highly punishable.
- Combos and Juggle System: A common Tekken mechanic, mastering the combo system with Akuma, is definitely more complex compared to using characters that are beginner friendly. He takes a lot of practice, but it is extremely rewarding in the end.
The Paradox of Power: High Risk, High Reward
While Akuma is not beginner-friendly, his potential is undeniable. A skilled Akuma player can overwhelm opponents with a relentless offensive barrage, utilizing fireballs for zoning, jump-in attacks for mix-ups, and devastating combos for quick KOs. He is truly overpowered in the right hands. His unique tools and playstyle create a constant sense of unease for the opponent, forcing them to adapt and react to unpredictable attacks. However, this aggressive style comes at a cost. Akuma’s low health and vulnerability to punishment mean that even a small mistake can be fatal.
Mastering the Demon: Tips for Aspiring Akuma Players
If you’re determined to learn Akuma, here are some crucial tips:
- Practice 2D Inputs: Spend time in the practice mode mastering quarter-circle forwards, dragon punches, and other essential motions. Consistency is key.
- Learn Fireball Spacing: Understand the optimal distance for throwing fireballs to control space and harass opponents.
- Master Basic Combos: Focus on learning a few reliable combos that you can execute consistently in matches.
- Develop Defensive Awareness: Akuma’s low health requires you to be extremely cautious and avoid unnecessary risks. Learn to block, parry, and punish effectively.
- Understand Rage Art Timing: Practice executing your Rage Art at the right moment to maximize its impact and secure crucial victories.
- Study Match Footage: Watch videos of top Akuma players to learn advanced techniques and strategies.
- Patience is Key: Don’t get discouraged by early losses. Mastering Akuma takes time and dedication.
Learning Akuma will also allow you to appreciate the design and nuances of Tekken 7. If you would like to take your learning to another level, consider joining the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Akuma’s Complexity
1. Can you defeat Akuma with any level of difficulty?
Yes, you can. However, beating Akuma on the highest difficulty setting is a significant challenge, even for experienced Tekken players. Lower difficulty settings allow for easier wins through basic combos.
2. Is Akuma OP in Tekken 7?
Many consider Akuma overpowered (“OP”) due to his ability to break the rules of Tekken with his 2D fighting game style, including fireballs and cancelable normals. However, his low health balances this out. So he might be considered OP in the right hands only.
3. Is Akuma the best character in Tekken 7?
Akuma is considered among the best characters in Tekken 7, especially at high levels of competitive play, but his complexity means he’s not necessarily the best choice for every player.
4. Why is Akuma hard to deal with in Tekken?
Akuma’s difficulty arises from his 2D fighting game mechanics in a 3D space. He can cancel normal moves into specials, throws fireballs, and utilizes jump-in attacks, techniques uncommon in Tekken.
5. Who is the easiest fighter in Tekken 7?
Beginner-friendly characters in Tekken 7 include Katarina Alves, Paul Phoenix, and Heihachi Mishima, due to their straightforward movesets and relatively easy combos.
6. Is Akuma broken in Tekken?
Akuma is often considered a broken character because he breaks the established rules of Tekken gameplay with unique mechanics like fireballs and cancelable normals.
7. Can Ryu defeat Akuma?
In Street Fighter lore, Ryu has defeated Akuma, showcasing his potential to surpass Akuma’s power by mastering his own abilities without succumbing to the Satsui no Hado.
8. Why is Akuma so strong?
Akuma’s strength comes from his mastery of a fighting style empowered by the Satsui no Hado, granting him incredible power and the ability to perform devastating techniques.
9. Is Akuma strong in Tekken 7?
Akuma is undeniably strong in Tekken 7, especially up close. His arsenal includes fast lows, evasive jump-ins, powerful mix-ups, and armored launchers, making him a formidable opponent.
10. Who is the number one Tekken player?
Arslan Siddique, known as Arslan Ash, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Tekken players of all time.
11. Is Tekken 7 the hardest fighting game?
Tekken 7 is considered one of the more challenging fighting games due to its complex systems, extensive character roster, and demanding execution.
12. Who wins: Akuma or Kazuya?
In a hypothetical battle, Akuma would likely win against Kazuya because of his greater strength, durability, and versatile techniques.
13. Is Akuma an anti-hero?
Akuma is typically portrayed as a villain or anti-hero in the Street Fighter series, driven by his relentless pursuit of power and his willingness to embrace the dark side of his fighting style.
14. Is King easy to play in Tekken?
King is not easy to play in Tekken, despite his seemingly simple moves. King relies on quick strikes, good movement, and a very good view on punishment.
15. Is Leroy beginner friendly?
Leroy can bring early success for beginners, but his strong tools and advantages might alienate other players.
Conclusion: The Path to Akuma Mastery
While Akuma in Tekken 7 is not an easy character to learn, the rewards for mastering him are substantial. His unique playstyle, devastating power, and strategic depth make him a compelling choice for players seeking a challenge and looking to shake up the traditional Tekken meta. Just be prepared to invest the time and effort required to unlock his full potential.