Is Tekken 7 Story Mode Good? A Deep Dive
The answer to whether Tekken 7’s story mode is “good” is complex, lying somewhere between “ambitious but flawed” and “a fun, albeit brief, diversion.” It depends heavily on what you’re looking for in a fighting game narrative. For Tekken die-hards seeking closure to the Mishima saga, it delivers a bombastic (if sometimes convoluted) conclusion. For those expecting a deeply moving or intricately plotted story, it may fall short. Ultimately, the story mode is a worthwhile experience, especially for long-time fans, but it’s not without its shortcomings. The core gameplay loop, focusing on short bursts of fights interspersed with cutscenes, can feel disjointed at times. However, the spectacle and sheer Tekken-ness of it all make it an engaging, albeit imperfect, experience.
The Mishima Saga: A Family Affair
The main narrative, dubbed the Mishima Saga, centers around the decades-long feud between Heihachi Mishima, Kazuya Mishima, and Jin Kazama. This intergenerational conflict, fueled by the Devil Gene and an insatiable lust for power, reaches a fever pitch in Tekken 7.
The story is presented through a mix of in-engine cutscenes and pre-rendered cinematics, which range from the visually stunning to the slightly dated. A narrator adds context and perspective, guiding the player through the often-complex web of relationships and betrayals. You’ll play as various characters throughout the story, experiencing events from their viewpoints.
While the core conflict is compelling, the story often relies on over-the-top theatrics and melodramatic moments that might not appeal to everyone. Some plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped, and the inclusion of a journalist character as a framing device feels somewhat contrived. However, the sheer spectacle of the battles, the iconic character designs, and the high-stakes drama inherent in the Mishima family’s struggle make it a memorable experience.
Character Episodes: Bite-Sized Backstories
Complementing the Mishima Saga are the character episodes, short vignettes focusing on the rest of the Tekken 7 roster. These episodes consist of one or two fights and a brief cutscene, offering glimpses into the motivations and backstories of characters like King, Paul Phoenix, and Hwoarang.
While these episodes are enjoyable, they are often superficial and offer little in the way of meaningful character development. They serve more as fan service, providing quick doses of action and humor.
Gameplay and Pacing
The gameplay in Tekken 7’s story mode is standard Tekken fare, with battles unfolding in the series’ signature 3D fighting style. However, the pacing can be uneven. The story often alternates between lengthy cutscenes and brief fights, disrupting the flow of gameplay. The difficulty curve is also somewhat inconsistent, with some fights being surprisingly easy while others require careful strategy and execution.
Final Verdict
Tekken 7’s story mode is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable experience. While it may not be a narrative masterpiece, it delivers the over-the-top action, dramatic storylines, and iconic characters that Tekken fans have come to expect. It’s a worthwhile play for those invested in the Mishima saga, but those seeking a more sophisticated or consistently paced story might be left wanting more. Consider also exploring resources from the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how narrative design impacts player engagement in fighting games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does Tekken 7 story mode take to complete?
The main Mishima Saga takes roughly 3-4 hours to complete, according to HowLongToBeat.com. The character episodes add another 1-2 hours of playtime.
2. Does Tekken 7 have a story mode?
Yes, Tekken 7 features a story mode divided into two parts: the main Mishima Saga and a series of character episodes.
3. Is Tekken 7 story mode offline playable?
Yes, you can play Tekken 7’s story mode offline.
4. How many chapters are in the main story of Tekken 7?
There are a total of 14 chapters in the main story, with two additional epilogue chapters unlocking after completing them.
5. What do you get for completing Tekken 7 story mode?
Upon completing the main story, you unlock access to the character episodes. Completing the main story also unlocks certain customization items and can contribute to unlocking other content in the game.
6. Is Tekken 7 the hardest fighting game?
Tekken 7 is considered one of the more challenging fighting games due to its depth of mechanics and emphasis on movement. While accessible to beginners, mastering the game requires significant time and effort.
7. Can you play as Negan in Tekken 7 story mode?
Negan is a playable character in Tekken 7 but not directly featured in the main story mode. He is available as a DLC character.
8. Why is Tekken 7 so hard to play?
Tekken 7’s difficulty stems from its complex movement system, extensive move lists, and intricate frame data. Mastering these elements requires considerable practice and dedication.
9. Is Tekken 7 addictive?
Whether Tekken 7 is addictive is subjective and depends on the individual player. However, many players find the game’s competitive nature, deep gameplay, and constant learning curve highly engaging.
10. Why is Tekken 7 so popular?
Tekken 7’s popularity is attributed to its well-designed gameplay, diverse roster of characters, and strong competitive scene. The game’s accessibility also allows newcomers to quickly pick up and play.
11. Does Tekken 7 have secret characters?
While Tekken 7 does not have traditional “secret characters” in the same way as some older fighting games, there are unlockable customization options that allow you to create unique character variations. Additionally, some DLC characters, like Eliza, might feel like “secret” additions to the base roster.
12. Will Tekken 8 have a story mode?
Yes, Tekken 8 will have a story mode, continuing the Mishima storyline and introducing new gameplay mechanics.
13. Who is the most overpowered (OP) character in Tekken 7?
Character balance in Tekken 7 is constantly debated within the community. However, characters like Akuma have been frequently cited as being particularly strong due to their unique mechanics and offensive capabilities.
14. Is there blood in Tekken 7?
Tekken 7 features dirt, water, and sweat effects, but intentionally avoids the use of blood.
15. Is Heihachi truly evil in Tekken 7?
Heihachi’s morality is complex and ambiguous. While he performs many villainous acts, such as throwing his son Kazuya off a cliff, his motivations are often driven by a perceived need to protect the world from the Devil Gene. This makes him more of an anti-villain than a purely evil character.