‘Tekken 7’: As “Tekken” As It Gets
The Tekken series continues to prove it has plenty of life left in it, and despite some minor missteps, the seventh entry serves as the perfect example of what makes it so resilient. Though the series has evolved plenty from the early days of the PS One, all those little quirks that have made it so unique shine brightest in the concluding chapter of the Mishima saga.
Before I get into the game, I need to say I had forgotten how silly the Tekken series really was.
And, of course, it bleeds into the robust character customization, which is probably where I spent a good deal of my time.
Hey, they threw 3,000,000 Fight Money at me just for purchasing the game. Was I supposed to just let it go to waste?
No, I did exactly what I was meant to with it.
Don’t you dare judge me.
Alright, enough horseplay.
Back to what really matters — the meat of the game. The whole reason we still play Tekken games…
All my praise for the latest Tekken goes to the fighting. This isn’t Mortal Kombat or Injustice, where button jamming can lead to a swift victory. This is Tekken as I remember it umpteen years ago — a one-on-one brawl with hard-hitting moves and incredible combos.. Tekken 7, like all prior entries, requires some skill…
That is, of course, unless you’re proficient with one of the game’s newest moves: Power Crush. Impervious to mid or high attacks, Power Crush lands a staggering blow that, if successfully spammed, can turn the tide of the fight.
Another addition to Tekken’s core combat—this one more welcome than Power Crush—is Rage Art, a series of powerful strikes reminiscent of Mortal Kombat’s X-Ray and Injustice’s Super Power attacks. Less cheap than Power Crush and very pretty to watch, it was good to see each character getting a unique animation that utilizes their known strengths.
I can’t continue without talking about Tekken’s story, and all I can say is thank the heavens Tekken 7 finally concluded the convoluted and long-running Mishima plot line. I’ve only been waiting for a resolution since the ’90s.
Tekken 7’s story mode does limit gameplay to a handful of characters, focusing heavily on Heihachi, Lee, Jack-7, Jin, a lot of fodder G-Corp gunmen, and a film noir journalist that unfolds the plot for us a la Diablo 2-style storytelling.
Truly, three-quarters of the roster doesn’t even make an appearance unless you launch into VS and online battles or wait till you unlock “Character Episodes.”
Speaking of these episodes…
That about depicts my rage when I realized each episode encompasses one very quick fight and is the only real allusion to the King of Iron Fist Tournament.
Overall, Tekken 7 is another suitable entry into the series, adding its own bag of treats — both sweet and sour. Expect to get roped into working your way to the top of the online rankings and finding little time for any other recent releases this month.
Mark LoProto is a horror-loving gaming enthusiast who also has a soft spot for Ghostbusters, bubble wrap, and kittens. Look for his work here, here, and here.
