"Simply aweome" 

 

"A must-have for Tekken aficionados"

 

"immeasurably addictive and exciting"

 

Tekken 6 is the latest home version of one of the most popular arcade fighting franchises of all time. The game contains all of the content from the original arcade machine and its expanded version, Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion. The franchise is famous for being accessible for new-comers, while still providing unprecedented levels of depth for hardcore players.

New to Tekken in this latest version is "Scenario Mode". Unlike previous entries in the series, where Arcade Mode and Ghost Mode have been paramount, this new more story-driven gameplay is where the bulk of the game lies. Scenario Mode is most easily comparable to "Tekken Force Mode". This mode appeared in Tekken 3 and took the traditional controls and applied them to a Streets of Rage style side-scrolling beat-em-up. This time though there is much more emphasis on this mode (it is the first choice option in the main-menu) and its story as well.

 

Tekken 6 packs in plenty of gameplay, which starts with an Arcade mode. As in Tekken 5, Arcade allows you to gain ranks for each individual character you decide to try out. If you're an utter recluse or just don't have access to the Internet, the game also tries to emulate the experience of playing against real people by having your AI opponents appear with their own individual gamer names, win/loss ratios, and ranks. The AI here is strong--there are five difficulty levels to choose from, ranging from ridiculously easy to frustratingly tough, so there's a good chance you'll find a fit for your own experience level. If Arcade mode isn't your bag, then you can take on a virtually endless lineup of opponents in Ghost Battle, which is a mode that pits you against the ghost data of real players downloaded online. There are also the stock-standard fighter modes of Survival and Time Attack, as well as two dedicated two-player modes--VS Battle and Team Battle, the latter of which allows you and a friend to choose up to eight characters to fight in consecutive battles.

If you find yourself getting pummeled too often by your friends or the AI, Tekken 6 features a comprehensive Practice mode that allows you to polish your moves. Practice won't take you through the very basics (such as movement, blocking, throw counters, and more), but newcomers will still get plenty from this mode, thanks to the helpful way the game demonstrates every move. This includes showing you the specific timing required for each button and direction press. Practice can also help you shore up your defense, with a dedicated mode that lets you set an AI opponent's attack so you can better identify each move and counter it in a real match.

ou can show off your uniquely costumed character in Tekken 6's online modes, although any bonuses that piece of clothing may have in the Scenario Campaign won't carry over into proper bouts. The game has both ranked matches for battle points and friendly bouts where you can set up lobbies with up to three other people. The matches we played since the servers went live this week globally have been mostly stable with very few dropouts, but lag seems to be an issue with most matches. With slower connections, you'll notice a definite gap between your controller input and what's happening on screen, and there seems to be a very slight lag with even the fastest links. It's not unplayable, and if you're just after a few fun games against players online it plays well as long as you're on a decent connection. But anyone serious about their Tekken will recoil in horror at the input lag present.

A much more interesting online option is the ability to download ghost data from players all over the world. You can download up to 100 different "real" personalities, which you can then play in the offline game to help improve your skills against the top players in the world (your own ghost data becomes uploaded automatically). These ghost players do act noticeably different to the game's AI, and they're often a better option than trying to find stable connections to play online when you're hankering for some real competition. You can also download replays of people's matches, which is another great training tool if you want to see how the best go about their brutal business.

Tekken 6 Features:

• Gorgeous Graphics! – The advanced high definition graphics and 3D animation technologies create the most impressive HD visuals in Tekken history.
• The Largest Character Roster Ever! – Master 40 unique fighters representing the world’s top martial arts styles! The character line-up includes 34 beloved characters, such as Jin, Heihachi and Kazuya, as well as 6 brand new characters with unique fighting styles and combo systems!
• Compete and Battle Globally! – Prove your supremacy with the online VS mode or engage in revolutionary online co-op battles against A.I. controlled enemies with your friends globally!
• Brand New Action Game Mode: Venture beyond the traditional boundaries of a fighting game in the brand new Scenario Campaign Mode. Jump into single player or two player online co-op campaigns to experience the intense drama and large-scale battles that unfold.
• Endless Possibilities to Customize! – Create new characters and customize them with every imaginable detail. Customize their hairstyles, apparel, fashion accessories, tattoos, etc. Then take your own ultimate fighters online in VS mode or Co-Op mode!
• Dynamic, Interactive, Destructible Environments – Punch your enemies through concrete walls or kick them through floors to open a whole new battleground. The stages go through dynamic changes ranging from a sudden attack helicopter crash to vehicle explosions!