With the launch of Season 2 and the eagerly anticipated Tekken World Tour just around the corner, 2025 is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter for fans of Bandai Namco’s iconic Tekken series. From its origins on the original PlayStation, Tekken has been closely linked to console gaming, evolving its gameplay and storytelling with each new installment. Let’s delve into the epic Mishima family saga, which has captivated PlayStation players over the years.
The first Tekken game, released in 1995, made a significant impact as one of the pioneering fighting games for the original PlayStation. It not only introduced gamers to the malevolent Mishima family but also laid the groundwork with its four-button control scheme. Tekken set a high standard for home ports, with a version that delivered arcade-quality visuals and extra content. Namco went above and beyond, adding cinematic ending movies, playable sub-boss characters, and even a secret character tied to mastering a mini-game.
Tekken 2 arrived in arcades in late 1995, shaking things up by focusing on Heihachi Mishima and introducing newcomers Jun and Lei. The PlayStation version, released a year later, enhanced the experience with stunning CG intro movies and additional gameplay modes like Team Battle and Time Attack. These features cemented Tekken’s reputation for delivering exceptional cutscenes.
Many fans were introduced to the series through Tekken 3, a massive success both in arcades and on PlayStation. The narrative jumped 20 years into the future, spotlighting Jin Kazama and a host of new characters like Hwoarang and Eddy. Tekken 3’s introduction of sidesteps in its 3D arenas added depth to the combat. The PlayStation version also offered new modes, including Tekken Force and the beloved Tekken Ball, along with bonus characters like Gon, a guest appearance by a mini dinosaur.
The PlayStation 2 debut was ushered in by Tekken Tag Tournament in 2000, which showcased enhanced visuals and introduced team-based combat. Players formed two-fighter teams, swapping between them during battles, and enjoyed an expanded roster that combined characters from previous games.
Tekken 4, released soon after, brought Kazuya Mishima back into the fold and overhauled gameplay with enclosed stages featuring uneven ground and obstacles. This change, combined with a more narrative-driven approach, introduced players to a new level of engagement with console-exclusive Story and Tekken Force modes.
Tekken 5 later emerged, reverting some changes from Tekken 4 based on player feedback. It introduced new characters like Asuka and Feng, character customization, and a robust story-driven mode called Devil Within. The PS2 port was a treasure trove, including playable versions of earlier Tekken games.
A revision titled Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection added more characters and gameplay tweaks, first appearing on the PSP with an innovative Tekken Dojo mode. It eventually became a popular downloadable title on PlayStation Network, receiving updates for online play.
As Tekken 6 rolled onto the scene, it introduced new characters and complex narratives, with Jin and Kazuya’s rivalry escalating to corporate warfare. Gameplay mechanics evolved with features like the Rage system and destructible environments.
Tekken Hybrid in 2011 offered fans an HD remaster of Tekken Tag Tournament alongside a CG film and a demo of Tekken Tag Tournament 2. The latter reintroduced tag gameplay and an extensive roster, complemented by memorable collaborations like Snoop Dogg’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Tekken Revolution experimented with a free-to-play model focused on online matches. Despite its updates and additions, the service ended in 2017.
Tekken 7 finally arrived on PlayStation 4 in 2017, following significant arcade updates. Featuring a lengthy story mode and a wealth of DLC, it reintroduced favorites, added original characters, and included surprise guests like Geese Howard and Noctis.
Fast forward to the PS5 era, and Tekken 8 is already celebrating its first anniversary. Season 2 of DLC promises more exciting inclusions as the Mishima family saga continues to unfold in dramatic fashion. As fans look forward to upcoming surprises, the future of Tekken remains as compelling and unpredictable as ever.
