As we prepare to dive into an exciting 2025 with the start of Tekken World Tour Season 2, it’s clear this year will be another thrilling chapter for the fans of Bandai Namco’s iconic Tekken series. Known as one of the pioneering fighting games on the original PlayStation, Tekken has been intrinsically linked to these consoles, evolving alongside their capabilities. Today, we’ll journey back through the tumultuous saga of the Mishima family and the chaos they’ve unleashed across PlayStation history.
Let’s wind the clock back to 1995, when the original Tekken made its debut in Japan, captivating gamers everywhere in the fall. This game not only introduced the wicked Mishima family but also set the bar with its innovative mechanics, including the distinctive four-button control scheme. What made this launch even more remarkable was its nearly flawless transition from arcade to home consoles, thanks to its advanced arcade hardware that paralleled the PlayStation’s capabilities. Namco didn’t stop there; they enhanced the home version with exclusive content like ending movies, new characters, and a hidden fighter crucial to future games, accessible through a fun Galaga mini-game during the load screens.
With Tekken 2 hitting arcades in late 1995, players were in for a surprise with Heihachi Mishima’s turn from villain to focal point. Newcomers like Jun and Lei joined the fray, along with a host of unlockable characters, guaranteeing fresh experiences and reasons to return for more. The 1996 PlayStation adaptation of Tekken 2 was an anticipated enhancement, featuring an exclusive CGI intro and impressive endings that captivated fans. Additional modes like Team Battle, Time Attack, and Survival, along with a Practice Mode, further enriched the experience.
For many, Tekken 3 was the true gateway to the series. Immensely popular in arcades, it became a worldwide sensation upon its PlayStation release in 1998. The story leapfrogged 20 years ahead with Jin Kazama, merging old faces with new fan favorites like Hwoarang and Bryan. Building on previous innovations, this installment introduced sidestep dodges in 3D arenas. The PlayStation version added two engaging modes: the Tekken Force beat-‘em-up and the fun Tekken Ball mode, plus additional characters like Anna Williams and Dr. Bosconovich.
It wasn’t long before Tekken descended upon the PlayStation 2, bringing with it the beloved Tekken Tag Tournament in 2000, boasting superior graphics that showcased the PS2’s prowess. This edition introduced tag-team battles, doubling the character possibilities, and brought back popular figures from past lineups, capped off with the quirky Tekken Bowl mini-game.
Tekken 4 shook things up by re-energizing the narrative with Kazuya’s return and altering gameplay by incorporating environments with obstacles, ramps, and walls, adding strategic depth. Emphasizing story, it brought a detailed Story Mode alongside an expanded Tekken Force sub-game.
With Tekken 5’s grand return, it swiftly became a favorite by refining some of the series’ mechanics while introducing characters like Asuka and Feng. The PS2 port offered a compelling story-driven Devil Within mode and brought back arcade classics, making it a definitive title for fans.
The release of Tekken 6 on the PS3 in 2009 was a milestone, offering a grand Scenario Campaign featuring Lars and Alisa. Despite excluding the campaign, the PSP version boasted peak visuals and smooth multiplayer. This was followed by Tekken Hybrid in 2011, which treated fans to an HD remaster of Tekken Tag Tournament.
After years of evolution, Tekken 7 graced PlayStation 4 in 2017 after several arcade updates, including Fated Retribution. This part shook things up with characters like Akuma from Street Fighter and an innovative Rage system that echoed players’ desires for dynamic and engaging matchups. The game’s extensive post-launch support, delivering new DLC and unexpected guest fighters like Noctis from Final Fantasy XV, delighted audiences.
As we celebrate Tekken 8’s anniversary on PS5, fans eagerly anticipate more twists with Season 2’s incoming DLC, promising exciting characters and story developments. The Mishima family drama keeps drawing us back, guaranteeing that Tekken remains a staple in the hearts of fighting game enthusiasts.
