As we step into 2025, Tekken fans have a lot to be excited about with Season 2 kicking off and the Tekken World Tour just around the corner. This year promises to be thrilling for followers of Bandai Namco’s iconic fighting game series, Tekken. Since it first graced the original PlayStation, Tekken has had a special connection with the platform, evolving both its gameplay and narrative in tandem with the consoles. Let’s delve into the chaotic saga of the Mishima family that has fascinated PlayStation audiences for decades.
When Tekken originally launched in 1995 on the PlayStation, it was a groundbreaking moment, introducing the infamous Mishima clan and setting the foundation for the series’ signature style, including the four-button combat system. Unlike earlier home ports of arcade classics, Tekken achieved an arcade-perfect experience on the PlayStation, thanks to similar hardware capabilities. Namco went a step further by adding new content—cinematic endings, playable sub-bosses, and even a secret character unlocked through a mini-game during load time, offering players a richer experience.
With Tekken 2 arriving in arcades in late 1995, players were treated to an unexpected twist—focusing on Heihachi Mishima, the fallen patriarch, and introducing new characters like Jun and Lei. When the game made its way to PlayStation in 1996, it brought with it improvements, including an exclusive CG intro and various engaging gameplay modes such as Team Battle and Practice Mode, which helped establish Tekken’s reputation for captivating storytelling and quality cut-scenes.
Tekken 3 was where many players first experienced the series. It became a massive arcade hit and a best-seller when it landed on PlayStation in 1998. The narrative jumped ahead 20 years, spotlighting Jin Kazama, the son of Kazuya and Jun, with new fan-favorite characters like Hwoarang and Xiaoyu joining the fray. This installment took full advantage of its 3D arenas by introducing sidestep mechanics and added game modes like the entertaining Tekken Ball and Tekken Force.
Naturally, when the PlayStation 2 debuted, it featured Tekken Tag Tournament, boasting vastly improved visuals. This game shifted the usual combat format to tag-based battles, letting players swap between two characters. Its extensive roster, drawing from various titles in the series, was well-received, and the bonus mini-game, Tekken Bowl, added to its charm.
Tekken 4 emerged with significant changes, incorporating stages with walls and obstacles, which added a new strategic layer to battles. The game’s emphasis on story was increased, introducing a full Story Mode and an expanded Tekken Force game for console players.
The fifth installment, Tekken 5, responded to player feedback by dialing back some of the changes introduced in the fourth game. It introduced new characters like Asuka, Feng, and Raven and allowed players to customize their fighters. The game was ported to PS2 with additional features, including classic arcade versions of Tekken 1, 2, and 3.
In 2006, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection introduced exciting new characters and visual updates. Players enjoyed it on the PSP with features like Tekken Dojo, where they could upload AI ghost data for online play. It later became available on PlayStation Network with online match capability, cementing its status as a beloved title.
Tekken 6 introduced to the arcades saw new characters and intense corporate warfare between the Mishima factions, expanding with the Bloodline Rebellion update. The PS3 version added a comprehensive Scenario Campaign and impressive visual enhancements.
Tekken Hybrid in 2011 was a special release with an HD remaster of Tekken Tag Tournament, the animated film Tekken: Blood Vengeance, and a demo of Tekken Tag Tournament 2. TTT2 later expanded its roster further with legacy characters and music by Snoop Dogg, gaining popularity for its cinematic and engaging experience.
As Tekken Revolution embraced a free-to-play model, it focused on online matches and character progression with skill enhancements, attracting a dedicated player base until its service ended in 2017.
With the launch of Tekken 7 on PS4 in 2017, the game embraced character updates, bringing Street Fighter’s Akuma and new characters like Lucky Chloe into the mix. Players enjoyed refined combat mechanics and a robust DLC lineup introducing characters from various franchises.
As Tekken 8 celebrated its first anniversary on PS5, excitement simmered with promises of more characters and storylines in upcoming DLCs. The future of Tekken seems brighter than ever, with fans eagerly awaiting new twists in the epic saga of the Mishima family.
