Tekken 6 Review

Possibly one of the oldest genres of video games, the fighting genre has had people battle it out together with a plethora of weapons, abilities, characters and styles. From Mortal Kombat to Street Fighter, Soul Calibur to Virtua Fighter - there's a fighting game out there to suit every taste. This means, of course, that as a series prolongs, its developers look for ways to improve, innovate or extend the gameplay of their game. Namco-Bandai has recently done this with Tekken 6, but does it make it a worthy addition to the Iron Fist?

For those not in the know, the Tekken series always follows on from its predecessor, with the number of the game representing the number of the King of the Iron Fist Tournament that is currently being held. There are storylines in and amongst the game, with each character having their own motives and reasons for entering. Without going into the finer details too much, Jin Kazama (the bad guy) has declared war on the world as well as announcing the sixth King of the Iron Fist Tournament. This provides a whole list of motives for each character to enter, but storyline has never been the strong point of a fighting game so I wouldn't worry about these (very) loose strands of story.

The main addition to Tekken 6, however, is Scenario Mode. Whilst all other modes get bundled into a sub-menu all by themselves, Scenario Mode is given pride of place at the top. Taking a look at the trophies or achievements will show you just how insistent Namco-Bandai is on this mode, with most of them being devoted to the various aspects of the section.

The mode basically details the story of Lars Alexandersson and Alisa Bosconovitch - two of the four new playable characters - whose paths are thrust together. Lars, part of the Tekken Force, infiltrates Bosconovitch's lab, for some reason, and meets Alisa. Scenario Mode plays out their tale, with you taking control of Lars. You'll work through levels; linear paths that lead to the level's boss. You'll be able to move Lars freely (I say freely, I mean within the very restrictive boundaries of the level) and target and fight your enemy as they approach. The attacks you're able to use are the same as in the normal fighting modes, though decidedly harder to initiate. Largely, the mode plays like one simple brawler rather than a standard fighting mode.

You and Alisa (who follows you around and is controlled by AI) each have health and stats, as do your enemies. As they attack, it is your duty to beat them until they're dead and you can move onto the next area. The bosses are a character from one of thirty-six playable characters - some old, some new - and they are often pretty simple to beat. As you fight, the enemy will drop various power-ups, from health and gold to skill-boosting drinks and items. The items you collect are given to you at the end of the level and are available for you to equip with various added benefits. Some will increase your health, others boost your damage whilst some items will add an elemental attack. These different items are useful in the game, and it's always fun to customise your characters.

As you defeat bosses, these will become playable throughout the Scenario Mode as well as the added-on arena. The arena plays like any other fighting mode; with four rounds ending with Azazel; a big, cheap, demon who is infuriating to fight against. Playing these will unlock the ending movies for each character - which has always been an enjoyable trait of the Tekken series. These movies are usually fairly humorous, if not a little cheesy, but if you're not the type who will go through a list of characters simply to see their final movie then there's not much for you here. The four stages mean it's not a slog to do, unlike previous versions which asked you to beat ten stages.

Scenario Mode is not, I have to admit, a totally horrible experience. Its derivative and lacking, but it's not without its enjoyment. Unfortunately, there is little challenge to be found. The odd level may cause a little frustration, but on the whole it'll be a breeze with little more required than a few kicks to defeat each enemy. What is disappointing is that it could've been much, much more. The mode plays with promise, and with a little bit of love and care from Namco-Bandai and they may have been onto a winner. I'd have liked to see unlockable moves, for example, rather than stupidly priced costume parts, or maybe a little more in-depth exploration or combat. It is a shame because it can be an addictive mode, and since so much emphasis was placed on the scenario, it would've been nice to have at least given it a chance.

As for the rest of the game, well, it's all much the same. The graphics are, naturally, improved upon the last, and tweaks here and there have improved the combat massively. Most importantly, a new rage system has been added where, should a player's health become critical, they will suddenly be able to deal increased damage. This makes for some pretty intense battles since, instantly, the defender is looking to make use of their newfound power, whilst a worried attacker panics and is likely to rush in for a finishing blow. It's a simple yet perfect addition to the game.

Beyond that, combat has been tweaked to what can only be seen as the series' best. Newcomers will be able to button-bash their way through a match, while the more experienced will be able to throw off the best combos without much sweat. No character has been overpowered, giving no one an out-and-out advantage over another; it's simply left up to player choice. Taking the game online can prove irksome, with games randomly disconnecting or lagging inherently - though there has already been announced that a patch is on its way.

All in all, Tekken 6 is a difficult game to love. The fighting mechanics are excellent, any Tekken or fighting fan will enjoy the subtleties of timing and positions. The massive thirty-six characters are all playable from the start - a Tekken series first - so again there's no hard work to be done here if you just want to crack on with practicing old favourites. It's just that damnable Scenario Mode that is so generic it's painful. So - as we begin to exit what can arguably be called The Year of the Fighter, Tekken 6 makes a great addition to that long list. It's just a shame that Namco-Bandai had to crowbar in such a wasted opportunity that could've been much more.