17/11/2020 Tekken: The Fighting Game that Stands the Test of Time By: Yaseen Hijazi (https://yaseenhijazi.com/) Tekken is without question the most popular and well-known 3D fighting game that has ever graced our consoles and PCs. With a super-iconic roster of characters each with a very unique move-set, it’s no wonder that the Tekken series has remained a fan favourite for decades since its release in 1994. Let’s take a look at some of the key attributes which has enabled Tekken to stand the test of time. Easy to Play – Hard to Master Tekken is an easy game to pick up and play with friends on a casual basis, and this aspect of the game makes it a popular choice for casual gamers who are looking to try out their new consoles and PCs. The controls are very simple in this 3D fighter, with each button correlating to one of the characters limbs, as each input usually results in either a left or right punch or a left or right kick. Mastering Tekken is a completely different ball game however, as players are required to master their selected characters move-set and combos, which usually comprises of at least 100 different moves. In addition to this, highly skill- based and complex features come into the game at a pro level, such as movement, reaction-timing and frame data concepts. Unique Character Designs The character designs in Tekken are perhaps some of the most original and iconic designs in fighting game history. From the traditional martial artists such as Jin Kazama and Marshall Law, to the more wacky characters such as Kuma and Panda, there is a pick for everyone in Tekken’s legendary character roster. In addition to the appeal Tekken has to the many different personality types of its fans, the game also covers practically all regions of the world in terms of character nationalities. From the Asian martial artists such as the Mishimas, to the American female fighters like Nina and Anna, even to Middle-Eastern warriors such as Shaheen and Zafina, Tekken leaves no discrimination based on racial qualities. 17/11/2020 Accurate & Unique Fighting Styles Tekken is infamous for the sheer accuracy it has in regards to the realism of the fighting styles it portrays through its many different characters. From Jin’s combat style which is inspired by real-life Kyokushin karate, to Hwoarang’s Korean ITF Taekwondo, almost every character can be traced to a real-world martial art or fighting style, including the likes of Kuma and Panda! Tekken does not stop there however, as its producers certainly waste no time adding their own flavour into the mix. In addition to the realistic fighting styles of the characters, Tekken cleverly incorporates special abilities and flashy moves into many of their characters’ move-sets. For example, the laser beam shooting Devil Jin, the teleporting ninjutsu and kenjutsu user Yoshimitsu and the rocket-launching cyborg Alisa. A Final Review It is no surprise that Tekken has remained at the top of the popularity board for fighting game fans for over two decades. The love for Tekken has spanned across multiple generations, and fans come in all shapes and sizes, with no real boundaries on age groups. With each new release of Tekken, the game only gets better, with improved graphics, added characters and new features, it is no wonder the Tekken series has remained popular enough to stand the test of time. .