Remember Tekken? Just kidding. It's had some hard times, though. A few years back it was Namco's premier fighting series, until an upstart scamp called Soul Calibur snuck in and usurped the throne. Tekken's fate was further compounded by a disappointing fourth chapter, which left many wondering if the series was out of gas. As it turns out, Tekken 4 was just a temporary pit stop. I'm glad to report that Tekken 5 offers everything you could want from a Tekken game, and might even be the best brawler in the series. How's that for a turnaround? Like Greased Lightning
Tekken 5's main asset is its fast, smooth fighting engine. The action moves at a lightning-fast pace, with many rounds decided inside of 30 often heart-racing seconds. The system is fairly deep; attack reversals, chickens (reversals of reversals), dodges, wave-dashes, low parries, and good old-fashioned blocking are just some of the offensive and defensive options available to you. Best of all, the series' focus on spectacular juggles is alive and well, making for some truly satisfying combo possibilities. Walls are still present, but they play much less of a role than in the sometimes claustrophobic Tekken 4.
As for control, it goes without saying that the response is flawless and the button scheme well-designed. However, it's also worth noting that most of the characters' moves are less dependent on precise joystick inputs than in Virtua Fighter 4, so unlike that game, Tekken 5 can actually be played pretty well with the PS2's stock controller. A joystick never hurts, though.
Another high point is the wide and diverse cast. Once everything is unlocked you'll have 30 or so characters to choose from, and most are capable enough to deliver some good results ... at least after some practice. From Kazuya's up-close power juggles to Yoshimitsu's deceptive trickery to King's ridiculously intricate multi-part throws, Tekken 5's cast is like a greatest-hits of Tekken. Namco even saw fit to bring back Wang Jinrei, my favorite, elderly brawler from Tekken 2. The three (or is it four?) new characters are great additions as well, especially if you like spandexed boobs, ninjas, or both. It's safe to say you're probably covered.
Solo Slugging
Single-player is not where it's at with fighting games, but Namco, Sega, and all the rest keep trying anyway. Tekken 5's first major single-player offering is story mode, which is like the old arcade modes (fight eight or so matches, which get harder), except with little cutscenes at the half-way and ending points. It's okay, but felt like a chore as I slogged through it 30+ times to unlock all the characters. I wonder how many more fighting games I'll have to do this for in my life.
Namco does better with the new arcade mode, which just keeps on going until you've had your fill -- it's the best way to play Tekken 5 alone. Taking a cue from VF4: Evolution, arcade mode simulates a visit to a real game center. Each character you fight has an associated player nickname and ranking, and you can advance your own rank by winning consistently. Victory also brings cash prizes, which you can take to customize mode to purchase clothes and other accessories with which to pimp out your fighter. There don't seem to be as many items as in VF4: Evo, but what's there is a great start.
