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| New Characters! |
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| Scenery interaction! |
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| | Tekken 4 |
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| Number Of Players: | 2 |
| I-link/Internet: | No |
| Publisher: | Namco |
| Developer: | Namco |
| Genre: | Beat 'em up |
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| | Full Review: |
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Heihachi is back! Yeh, alright, you weren't even slightly surprised this time. He's back, Kazuya's back, Jin's back, and so are a load of other old friends. You're probably thinking that the series has been taken too far, and that its becoming old and pointless, but despite all the familiar faces, its actually not true. Tekken 4 does what Tekken Tag couldn't - it brings the Tekken series forward, and makes it a top notch next generation title.
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| | Gameplay |
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Those who have played Tekken before will be familiar with the "one button per limb" style of controls. This has been kept throughout the Tekken series, and has always worked effectively. The usual array of special moves, combos and throws are available, but there are two major changes. The first is the increased number of varying stances. Rather than the small selection available before, you'll now be able to vary your fighting style completely, picking out weird and wonderful moves to suit your own fighting nature.
The other change is linked to the new level structures. Where as before, it was impossible to reach the boundaries of the level, characters can now be hurled against concrete walls, smashed against pillars, or even pinned in tight corners with little chance of escape. The new move is designed to compliment this. A "reversal" allows you to pull the opposition towards you, and run forwards, reversing your position in order to escape from tight spots. It is performed like a regular throw, but can be very effective when the scenery comes into play.
The modes available include all the best ideas from previous games, as well as new training and character building options. The essential versus mode is better than ever, and the usual arcade, story, time attack and survival are all present. Making a pleasant return is Tekken Force, a scrolling style fighting mode which will challenge even the Tekken masters. The most improved mode though is the story element, which continues the saga of each character using both text as well as CG movies.
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| | Graphics |
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The graphical changes are almost as radical as the new wall system, making Tekken Tag Tournament look like a game from the original playstation. Every character is superbly animated, oozing with realism with every action they perform. The attention to detail, such as facial hair, rippling muscles and fabric movement is incredible, really showing off what Namco can do.
The scenery is equally impressive, with detailed backgrounds, and clever interaction with objects. Pillars and other obstacles are faded from view should they get between your character and the camera, allowing you to maintain a high level of concentration on your character at all times. The CG however is perhaps the most outstanding element, with slick character movement and beautiful visuals. Namco always seems to excel in its CG.
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| | Sound |
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Music is often important in fighting games, but perhaps not so much as in other genres. Even so, Namco always try to put in a suitable collection of top tracks, designed to both make the fight more exciting, but also to suit the location. What good would jungle drums be in an airport?
Of course, its the sounds effects that need the most care and attention. If a punch sounds more like a creaky chair than cracking bone then the game is doomed to fail. Tekken of course has a reputation for fine effects, which use a small amount of exaggeration to make the feeling of power and speed more exciting.
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| | Overall |
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A few years on and Namco have moved Tekken to the next level. This could quite easily be the best beat 'em up around for quite a while.
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| Score |
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| | Gameplay
The most fine tuned controls yet. Multiplayer as good as ever.
| 9.1 | |
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Graphics
True next gen looks, and background interaction at last.
| 9.3 |
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Lastability
Easy to master if you're already a Tekken fan.
| 8.2 |
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Sound
Usually style music, good sound effects though.
| 8.9 |
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Overall
The best fighting game around. King of more than just Iron Fist.
| 9.0 |
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| | Alternatively: |
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You could also check out Virtua Fighter 4, for a slightly different style of fighting. Virtua Fighter 4 is also a game that allows total mastery, but does so using a different, though equally impressive setup.
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