|
| More Tekken Tag: |
|
| Review |
|
|
| Cheats |
|
|
|
| Screenshots: |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Power Fighting! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Plenty of choice! |
|
|
|
|
| | Tekken Tag Tournament |
|
|
| Number Of Players: | 1-4 |
| I-link/Internet: | No |
| Publisher: | Namco |
| Developer: | Namco |
| Genre: | Beat 'em up |
|
|
|
|
| | Full Review: |
|
|
|
Many years ago, the Street Fighter games were probably the most well known series in the fighting genre. However, Tekken has become the benchmark for all fighting games. Following its huge success on the original Playstation comes Tekken Tag Tournament, the first instalment of the series on a next generation console. It doesn't matter if you are a fan of fighting games or not, this was one of the best games available at the launch of PS2.
|
|
|
| | Gameplay |
|
|
|
Namco have kept the same basic control system and feel to the games as the original Tekken games, whilst enhancing and tweaking all the fine details. There are now far more moves, new characters and even the exciting Tag mode options. There are in excess of 30 playable characters, each with their own unique set of special moves, throws and combos. If you rise to the challenge of mastering them all, you'll see that every character not only has different moves, but a totally different feel as well.
The game also introduces a tag battle system, which allows players to switch between two characters during the battle. The single player restrictions found in previous Tekken games have been removed due to the new Tag system. Instead of completing the arcade game alone to unlock secrets, you can now work co-operatively with a partner to reach the final end sequences. You can use the arcade modes, survival modes and many others with a friend, or by yourself, the option is yours. In addition to this, there is the usual versus option which is probably the part of the game that makes it stand out as a superb.
It doesn`t matter if you are a new player or a master, you'll have loads of fun either way. In fact the games main strength is that it seems to grow with you as you improve. While you are getting better, the challenges you uncover follow suit. Even if you do have enough of the fighting, (which I would find unlikely), there is the fantastic Tekken Bowl mode that is unlocked later. The bowling game is a challenge in itself, and is also available for up to 4 players to take part in.
|
|
|
| | Graphics |
|
|
|
With the UK release of Tekken Tag Tournament, the attmept at anti-aliasing was a complete success, and so the game which had looked great in Japan, now looks even better for UK gamers. The picture on your screen will show you that everything has been polished to perfection, leaving no jagged lines or any sign of rushing. The backgrounds have been greatly improved in this game, boasting fully 3D images, accompanied by some exquisite ground textures, although they aren't at all interactive yet. Everything is brought to life by the amazingly detailed textures found in the game, but again loses out to more modern fighting games where the environment is made even more lively through interaction with those elements. The lighting, and weather effects all add a great deal of atmosphere to the game, though they are a little static compared to games like Metal Gear and Devil May Cry.
|
|
|
| | Sound |
|
|
|
This instalment of Tekken boasts music that is as impressive as any other fighting game before it. The music is fast-paced and always seems to suit the location, but as with all beat 'em ups, its hardly moving stuff, especially when compared to the thumping tunes of Wipeout. However, it is not the music that stands out, it is in fact the sound effects that draw the most attention. The effects vastly improve the overall feel of the game, and make all the fights scenes feel "right". There is a fairly complicated system to the sound effects that all adds to the realism. The sound differs depending on how hard a character falls, and what he falls on. It will also change according to the power of a punch or kick.
|
|
|
| | Overall |
|
|
|
Tekken is probably the best beat 'em up series around, and this game certainly gave PS2 owners something to talk about at launch. Now that the game is available in Platinum, it makes it a competitor in the budget range, even if its graphical prowess is now overshadowed by more recently released games.
|
|
|
| Score |
|
|
|
| | Gameplay
Lots of characters, plenty of modes, great controls.
| 9.1 | |
|
|
Graphics
Dated now, but not too bad. Not interactive enough.
| 7.5 |
|
|
Lastability
Loads to unlock, great multiplayer keeps it alive.
| 9.2 |
|
|
Sound
Music isn't too bad, but the sound effects are excellent.
| 8.9 |
|
|
Overall
A good platinum title, though it does look old now.
| 8.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Alternatively: |
|
|
|
You could also check out Tekken 4, for the real next generation step in the Tekken series. Tekken 4 introduces interactive backgrounds, the most finely tuned control system yet, as well as the re-introduction of the Tekken Force mode.
|
|
|
