Tekken is arguably the most famous fighting video game, with a prestigious history attracting millions of global players since its birth in 1994. Originally an arcade game, Tekken quickly made the jump to Sony’s inaugural PlayStation and became one of the most beloved video games throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Although a new breed of more advanced fighting games has been released over the past decade, Tekken remains the gold standard for many fans of the genre.
There are many reasons why Tekken has achieved so much global success since its launch in the 1990s. The fighting game has a compelling narrative and numerous popular characters that have cemented themselves within global culture, particularly among gamers. The fighting franchise is renowned for its deep combat mechanics, rich lore and memorable characters. In fact, if it weren’t for Tekken, the entire fighting game genre would not be so well represented.
The series is developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, a Japanese software developer brand also known for games such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls. Tekken is one of the first games created by the company and therefore holds a special place in the developers’ hearts. And it’s not just the company behind Tekken that loves the game, as an increasing number of players have begun looking back to some of the earliest titles for a nostalgic burst of fighting entertainment.
To put things into perspective, millions of gamers are playing PS1 classics like Tekken on PlayStation servers ahead of the PS Plus Premium launch. It just goes to show the immense popularity of the fighting game franchise, almost two decades since its original inception. But the exciting news doesn’t stop there. With Tekken 8 slated for release by the end of 2023 or early 2024, players have a whole new game to look forward to. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the history of Tekken, some landmark titles in the series and what to expect from Tekken 8.
What is Tekken?
First things first, what exactly is Tekken? This question won’t need answering for many bona fide Tekken fans, but for those who are new to the series, we’ll outline the basics. Essentially, Tekken is a one-on-one fighting game in a similar mold to Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Players can use different characters, all with their own special abilities and traits. Getting the opposing character’s health bar down to zero is the ultimate aim, via various fighting moves, combos and special attacks.
Tekken is also notable for having a gripping storyline, something that can often set it apart from other games like Street Fighter. The narrative largely focuses on the Mishima family, a large and troubled family of fighters who have regular conflicts. It adds a new dimension to the popular series, consequently drawing more players into the action.
Reasons for Tekken’s enduring success
Are you wondering why Tekken is so successful? It’s not the silliest of questions, especially in the modern gaming era where plenty of other games have better graphics and more complex gameplay. Check below for a few of the main reasons behind Tekken’s longstanding success:
- Accessible gameplay: One of Tekken’s main positive attributes is the incredibly accessible gameplay. While the game caters to gaming experts, with its complex combos and other specialized moves, Tekken is also delightfully easy for beginners to pick up and play.
- Complex moves: Tekken is easy to play for beginners but this doesn’t mean it lacks features for more expert players — far from it. The gaming series is renowned for its complexity, with things like combo moves and advanced fighting techniques. Not only must you learn the right order to do certain moves but you must also have the finger speed to enact the moves on your controller before you opponent breaks the flow.
- Memorable characters: The Tekken series boasts a diverse array of characters, each with a unique fighting style, personality and backstory. These characters have become iconic within the gaming world, creating a strong emotional connection with fans. The development of characters’ stories and relationships, particularly with the Mishima family feud, has kept players constantly engaged over the years.
- Cutting-edge programming: While there is only so much you can do with Tekken’s arcade-style graphics, Bandai Namco Entertainment still ensure it’s right at the cutting edge with aspects such as 3D player movements and animations. This is particularly true within the one-on-one fighting game genre, with Tekken regularly outperforming its rivals like Street Fighter.
- Engaging storytelling: The Tekken series has woven an intricate narrative throughout its games, featuring a long-running saga of the Mishima family’s feuds, conflicts and alliances. This ongoing storyline is absolutely essential to Tekken’s success, making fans excited about what’s coming next in the series. This is especially true for the upcoming Tekken 8 title, where the Mishima family feud is mainly resolved.
- Competitive esports: Tekken also has a thriving esports community, greatly increasing its popularity in recent years. For example, you can bet on things like the Tekken World Tour and experience the moves and tactics of the best players. These competitive gamers have extraordinary skill levels, so it’s also a great way to find inspiration for your own Tekken fighting style.
- Legacy and nostalgia: Tekken’s influence on global culture cannot be understated. This is another key reason for its longevity, with gamers constantly being attracted to new Tekken titles purely because of the brand’s prestige and significant position in the gaming world.
Tekken 8: what to look forward to
With Tekken 8 just around the corner, we’ve taken a look at some of the main things to expect. Fortunately, the game looks to have retained all the core selling points we explored above, which make the series so popular. One of the most notable developments is the introduction of a Heat System, replacing the Rage Drive in Tekken 7. This rewards aggressive tactics, with characters gaining more power after rapid attack flurries.
