VGRC

Computer game franchises are usually known for their unique gameplay, recognizable and likable characters and interesting graphic style - not to mention a host of other features that are only in certain games such as mini-games or added bonuses. Tekken is no beginner when it comes to the market, utilizing awesome mini-games, interesting and quirky characters, and balance gameplay - which is no surprise really, from Namco, and the incredibly polished Tekken 5 shows how it's done. Looking back at the sub-par Tekken 4 and alright Tekken Tag Tournament, Tekken fans have been eagerly waiting for the next contender in the mighty series to succeed Tekken 3 in gameplay. Fans and critics alike despised Tekken 4 for it's departure from the classic gameplay that made Tekken, well, Tekken. Tekken 5 takes a step back, for good measure, and then makes a huge leap to solidify the series in gold.

Utilizing the PS2 pretty much to the limits, Namco have made sure that Tekken 5 looks and feels like it's arcade counterpart in almost every respect. The characters look stunning and very lifelike, not to mention the incredible stages in which you fight in. Beauty is one of the words that will spring to mind when playing on some of the stages in Tekken 5, some more than others, and this is what makes Tekken 5 so enjoyable to watch. Seeing your character take each punch and kick, and then deliver it back in amazingly fluid animation will leave you in awe as the gameplay moves lightning quick - especially after the slug that was Tekken 4.

Combining nearly every single element from all 5 previous games, Tekken 5 is intricately constructed from the bare bones that makes Tekken so enjoyable. Bringing the Tekken 3/Tekken Tag style gameplay, with it's fast and frenzied matches that we all know and love, with the well rendered graphics of Tekken 4, mixed in with a variety of characters spanning all 5 games, it may just be the perfect Tekken game.

Thirty fighters are included in this large roster, each rendered beautifully. Many old characters return, with 4 brand new characters to the franchise in the names of Asuka Kazama, Feng Wei and Raven, as well as the new unplayable, final boss - Jinpachi Mishima. Each character has had minor tweaks to their previous counterparts, usually for the better. However, some moves feel out of place, and seem like a side thought when paired with other moves and combos within the move sets.

The annoying walls from Tekken 4 have been removed, which detracted from the fast paced gameplay, and instead have been replaced with large stages that just scream beauty. Some somewhat boxed stages do have the occasional barrier around the fighting area, which can be used to your advantage in-game. Those that miss the destructible element will be happy to know that there are sweet spots which show environmental damage when you throw your opponent onto.

While still not as fast as 2D fighters, such as Guilty Gear or King of Fighters, Tekken still is fast. Faster than Tekken 3 and even faster than Tekken 4. But this faster gameplay just works so well, it's hard not to disliked. Especially when paired with probably the most balanced character list that spans over 30 characters. Namco have gone ahead and toned down some of the button mashing characters, but still left them powerful enough so not to disrupt the harmony of balance established between the characters.

Although the average Joe may just look at this as a mere port of the arcade version, it is so much more. It has everything. When I mean everything, damn, it has everything. Including a varied story mode for each character, including narrated, hand-drawn prologues and a harmonic CGI ending that just oozes cool. Knowing Namco, these ending films are often humorous in the fact they are often so random. You never know what will happen to each character, even by guessing what the character is like - you will be pleasantly surprised.

New to the arcade mode is something similar to Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution. The inclusion of ranked CPU opponents - each with a unique name or tag - gives a simulated arcade experience. Of course, it's not the same as frantically moving your joystick and mashing the buttons either fluidly or in rage at your friends, but it's better than nothing as you work your way through the rankings and earning cash to spend in the in-games customization shop.

Borrowing a few ideas from Virtua Fighter Evolution with the inclusion of customizable outfits, ranging from colors to all new appearance changing items. Most are often humorous, but others can look pretty badass. This little inclusion adds to the replayability of the title, and will offer a range of customization for each character. All that Namco need to do is to add a larger range of clothing and items, and Tekken will be even more fine tuned.

Extending from the Tekken Force modes from the previous games, Namco include their own action/adventure mini-game entitled "Devil Within". It follows Jin Kazama finding more about his past, and pretty much kicking ass in a full 3D environment as one of the leading roles in the series.

Even more goodies that Namco include with the game are full arcade-perfect emulations of Tekken 1, 2, and 3 as well as Star Blade, which also acts as the Now Loading introduction to the game. Arcade History mode is the name, and being bundled with the game itself, it's hard not to complain about it. Especially if newcomers to the game want to see how the series has progressed over the years.

However, the lack of online play is only a minor fault within a pretty much faultless game. On the technical side, the game supports 480p progressive scan and 16:9 widescreen, HDTV sets will be set ablaze by the game. Not to mention the audio, the game's soundtrack includes a remixed version of the original arcade soundtrack, which is pretty much a staple in the Tekken series. To add to this, each character also says their own lines in their native language, which leads to the minor fault and question of how do they understand each other? However, it's an added incentive to hear each character say their lines in their own language, which is hard to blame Namco for trying at least, and I'm sure many people will appreciate this.

Tekken 5 should be a staple in anyones collection, even if they dislike fighting games. The balanced roster, controls, graphics and additional content are worth owning, not to mention the replay value and added humor. For the price, Tekken 5 is a bargain compared to other games. Namco have made a solid contender for to the fighting game market with a polished and professional title, and anyone can look forward to future Tekken games that can hopefully build on this excellent foundation.