The Top Five Tekken Games Ever

The Tekken franchise is considered one of the most influential fighting series of all time. From movie animations to comic books and novelizations, the Tekken brand has become a best-selling phenomenon worldwide. Initially, the series took flight on arcade systems and later permeated into the console scene. Eventually, becoming a poster boy for the genre across multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, further down the line. There have many iterations over the years and countless spin-offs.

 

From ‘Tekken Card Challenge’ to ‘Tag Tournament,’ the marketability of Tekken as a franchise has allowed Namco to explore various avenues, for better or worse. In this list, we want to focus on the main series including the tag-based games. So, adopt your stance, raise those fists, and get ready for the slobber knocker of a lifetime. Here are the top 5 Tekken games of all time.

 

Tekken 7

First to hit this list is the latest installment in the franchise. Tekken 7 boasts of high production values, at the expense of a makeover to its combat-based mechanics. Unlike previous entries in the series, the inclusion of limit-break styled attacks that empower the player with devasting moves upon low health creates intense duels. Even if that dramatically reduces the tactical mastery required. In truth, Tekken 7 departs from the formula but creates a more accessible experience as a result.

 

Tekken 2

Whereas the original Tekken put the series on the map, Tekken 2 affirmed the status of Namco’s fighting series and elevated it to new heights. With refined systems, sharper visuals and a bolstered character roster, Tekken 2 was punching above its weight at the time of release. The second entry also added new fighters into the fold, as martial arts specialist Lei Wulong and the athletic Jun Kazama are introduced to fans for the first time. What’s more, move sets received a radical overhaul and sidesteps made a breakthrough in the series. The result is a polished entry that elaborates on the core themes of the original in just the right way.

 

Tekken 5

After the fan backlash concerning Tekken 4, TK 5 carried the weight of the world on its shoulders. Could Namco rescue the series from this ill-received departure from the norm? Thankfully, the Tekken series returned to form, at the critical moment with TK 5, in what was the ultimate package. A high-quality roster, with old-school favs, as well as newbies such as Feng, Raven and of course, the emphatic return of the iconic Armor King rekindled Tekken from the ashes. As if that wasn’t enough, Namco also offered the first three games on disc, giving nostalgia novices a taste of retro heaven.

 

Tekken Tag Tournament

Tekken Tag Tournament mixed up the dynamic to incorporate team play for the first time. As a result, the rotational element of battle and the inclusion of special tag moves bred new life into the series. With immense production values, a fist-pumping OST and exciting team play, ‘TTT’ delivers a game with near-perfect style and execution. A must play in the Tekken series of games.

 

Tekken 3

 

Finally, we have NAMCO’s jewel in the crown. No other game in the series quite captures the soul and personality of Tekken like ‘TK 3’. After the success of ‘TK 2,’ the heat was on to produce the goods. Thankfully, Namco fulfilled their destiny with what must be the best game in the series canon. With balanced combat, unique move sets and an iconic roster Tekken 3 caters for both seasoned vets and amateurs, with its user-friendly appeal.

But more than that, it defines the genre, with its truly trademark arcade style and authentic characters. Dust-ups don’t get much better than this.

All in all, Tekken 3 acts as a triumph for Namco. Indeed, a fighter that stands the test of time, no matter the era. Even today, the game stands-out and sets the bar for others in the field to follow. Be sure you check out this classic beat em up if you haven’t already.

 

That completes the top 5 Tekken games of all time. Which title defines Tekken as a series? Is there a title that stands out as an exemplar of the beat em up genre? Have your say in the chat below. We welcome your views.