Genre: Fighting | Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment | Release Date: 2015/2017
Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, and released for the Arcade in 2015, then for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2017. Serving as the ninth entry in the Tekken series, the game focuses on the rivalry between Heihachi Mishima and his son, Kazuya.
Campaign
Tekken 7 delivers the climactic conclusion to the long-running Mishima family feud, primarily focusing on the battle between Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima. The story mode, titled "The Mishima Saga," blends cinematic storytelling with intense combat, guiding players through a series of narrative-driven fights. It explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and power, featuring flashbacks that provide deeper insight into the characters' motivations. The inclusion of Akuma from Street Fighter as a key player in the story is a bold crossover move that adds extra intrigue.
However, outside the central Mishima plot, the story lacks depth. Many beloved characters from the Tekken universe make brief appearances but receive little development. The character-specific side stories, though a nice addition, are often too short to feel meaningful. The mix of animated cinematics and still images feels inconsistent—while the cutscenes are visually stunning, the still images can feel like a shortcut. Despite the engaging main narrative, the execution of side plots leaves much to be desired. With multiple difficulty settings, players can adjust the challenge level, but the campaign overall feels like a missed opportunity to flesh out the world beyond the Mishima conflict.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Gameplay
The gameplay in Tekken 7 stays true to its roots while introducing a few new mechanics that elevate the combat experience. The core one-on-one fighting system remains as tight and fluid as ever, with an emphasis on strategic movement, precise timing, and high-impact combos. Every character has their own unique fighting style, making for a highly diverse roster.
New mechanics like Rage Art allow players to unleash powerful special moves when their health is critically low, adding an element of comeback potential. Power Crush enables fighters to push through attacks while still taking damage, rewarding aggressive play. Screw Attacks enhance juggle combos, making air combos more devastating and visually impressive. These additions make Tekken 7 more accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for veterans.
Multiplayer is where the game truly shines. The competitive online scene is intense, with ranked and casual matches keeping players engaged for hours. However, the lack of varied multiplayer modes is a notable drawback, as there's little beyond standard one-on-one battles. Offline modes include story mode, arcade mode, practice mode, and the classic treasure battle, which allows players to earn in-game currency and customization items. While the gameplay is finely tuned and rewarding, more variety in multiplayer options could have enhanced the experience.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Production
Visually, Tekken 7 is one of the most impressive fighting games available. Character models are highly detailed, featuring realistic textures and fluid animations. The arenas are beautifully designed, with interactive elements and environmental transitions that add to the spectacle. The attention to detail in the fighters’ expressions and animations enhances the intensity of each battle.
The mix of animated cutscenes and still images in the story mode is a slight disappointment, as it can make the storytelling feel inconsistent. However, when the game fully embraces its cinematic presentation, the results are stunning.
The soundtrack is another highlight, with dynamic, adrenaline-pumping tracks that fit the high-energy combat. Each stage has its own unique theme, contributing to the immersive experience. Sound effects, from the impact of punches to the clash of weapons, are crisp and satisfying. The voice acting is strong across the board, with characters speaking in their native languages, adding authenticity to their interactions. Tekken 7 is an audiovisual treat that excels in creating a high-quality, immersive fighting experience.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Tekken 7 is a thrilling and polished entry in the legendary fighting game franchise. While the story is engaging but underdeveloped beyond the Mishima feud, the deep and satisfying combat, stunning visuals, and fantastic music make up for its shortcomings. Despite the lack of multiplayer variety, it remains a must-play for fighting game fans. Tekken 7 gets 4 out of 5.
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