Summary
- Tekken 8 has emerged as a top entry with strong singleplayer content and an impressive roster.
- Tekken 5 remains a fan favorite with distinct music, memorable stages, and diverse characters.
- Tekken 7 revitalized the series with streamlined gameplay, visual appeal, and periodic DLC additions.
Following the recent success of its latest release, the Tekken franchise has cemented itself as one of the most consistent of its long-running fighting game contemporaries. Three decades of iteration have eventually led up to Tekken 8's recognition, and reflecting on the past of Tekken shows that it has come a very long way from the days of early 3D.
There have been numerous releases under the Tekken name over the years, but the mainline numbered titles are usually the ones to have a major impact. Whether it's handheld releases like Tekken Advance, a spin-off like Death by Degrees, or the free-to-play Revolution, these games are largely irrelevant to the history of the entries that make up the franchise proper.
There Aren't Many Routes for Tekken 9's Story to Take
Tekken 8 has succeeded as the epic culmination of the narrative which built up to it, but the finality of its conclusion makes the future uncertain.
S Tier
Tekken 8 (2024)
Still just beginning, Tekken 8 has reached a level of acclaim that few other entries share. Strong singleplayer content in the form of a cinematic story and extra modes, an impressive launch roster, and deep gameplay that emphasizes offense more than ever all come together to make Tekken 8 feel like a total package, and it's likely to continue improving for years to come.
Tekken 5 (2004)
Including Dark Resurrection, this title has been seen as the peak of the franchise among many longtime fans. Recovering from the mixed reception of T4 along with balancing issues in its initial release, Tekken 5: DR holds up well today through distinct music, memorable stages, and a level of character diversity that fans still discuss.
A Tier
Tekken 7 (2015)
Across a tenure lasting the better part of a decade, Tekken 7 was able to bring the series out of a slump and guide it to new heights. Streamlined gameplay and visual flair that reached a massive audience make up for the dominance of noteworthy Tekken DLC characters that periodically affected this title.
Tekken 6 (2007)
Defining most of Tekken's seventh generation era, this title represents a transition into the modern style of the series. With visuals that were quite groundbreaking at the time and a strong roster that included lasting new additions, Tekken 6 makes up for its weak singleplayer content and the growing pains of Rage's introduction.
Tekken 3 (1997)
Redefining the franchise with a time skip and a new generation, Tekken 3 was a bold risk that paid off. The debut of Jin Kazama, this game's story, soundtrack, and style have allowed it to stand the test of time as one of Tekken's quintessential outings, with its gameplay often considered the peak of the original trilogy.
B Tier
Tekken 4 (2001)
Though it has some of the most immersive atmosphere, this entry was criticized for its lackluster gameplay and limited movement. Despite this, Tekken 4's ambiance has aged remarkably well in retrospect. Inconsistent stage terrain and a departure from the intensity of the previous entry might make this less satisfying to play, but its influence is undeniable.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (2011)
With the biggest roster to date, Tag Tournament 2 is both a legendary achievement to many, and highly controversial among hardcore players. There's a ton of options and freedom on paper, but the meta of this title can make it frustrating.
Tekken Tag Tournament (1999)
An ambitious concept for the time, Tag Tournament was a PS2 launch title that brought the series' full cast circa T3 together for a non-canon outing. The result is still fun to play despite a seriously unbalanced roster.
C Tier
Tekken 2 (1995)
The fact that an earlier Tekken game ranks so low is indicative of the overall quality of the series, as the second entry is far from poorly received. A sequel that saw much of the franchise's attitude and narrative flow first blooming, the PS1 era's Tekken 2 set an important foundation for the future.
Tekken (1994)
It's still impressive that the first Tekken was able to accomplish what it did, but technology has come a long way since. A limited roster, visuals that have aged poorly, and the most primitive mechanics of the series all make this game tough to revisit, but nevertheless, it remains extremely significant as a part of gaming history.
Tekken 8
- Released
- January 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, Arika
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Tekken
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- Metascore
- 90
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
