The Ultimate Friend Dispute Settlement Game
Being the first true installment for the current generation consoles I had high hopes for this game. Thankfully no disappointments here, solid controls make this game a pleasure for Tekken veterans as well as new-comers to the series. The controls and combinations possible make it easy for someone to pull off some really wicked looking hits and chains.
Online play is the most welcome addition to this series and just goes to show that no matter how good you think you are amongst your friends, there is no shortage of online players happily ready to make to assume the fetal position as they unleash wicked 10 hit combos. While on the subject of Combos this game has taken the combo system to a next level. No longer are players bound to a few 10 hit combos as we now see the introduction of the custom combo system. Simply put you can chain any group of attacks together to come out with your very own unique combo. Not bad when you consider some veterans already know when and where to block on most the standard combos.
Speaking of unique, this game gives you plenty of options to pimp out your favorite fighter from simple changes in the colors of their outfits to complete wardrobe changes through credits earned in the game a la Tekken 5 but with much more variety available.
The game includes some kind of scenario mode like Tekken Force but I do feel obligated to play this mode just to get the full picture of the story of this series. While I am not a fan of this mode It is the most rewarding as far as credits rewarded to customize your fighters. Somewhere in the Capcom headquarters someone is really trying to spinoff of Tekken this Tekken force style of play into a stand alone game. Let us hope that is not the intentions though.
Stage designs are a big improvement with collapsible walls and floor in some levels adding a satisfaction to this game that can only come from punching someone through a wall or dropping them through the floor. A few of the stages feel silly (especially the sheep pasture), and in my humble opinion more "cool" stages could have been made available, they should try a bar setting, nightclub, alleyway etc. You know a place you would EXPECT TO SEE A FIGHT.
All in all this is a solid step for the series and has managed to keep a balance that both veterans and newcomers alike will enjoy the game. Add to that the online play, you will never be to far off from a challenge.