
The Tekken franchise needs little introduction within the fighting game community. A titan among titans, it has been delivering bone-crunching action and intricate mechanics for over two decades. Born from the mind of Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken 7 represents a culmination of that legacy, weaving a complex narrative of family betrayals, revenge-driven quests, and, of course, electrifying combat.
For those unfamiliar with the sprawling lore, Tekken revolves around the Mishima clan, a dysfunctional family seemingly cursed by power struggles and superhuman abilities.
The story in Tekken 7 picks up after the events of Tekken 6. Heihachi Mishima, the ruthless patriarch, has been defeated, and Kazuya Mishima, his son consumed by demonic power known as the Devil Gene, is now the undisputed leader of the Mishima Zaibatsu, a colossal corporation with sinister ambitions.
Meanwhile, Jin Kazama, Kazuya’s son and Heihachi’s grandson, grapples with his own Devil Gene inheritance. Haunted by visions of Akuma, a legendary martial artist seeking to awaken the Devil Gene within him fully, Jin embarks on a desperate journey to end the Mishima bloodline once and for all.
The narrative unfolds through captivating cinematic cutscenes that interweave the struggles of these iconic characters with the stories of newcomers like Leroy Smith, a karate master driven by revenge against Kazuya; Fahkumram, a Muay Thai champion seeking redemption; and Zafina, a fierce warrior searching for answers about her lost heritage.
Tekken 7 embraces its cinematic roots, delivering a presentation rarely seen in fighting games. The cutscenes are stunningly rendered with high fidelity graphics and elaborate set pieces.
Gameplay That Demands Precision and Punishes Recklessness
While the narrative provides depth and context, Tekken 7’s core strength lies within its deeply satisfying gameplay.
Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, Tekken 7 refines and introduces mechanics that elevate it to new heights:
- The Rage System: This innovative mechanic injects a thrilling element of unpredictability into battles. As you take damage, your Rage Meter fills up. When activated, Rage grants a significant power boost, allowing for devastating counterattacks and extended combos.
Rage Art | Effect |
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Kazuya’s Devil Blaster | A powerful electric blast dealing heavy damage |
Jin’s Hellfire | Engulfs the opponent in flames |
Heihachi’s Lightning Fist | Launches the opponent with a scorching blow |
- Rage Drive: This unique move adds another layer of strategic depth. When activated during Rage, it allows you to unleash a devastating special attack tailored to your chosen character, capable of turning the tide of battle in an instant.
A Cast Forged in Diverse Fighting Styles
Tekken has always prided itself on its diverse roster, showcasing fighters from all corners of the globe with unique fighting styles and personalities:
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Kazuya Mishima: The Devil Gene manifests in Kazuya’s relentless fighting style. He combines swift strikes with powerful projectiles and devastating Devil Beam attacks.
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Jin Kazama: Jin balances power with speed, utilizing his Electric Wind God Fist to unleash a flurry of blows. His signature move, the “Kazama Style Stance,” allows him to switch between offensive and defensive stances seamlessly.
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Heihachi Mishima: The seasoned veteran employs traditional karate techniques blended with brutal throws and powerful strikes.
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King: The masked wrestler utilizes his impressive grappling skills and devastating power bombs to overwhelm opponents.
Mastering the Art of Combo Crafting
Beyond individual character strengths, Tekken 7’s gameplay encourages mastering intricate combos. Each character possesses a unique set of moves that can be chained together in complex sequences, rewarding players who invest time in understanding their intricacies.
The game features an intuitive button layout:
- Left Punch (LP), Right Punch (RP), Left Kick (LK), Right Kick (RK) form the foundation of attacks.
- Throws and Grapples add another layer of complexity to combat, requiring precise timing and anticipation.
Mastering these elements allows for truly exhilarating battles.
Tekken encourages experimentation, rewarding players who explore different combo paths and discover unique strategies tailored to their chosen character.
Tekken 7 delivers a polished and deeply satisfying fighting game experience. Its captivating narrative, innovative mechanics like the Rage System, and diverse roster of characters ensure countless hours of intense battles and strategic gameplay.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, Tekken 7 offers a challenging yet rewarding experience that will keep you coming back for more.