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FM6CT -> RE: Tekken 5 later this month (2/15/2007 7:53:31 AM)
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EXCLUSIVE: Hands on with Tekken 5 for PS3 by GamePro Staff | 02/14/2007 | 4:36:47 PM PST Namco gives Vicious Sid an exclusive hands-on play with the final US version of the PlayStation 3 brawler Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection! Read on for our full hands-on impressions. It's no secret among Tekken players that Tekken 3 was the series' best showing. That's why it was such great news that Tekken 5 was a much-needed return to form for Namco's flagship fighter, as well as one of the prettiest PS2 games ever released.
Well, you ain't seen nothing yet. Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, a sort of expansion to the original Tekken 5, was quietly released in arcades last year, and also made a surprisingly great showing on the handheld PSP. But now it's headed to the PlayStation 3 as an exclusive downloadable game, and we've got the first hands-on experience with the final U.S. release code.
On the PS3 you're getting an extensively reworked, remastered version of the biggest Tekken game yet. And we're talking BIG: 35 characters (including the now-unlockable Jinpachi), 19 fighting arenas, and scores of unlockable costumes.
[image]http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/news/images/98648-1-1.jpg[/image]
Paul's still got power on his side 1080p Dreams But how does it look? In a word, sharp. The game supports every SD and HD resolution, all the way up to 1080p (not the 720p mistakenly reported in the March issue of GamePro). At 1080p, Tekken 5: DR simply dazzles: It might not have the latest-and-greatest shader effects ala Dead or Alive 4, but it definitely looks new-gen. Though it wasn't developed to take full advantage of the PS3's exotic hardware, this is one fine-looking fighter that doesn't look a bit out of date. We can only imagine what the long-awaited Tekken 6 will look like, once Namco's programmers start delving into the secrets of the PS3's Cell processor.
We did, however, notice a glimmer or two of slowdown during our gameplay in the 1080p mode. It only lasted for a fraction of a second, but it popped up several times on one of the busier backgrounds. We weren't particularly concerned, but it's still worthy of note.
The controls are, of course, just about perfect. And why wouldn't they be? What the series lacks in originality, it makes up for in consistency: Tekken hasn't changed its core control scheme in years. We did notice, though, that the Sixaxis's analog shoulder triggers aren't well suited for a fighting game, so you'll want to avoid mapping any buttons to them. Gameplay-wise, the only bummer is the lack of any online multiplayer modes, though it's hardly a surprise given that Tekken still hasn't made the leap to internet play -- we expect Tekken 6 will.
[image]http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/news/images/98648-2-1.jpg[/image]
The environments are loaded with details King of the PS3? Is Tekken 5: DR worth a download? Almost certainly. The amazing amount of content and the time-testing combat should make Tekken 5: DR a no-brainer for PS3 fighting fans, particularly at that bargain-bin price. It might not look quite as good as Virtua Fighter 5 or Dead or Alive 4, but Tekken 5: DR is shaping up to be a well-rounded competitor in its own right.
If we can expect further downloadable games of this quality and price coming from Sony's online store, Xbox Live may have some serious catching up to do.
Suggestions for Tekken 6 Vicious Sid is a longtime Tekken player, and here he offers Namco some advice for the company's long-awaited Tekken 6.
Tekken 3 was an attention-grabber because it allowed the characters to age. Consider bumping Tekken 6 ten or even 20 years into the future.
Bring back tag-team matches.Online play is a must: think four-player tag-team and big tournaments.Consider a (tasteful) Mature rating, with blood, broken bones, and possibly a finishing move or fatality system.
Refresh basic animations such as kicks, punches, and strikes.Consider a darker, grittier look, ala Gears of War.Veer away from over-the-top characters like giant pandas, killer robots, and Yoshimitsu.
[image]http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/news/images/98648-3-1.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/news/images/98648-4-1.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/news/images/98648-5-1.jpg[/image]
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