Tekken 7

Overall, Tekken 7 is a masterful conclusion to a two-decade story, an invigorating online experience and a content-filled package that’s absolutely worth its release price. Bandai Namco has knocked it out of the park with this game, and has set the bar high not only for other fighting game developers, but also for itself as creating a sequel that is better than this will surely be a challenge. Whether or not you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, you shouldn’t wait another minute to pick this game up.

I applaud the series for continuing an overall narrative, and the surprise characters and reveals were quite exciting for its story mode. Tekken 7 is not only a return for the series to the forefront, but a great addition to the genre as a whole. It tries new things and succeeds in almost every way, and even though I’m not the biggest fighting fan these days, as I’ve retired my fight sticks, I’m still quite enjoying my time with Tekken 7, in lengthy or short bursts. Even my 4 year old really enjoyed playing, being able to put together a few combos by button mashing, but more importantly, dressing up the characters quite silly to her liking. There’s lots to do for series veterans to learn but is also a great entry point for newcomers to the series. Tekken 7 is back and shouldn’t be missed, regardless of your skill level.

King of Iron Fist Tournament comes back 8 years later giving the final stroke to the Mishima clan saga. In this new game we have the common spectacularity and precision of the franchise with an awesome 60 FPS, despite the 720p in Xbox One. This is a fair successor of the Tekken saga: 36 characters, various online modes and tons of combinations and techniques to learn. This is Tekken 7.

Tekken 7 is not the most complete game of the series, but it is a fantastic game that will provide many hours of fun for the fans, and probably have the best story mode of the franchise. A must-have game for all players who love this genre.

A more balanced and newbie-friendly episode in Bandai Namco's series, with great gameplay and combat systems and a great Story Mode. Despite these, it lacks in single player content, but really, that isn't the core experience in a fighting game and you'll have plenty of fun playing it with friends at home or online.

Very difficult to get past the button-bashing stage, but persistence pays dividends. [Sept 2017, p.68]

It's a game that deserves a meatier and healthier package than the one Bandai Namco has given it, but even so, the online play will see Tekken 7 endure as one of the best fighting games this generation. [Issue#189, p.70]

While Tekken 7 has a few problems, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives. It's a series known not for its highly engaging story, but rather its vibrant and colourful, yet complex gameplay. With the addition of Rage Arts, fights look even better and feel fluid in the process. Witnessing this in all modes, especially the online tournaments, is a treat and hitting the Gallery for some nostalgic downtime stops the gameplay from becoming too stale. We may be missing a few of the series' beloved characters and load times may hinder it slightly, but one thing is certain — Tekken is still an addictive fighting franchise that definitely deserves its place in 2017.

Tekken is a long-running and proud series. As the first entry for the current console generation, Tekken 7 is also a great entry point (lack of tutorials aside). Loads of colorful characters, tight gameplay, and lots of fun customization and unlockables will keep fighting-game fans entertained for months.

Tekken 7 feels like the return for the series. After some bumps in the PS2 and PS3 era this series really feels like it is regaining its footing. There is a lot of content here for casuals and solo players, and the hardcore will love the under-the-hood changes. There is something for everyone, which most fighting games fail to capitalize on. If you have been out of the Tekken game for a while, it is finally time to return.

Modern game production being what it is, I’m sure some or all of this will be remedied in time, and whatever Game of the Year edition comes out in six to twelve months will feel like a more complete product. Right now, off the shelf, Tekken 7 is a 90%-ish game when you’re playing with friends or turning your favorite character into a bright orange devil clown, but everything else about this home release is weak to the point where it would have almost been better to not do it at all. Other franchises can almost get away with releases like this, but in Tekken, it’s a massive step backward.

Its diverse roster is packed with a wide range of personalities and fighting styles, bolstered by a raucous attitude that begs to be taken seriously while simultaneously mocking its more peculiar whims in the process. Tekken fans will find their next favorite game--one that's the product of decade's worth of refinement. And while some of this depth will be lost or out of reach for newcomers, there's enough fun to be had outside of hardcore competition to keep players from all walks of gaming thoroughly entertained.

It's good to have Tekken back again. Tekken 7 successfully makes the jump from the arcades in Japan, with a cool customisation suite, a decent selection of modes and superb fight mechanics. You should probably go buy it now.

Tekken 7 does just enough right for it to be considered a success. However, hopefully the structure of the game won't be the basic formula going forward.