As we dive into 2025, Tekken enthusiasts have plenty to be excited about, with Season 2 kicking off and the Tekken World Tour just ahead. Bandai Namco’s iconic Tekken series, which began its journey on the original PlayStation, has a special connection with the platform, evolving in terms of both gameplay and narrative alongside countless console generations. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the chaotic saga of the Mishima family as they’ve captivated PlayStation audiences over the years.
Looking back, the original Tekken made waves when it debuted on the PlayStation in early 1995 in Japan, followed by a fall release elsewhere. It introduced gamers to the notorious Mishima family and set many series-defining mechanics, like the four-button attack scheme. Importantly, Tekken raised the standard for home console adaptations. In an era where arcade ports often suffered from lower hardware capabilities, leading to compromised visuals and sound, Tekken’s transition was seamless due to its arcade origins on PlayStation-alike hardware. Namco even went above and beyond to enrich the PlayStation version with new features such as ending movies, playable sub-bosses, and a secret character unveilable through the Galaga mini-game.
Then came Tekken 2, wowing arcade-goers in late 1995 and shifting the spotlight to Heihachi Mishima, the ousted patriarch from the initial game. It also brought in fresh personalities like Jun and Lei, with more characters unlocked over time, enticing players back for new experiences. By 1996, its PlayStation port again demonstrated a leap forward. The series gained acclaim for its eye-catching CG intros and endings, alongside new modes like Team Battle, Time Attack, Survival, and Practice.
For countless fans, Tekken 3 served as their introduction to the franchise, proving wildly popular in arcades and as a record-breaking PlayStation hit in 1998. Fast-forwarding the narrative by two decades, it placed Jin Kazama, the offspring of Kazuya and Jun, in the leading role. Familiar faces returned older and wiser, while new fan-favorites such as Hwoarang, Bryan, Eddy, and Xiaoyu entered the fray. It leveraged its 3D arenas better through sidestep dodges. The PlayStation version sweetened the deal with modes like Tekken Force and Tekken Ball, plus unique characters including Anna Williams and the series’ first guest fighter, the mini-dino Gon.
As the PlayStation 2 came onto the scene in 2000, a Tekken title naturally accompanied it. Tekken Tag Tournament hit the ground running with vastly improved graphics, raising the benchmark for PS2’s visual expectations. TTT’s novel tag mechanics allowed for dynamic duo combat, revamping the lineup with fan-favorite characters from all entries, along with the quirky Tekken Bowl mini-game.
Tekken 4 followed up over a year later, reintroducing Kazuya into the mix while shaking up gameplay with finite stages marked by walls and uneven terrain, amplifying damage and combos. Movement nuances also scrutinized past strategies and a heavier narrative focus emerged, highlighted by an expansive Story Mode and enriched Tekken Force.
Fast forward a few years: Tekken 5 made a grand entrance, continuing from Tekken 4’s cliffhanger with Heihachi’s fate uncertain and Jin’s devilish powers on the rise. Fan favorites like Asuka, Feng, and Raven were introduced, while players could personalize characters with in-game items. Tekken 5’s PS2 port allowed players to play as boss Jinpachi in the action-centric Devil Within mode, and included ports of early series installments. Tekken 5 garnered significant acclaim.
In 2006, an arcade update, Dark Resurrection, added new blood with characters like Lili and Dragunov, retouched visuals, and refined gameplay, garnering love particularly among PSP users given its online ghost battle feature. Prompted by player demand, the game appeared as a downloadable PlayStation Network title, later evolving to support online play – a beloved installment enduringly cherished by fans.
Later that year, Tekken 6 debuted in arcades, bringing fresh faces such as Bob, Zafina, Leo, and Miguel. The Mishima family feud amped up with global corporate warfare between Jin and Kazuya while Heihachi was missing. The update, Bloodline Rebellion, spiced things up with new additions like Lars and Alisa, along with the Rage mechanic, Bound system, and destructible arenas.
The PS3 launch of Tekken 6 in 2009 delivered an expansive Scenario Campaign mode, piecing together plot threads for a rebel duo, Lars and Alisa, against the Mishima Zaibatsu and Tekken Force. Although the PSP port didn’t feature this campaign, it showcased some of the most advanced visuals on the handheld and offered ad-hoc multiplayer.
In between the core releases, Bandai-Namco unveiled 2011’s Tekken Hybrid, bundling an HD remastery of TTT, the Tekken: Blood Vengeance film, and a demo for Tekken Tag Tournament 2—a game that reinstated tag mechanics and bolstered character selection. The PS3 port, arriving in late 2012, introduced additional characters, stages, and a notable Snoop Dogg track.
An interesting foray into free-to-play gaming came with Tekken Revolution, centering on online matches. Players could unlock characters and enhance attributes with skill points. The game saw consistent updates until its service ended in 2017.
Tekken 7 took its time arriving on PS4, launched in 2017 after multiple arcade updates – the most striking, Fated Retribution, famously added Street Fighter’s Akuma. New faces joined from Lucky Chloe to Shaheen, rolled up with stages and system refinements. Feedback saw adjustments to Tekken’s bounds system, introducing screw combos. The Rage mechanism expanded into Rage Drive and Rage Art skills, offering unique tactical plays.
Finally reaching PS4, Tekken 7 boasted an exclusive story mode and long-term DLC support, introducing many returning and fresh characters, including Leroy, Lidia, and unexpected guests like Fatal Fury’s Geese Howard, Final Fantasy XV’s Noctis, and Neegan from The Walking Dead.
As Tekken 8 celebrated its premier anniversary on PS5 this past January, fans have plenty to anticipate. DLC Season 2 teases more characters, beloved and surprising, while story updates suggest further Mishima family intrigue awaits, ensuring Tekken continues to captivate and entertain.
