Video Game review: Tekken Revolution goes F2P on a brawling scale for PSN

Over the years, the Tekken series's constant evolution in terms of graphics and gameplay has won praise and a strong following for the Namco Bandai 3D fighter. Last year saw the much anticipated release of “Tekken Tag Tournament 2” to video game consoles. The non-canonical installment totes the biggest roster and changes to date for the series. 

 

Following the successful release of TTT2, Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada released a surprise for series’ loyalists by creating a special “Free-to-play” installment for Playstation 3 users called “Tekken Revolution.” Going back to the basics and utilizing online multiplayer to its fullest potential, the new game was released on the same week as the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo and acts as a “Thank You” gift to Tekken fans worldwide. 

 

Available on the Playstation Network as a free downloadable game (you’ll have to sign up and register for a Playstation account first of course), Tekken Revolution is a new installment in the Namco Bandai Games 3D fighting game series that has taken the video game world by storm. Not simply a rehashed Tekken Tag Tournament 2 without the tag feature, Tekken Revolution introduces new elements that aim to help newbies adapt to the Tekken playing field for the first time. 

 

Of course, playing through the game requires players to have specific “tickets” that act as tokens, which are either be earned, purchased through the PSN store, or refilled after a certain time. For instance, online play tickets refill up to 5 tickets after a certain period, and players can choose to use “Premium Tickets” earned through play to boost experience points upon winning. Special promos are scheduled and given on certain days that give players incentive to play online during a certain, adding replay value to this freeware installment of the Tekken franchise.

 

New mechanics like “Critical Hits” and “Special Arts” are added to give amateur Tekken players a fighting chance in delivering some heavy hitting moves, but that doesn’t keep veterans from leveling the playing field with their savvy skills either. Juggling reverts back to simple combos however, as the “Bound” system prevalent in Tekken 6 and Tekken Tag Tournament 2 has been almost removed from the game entirely. Still, there’s plenty of power moves and combos to dish out, and expecting the unexpected has always been firmly rooted in a Tekken game, which involves flexibility and precision in winning matches. 

 

Customization-wise, Tekken Revolution introduces a status upgrade system that incorporates skill points earned during gameplay. Divided between Power, Endurance, and Vigor, Players can increase their character of choice’s attacks, defense, and critical hit strength based on the distribution of points. This boosts up performance and works to a character’s evolution during online play.

 

Rounding out some of the best and most recognizable fighters from the series, Tekken Revolution features the likes of Kazuya Mishima, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, Asuka Kazama, and Lili Rochefort immediately selectable upon play. Other characters such as Bryan Fury and Steve Fox become unlockable as you play through Ranked Matches and Player matches in online mode. Players can also choose to play against the CPU in Arcade mode, and can take on the likes of Heihachi Mishima, Jinpachi Mishima, and Ogre, who are non-playable characters who serve as the bosses of the game. Practice mode is noticeably missing from the select screen, but Harada and company promise it’ll be available in later patches and updates for the game proper.

 

Those looking to get their hands dirty and get a taste of Tekken for the first time may want to give “Tekken Revolution” a shot. It’s free to download and easy to play for beginners and expert players, so anyone looking for a fighting game bargain will certainly jump at the chance for this. 

 

Of course, being free-to-play comes at a price, and boosting character performance and gaining incentives have to be either bought or earned slowly. Online play will vary depending on network stability and restrictions, so performance is subject to connection and compatibility issues. Later updates may feature more fan favorite characters and modes added, so there’s future plenty. Anyone looking to upgrade their fighters and skills can choose to purchase more points and gold in the Playstation Network Store, but that’s entirely optional and you can choose to fight it out and patiently build up your character slowly and effectively. 

 

It isn’t called “The King of Iron Fist Tournament” for a reason, so sharpen you skills and go for the gold. Experience Tekken in a worldwide setting, and engage with the best. — VC, GMA News