|
|
|
TEKKEN 3 (PS)
|
Publisher: Sony.
Developer: Namco. Released: September 1998 (Europe). Genre: 3D Fighter. Posted 22nd June 2021. By Shane Battams © 2021 |
|
Part of PlayStation’s mammoth success during the late nineties was cultivating a slew of support from third-party publishers and developers. Psygnosis would lead the way on the British front, while the likes of Squaresoft and Polyphony Digital would bolster the library of big titles arriving from Japan. But perhaps Sony’s most fruitful relations would be with Namco. Masters of top-class arcade ports from the console’s launch, they would deliver pristine arcade racing with Ridge Racer, hellacious flight combat with Ace Combat and 3D fighters courtesy of Tekken. The original raised the stakes in the combat arena, the sequel proved a landmark of refinement and against all odds, Tekken 3 was somehow even better again. It remains one of the greatest 3D fighters, not just on the PlayStation, but on any console going, and proves an absolute delight.
Tekken 3 would hit arcades in ’97, utilising Namco’s upgraded System 12. The PlayStation port would arrive over a year later and, while some compromises had to be made to fit the game on to Sony’s grey box, it remains one of the system’s best-looking fighters. Characters bear more features rather than pixelated mush, performance is consistently smooth, the newly 2D panoramic backgrounds look great. Animations, utilising motion capture, would be some of the best the console would ever see. Unlike a lot of fighters on the scene at this time, loading is an absolute snap and takes but a handful of seconds. Full-motion videos, which play at the start-up and during arcade endings, are gorgeously crafted. Tekken 3 is simply a stunning game. Its audio has been crunched just a little to fit on the disc, but the excellent soundtrack and hard-hitting punches still translate very well.
Every attack hits with ferocious force, making Tekken 3's battles unbelievably intense
It’s not just about looks though, as Tekken 3 also develops the groundwork laid by its predecessors to polish this fighting to a mirror sheen. Much of the mechanics carry over here, including an assortment of strikes and specials which can be chained together. This time around, there’s a focus on dodging and juggling. The former is achieved through a sidestep move, allowing all fighters to move towards the background and avoid attacks – something only a couple of characters could do in the previous game. The latter sees a slew of moves upgraded to send competitors into the air, letting crafty players tie combos while keeping their opponent in the juggled state. Jumping has also been tweaked in this game, proving less awkward to use and changing the dynamic of defence, as jumps cannot avoid all ground attacks now. Coupled with less awkward recovery when knocked down, additional escape moves from stuns and tackles and a slew of other improvements, and this threequel feels like fighting perfection.
These additions seem daunting, but unlike some arcade fighters of the time, Namco offers a plethora of options and training for the uninitiated. Training sees substantial additions that let you set your practice dummy to your specification. You can fight them traditionally, set them to use a specific move to practice counters and set a stance such as crouching or rolling. The settings let you tweak the game further to your skillset, letting you set the difficulty, change how long matches run for and the number of rounds. For those seeking depth, Tekken 3’s slew of combos, chains and intricacies are a treat to uncover. But for those looking for more casual play, maybe in a multiplayer setting or just for fun, the game thrives here too.
These additions seem daunting, but unlike some arcade fighters of the time, Namco offers a plethora of options and training for the uninitiated. Training sees substantial additions that let you set your practice dummy to your specification. You can fight them traditionally, set them to use a specific move to practice counters and set a stance such as crouching or rolling. The settings let you tweak the game further to your skillset, letting you set the difficulty, change how long matches run for and the number of rounds. For those seeking depth, Tekken 3’s slew of combos, chains and intricacies are a treat to uncover. But for those looking for more casual play, maybe in a multiplayer setting or just for fun, the game thrives here too.
|
|
Like before, fighting revolves around the King of Iron Fist Tournament. Many characters return, including hi-top aficionado Paul Phoenix and Jackie Chan inspired Lei Wulong. But this instalment would also be notable for debuting several characters who would become series staples. Jin Kazama, member of the patricidal Mishima family, proves a strong addition with balance between strikes and kicks. Hwoarang’s taekwondo also proves a fun addition, along with the likes of Xiaoyu, Eddy Gordo and madman Bryan Fury. It represents a full featured roster, and while some missing characters such as Kazuya and Jun are a shame, you’re bound to find someone new you like. There is also a slew of oddities, including an awakened training dummy who copies other fighters, floor-crawler Dr. B and manga guest star Gon, who helpfully can fart on enemies. While the roster isn’t balanced per se, as many a multiplayer session could end in tears when Eddy was used, it remains perhaps the most fun.
It’s also an extremely content-rich fighter. Arcade provides a meaty way to test all the fighters, with each completion unlocking another character. It also includes the series’ trademark endings which range from obtuse to insane. All the modes from Tekken 2 return, including Survival and Team Battle and of course the friendship-ending Versus multiplayer. This home port would also start the tradition of including oddball spin-off modes. Tekken Ball provides a makeshift volleyball mini-game, where either landing the ball on your opponent’s side or charging a strike will damage your opponent. Its decent, and serves as the easiest way to unlock Gon, though it won’t occupy a lot of time for most. Tekken Force proves a great addition conversely, creating a beat em’ up spin on the fighting. While you can breeze through the four stages quickly, repeat plays unlocks a further secret character. Though a couple of issues with targeting are a shame, it’s still a nice extra.
It’s also an extremely content-rich fighter. Arcade provides a meaty way to test all the fighters, with each completion unlocking another character. It also includes the series’ trademark endings which range from obtuse to insane. All the modes from Tekken 2 return, including Survival and Team Battle and of course the friendship-ending Versus multiplayer. This home port would also start the tradition of including oddball spin-off modes. Tekken Ball provides a makeshift volleyball mini-game, where either landing the ball on your opponent’s side or charging a strike will damage your opponent. Its decent, and serves as the easiest way to unlock Gon, though it won’t occupy a lot of time for most. Tekken Force proves a great addition conversely, creating a beat em’ up spin on the fighting. While you can breeze through the four stages quickly, repeat plays unlocks a further secret character. Though a couple of issues with targeting are a shame, it’s still a nice extra.
|
|
Every mode in Tekken 3 is lovingly curated to offer different looks at the fighter experience
Tekken 3 would refine the 3D fighter to near-perfection, proving the peak of the series and perhaps the best the system would see. Immense visuals, outstanding fighting and a ton of modes create a strong all-around fighter that is accessible yet tough to master. Whether you’re booting it up for a quick friendly fight, intent on honing your skills with a single fighter or just here for the insanity of the story and characters, you’re bound to find something you love about this one. If you have any relative interest in the genre, or even are looking for a title to wet your feet, then this one is simply a must-play.
|
|
VERDICT
“Immense visuals, outstanding fighting and a ton of modes create a strong all-around fighter that is accessible yet tough to master, seeing Tekken 3 refine the 3D fighter to near-perfection.” OVERALL: 10/10 |
PIXEL SECONDS: TEKKEN 3 (PS)
You really have to hand it to Namco. With Tekken 3, they achieved the seemingly impossible. Following on from the greatest 3D fighter on the planet, they would once again raise the series to unimaginable new highs. T3 sports some of the most incredible graphics the PlayStation would ever see and a silky-smooth, flowing fighting engine that made its brilliant predecessor look like treacle by comparison. The fighting is momentous, with each hit landing like a jackhammer, whilst smart new additions such as the side-step add further depth to an already essential experience. Superb, creative new characters such as Xiaoyu, the wooden mimic Mokujin and cover character Jin Kazama light things up, whilst a selection of new modes, including the roaming beat ‘em up themed Tekken Force, add plenty to an already-excellent modes list. As ever, its strongest areas are the Arcade mode, which comes with a plethora of fun ending FMVs, and the evergreen two-player versus, which remains exceptional to this day. One or two tiny gripes, including slight sound compression issues and a couple of characters we’d rather forget (yes, Eddy and Gon, you), don’t diminish what was a staggering achievement. [10] – Tom Clare © 2021
You really have to hand it to Namco. With Tekken 3, they achieved the seemingly impossible. Following on from the greatest 3D fighter on the planet, they would once again raise the series to unimaginable new highs. T3 sports some of the most incredible graphics the PlayStation would ever see and a silky-smooth, flowing fighting engine that made its brilliant predecessor look like treacle by comparison. The fighting is momentous, with each hit landing like a jackhammer, whilst smart new additions such as the side-step add further depth to an already essential experience. Superb, creative new characters such as Xiaoyu, the wooden mimic Mokujin and cover character Jin Kazama light things up, whilst a selection of new modes, including the roaming beat ‘em up themed Tekken Force, add plenty to an already-excellent modes list. As ever, its strongest areas are the Arcade mode, which comes with a plethora of fun ending FMVs, and the evergreen two-player versus, which remains exceptional to this day. One or two tiny gripes, including slight sound compression issues and a couple of characters we’d rather forget (yes, Eddy and Gon, you), don’t diminish what was a staggering achievement. [10] – Tom Clare © 2021