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Tekken
Hybrid
By
Matt Roberts
The latest release from Tekken headquarters and Namco Bandai Games,
Tekken Hybrid, doesn't have the normal setup you would usually find in
a video game. It’s a package comprised of three main components.
Upon entry of the disc it will launch into the Tekken movie entitled
‘Blood Vengeance’, a 92 minute 3D animated story that is somewhat of a
prelude to the future release of Tekken Tag Tournament 2.
Also included
is the revamped Tekken Tag Tournament HD and a playable demo of Tekken
Tag Tournament 2 (which looks amazing).
First lets have a look at the movie ‘Blood Vengeance’. Having not
expected a full film to be included in the game, I was skeptical as to
how much of an attribute it would be. Turns out that the movie is a
stunning visual that really does dazzle the eye, which makes up for the
sometimes sketchy plot.
Produced by Digital Frontier, this CGI film is a great testament to
what can be done with computers these days. If you can watch it in 3D
it is well worth it as you can see your favourite characters like
Xiaoyu and Kayuza really come off the screen and into your lounge room.
The storyline revolves around Xiaoyu and Alisa (sent by their
respective corporations) searching for a student called Shin. The
Mishima family identify that Shin has an immortality gene so they also
seek Shin. The finale is a three-way brawl between Heihachi Mishima,
Kazuya and Jin.
‘Blood Vengeance's’ weak plot shouldn't detract from the outstanding
graphics and is a worthy movie, especially for Tekken enthusiasts.
Now for the new and improved Tekken Tag Tounament HD feature of this
package.
The main enhancement of the game to me is the overall crispness of the
graphics. This is obviously going to be an expectation from gamers (as
the last version was PS2), and NAMCO have delivered with a sound
graphic design.
All the characters (35 of them) are back again as you test out your
fighting prowess in a 2 v 2 tag fight with relative ease switching
between your fighters. It is important to rotate your fighters wisely
to conserve their health and get the maximum output in the fight.
Several game modes are included in Tekken Tag Tournament HD including
the famous Arcade option which allows you to fight through all the
characters available and be the last two standing.
I was always under the assumption that Tekken games are just button
mashers that didn't require much thinking or skill. But after playing
Tekken Tag Tournament HD, it became apparent that button mashing will
get you nowhere. You really have to execute well thought out kick and
punch combinations with power-ups to have any chance of being a decent
fighter.
Personal favourite character would be Kazuya as his kicks are so brutal
and effective that they demoralise your opponent beyond belief.
Other modes included are survival and time fights which add some
variety. It’s worth mentioning the practice mode as this can be very
helpful to learn the characters moves with clear instructions and
demonstrations.
‘Tekken Bowl’ is another mode available in the game. This lets you have
some ten pin bowling fun with your favourite Tekken characters which
can be very relaxing if you want to rest your fighting skills.
Last but not least is the Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue playable
demo that is included in the Tekken Hybrid bundle.
Visually this game is as impressive as the ‘Blood Vengeance’ movie
using the same characters and costumes from the film. You can only play
from a select list of four though, and can only advance a few defeats.
It gives you a small taste of what this game will be like, and in my
eyes it illustrates that it will be a fantastic addition to the Tekken
franchise.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will be available across a range of gaming
platforms in 2012.
Overall this package has impressed me, so much so that I will likely be
purchasing Tekken Tag Tournament 2 when it releases next year.
In saying this Tekken Hybrid doesn't really match up with the video
game quality that has been released of late and could do with some
adjustments. One major demerit on this game would be the exclusion of
online play. Playing online is expected these days from gamers and
hopefully with next years release they can fulfill this.
Game: Tekken Hybrid
System: Playstation 3
Developer/Co-Developer: Namco Bandai
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Rating: 75%
(Ratings
Key/Explanation)
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