Title    : TEKKEN 3
Platform : Sony Playstation
Publisher: Namco
Rating   : 8.5
 
They said it couldn't be done on a home console system.  With a dare like
that, Namco had to prove them wrong.  Tekken 3 is proof of the Sony
PlayStation's power.
 
Tekken 3 is the latest in a line of wildly-popular 3D fighting games, each
of which has been converted from its arcade format to the PlayStation.  It
does not have super moves or power bars or magical attacks, like many
other fighters - only lots of bone-breaking, flesh-tearing, spine-tingling
physical onslaughts.
 
Ten players are available initially, but at least that many are also
hidden, released when the players accomplish certain tasks.  Robots and
Native Americans and giant pandas are included, and some new characters
created specially for the home version.
 
There are only four basic attack functions, one button for each limb. 
Other buttons can be assigned to sidestep into and out of the 3D ring, or
to simulate pushing two attack buttons simultaneously.  This is the first
PlayStation game compatible with the Dual Shock control pad, which
provides force feedback to the players, similar to the Nintendo Rumble
Pak.
 
Tekken 3 is not an easy game to get into.  The basic attacks are clumsy
and difficult to string together.  The special attacks are unique for
every character, with little common ground to help associate between moves
and characters, making for much memorization.  Many moves require an
unusual combination of tapping and pushing directionals, followed by
several attack buttons; pulling off such moves is no easy task for anyone
but veteran Tekken players.
 
When mashing the buttons and fighting the controller, be sure to notice
the gorgeous graphics.  Tekken 3 is one of the most visually-impressive
video games since Final Fantasy VII, nearly identical with its arcade
counterpart.  The fighters move with the grace of battle dancers,
flawlessly executing a variety of moves.  Opening and closing cinema
sequences of full-motion video are astounding.  Only the background
graphics are often unremarkable, but do scroll smoothly.
 
There are two sets of soundtracks to choose from, arcade (original) and
remixed.  Both are standard fare for the fighting scene, though a few are
inappropriate or weak.  The sound effects are great, from groans and snaps
to growls and thuds.  Attention to detail was paid in their
implementation: the sound of punching a robot's jaw is noticeably
different from any other face being broken.
 
Several gameplay modes are available - not as many as in a Street Fighter,
but more varied.  Arcade and team battle are for the single player, and
naturally there is a two-player game.  A side-scrolling Double Dragon-type
beat-em-up is available, though is unimpressive.  There is a hidden mode
similar to dodge ball, but it is difficult to unlock.
 
Between the various modes and the vast number of characters, Tekken 3
carries considerable replay value.  There are several paths for finishing
the game, and each makes available a new fighter with which to explore. 
The sheer uniqueness of many of these modes and contestants is often
incentive to continue gaming.
 
Tekken 3 is not an easy game, nor is its battle techniques adaptable to or
from many other fighting titles.  Novice gamers may be thrown off by its
difficulty - it's definitely a game at which you must work to enjoy. 
Those familiar with the series, on PlayStation or in the arcade, or with
the patience to master a worthwhile new title, will find hours of fighting
to be found in Tekken.
 
---------
This review is copyright (c) 1998 by Ken Gagne.  All rights reserved.  Not
to be distributed in a modified form.
 
Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at:
http://www.ziplink.net/~kgagne/vidgames/vidgames.html
 
Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 04-May-98
 
Genie: Ken.Gagne (Ken.Gagne@genie.com)
CIS: 75162,3001 (75162.3001@compuserve.com)
Delphi: Ken_Gagne (Ken_Gagne@delphi.com)
Internet: kgagne@ziplink.net