As Season 2 kicks off and the Tekken World Tour is just around the corner, 2025 promises to be another fantastic year for fans of Tekken, Bandai Namco’s iconic fighting game series. Known for its special connection with PlayStation consoles, Tekken has evolved uniquely with them, both in terms of gameplay and storyline. Join me as we delve into the intriguing tale of the Mishima family and the chaos they’ve unleashed on PlayStation players over the years.
### Bloodline Beginnings
Since its debut on the original PlayStation in early 1995 in Japan, and a few months later elsewhere, the first Tekken game set the stage by introducing the nefarious Mishima family and establishing core gameplay mechanics like the four-button control system. Unlike many arcade-to-console ports at the time, Tekken made no compromises in visuals and sound thanks to the PlayStation’s capable hardware. Namco went further by adding exclusive content such as ending movies, playable sub-bosses, and a secret character unlocked through a Galaga mini-game.
In late 1995, arcades saw Tekken 2, which shifted focus to Heihachi Mishima, the ousted patriarch and former villain. This sequel brought along fresh faces, including Jun and Lei, and numerous others who slowly unlocked, motivating players to return for new characters. Released for PlayStation in 1996, this version featured dazzling CG intros and endings, thereby cementing Tekken’s reputation for quality storytelling. New gameplay modes like Team Battle and Time Attack added even more value.
For many, Tekken 3 was their grand introduction to the series. It became wildly popular in both arcades and on PlayStation in 1998, moving the storyline 20 years forward to center on Jin Kazama, Kazuya and Jun’s offspring. This installment featured returning and new characters, such as Hwoarang and Xiaoyu, who quickly became fan favorites. Tekken 3’s PlayStation version came with exclusive modes: Tekken Force, a side-scrolling beat-em-up, and Tekken Ball, a party favorite, plus extra characters like Gon, Tekken’s first guest star.
### Vengeance, Powered by Emotion Engines
As PlayStation 2 made its debut in 2000, Tekken Tag Tournament was among its launch titles, stunning players with significantly enhanced visuals. This game revamped combat by letting players tag between two characters mid-battle and expanded the roster significantly, including pre-time-skip characters. It also featured a quirky mini-game, Tekken Bowl.
Tekken 4 arrived not long after, reintroducing Kazuya and shaking up gameplay with finite stages featuring walls and uneven terrain, creating new strategic opportunities. The story took center stage, with a revamped Story Mode and expanded Tekken Force sub-game exclusive to the console version.
### Devils Emerging from a CELL
Successor Tekken 5 emerged, picking up from where Tekken 4 ended, and with player feedback in mind, restored some aspects from previous games while introducing character customization and new fighters like Asuka, Feng, and Raven. Its PS2 port offered a story-driven Devil Within mode and retro ports of Tekken 1, 2, and 3.
In 2006, the arcade edition of Tekken 5 known as Dark Resurrection added characters Lili and Dragunov and fine-tuned gameplay further. Initially released on PSP with Tekken Dojo mode for player-made AI ghost sharing, it later came to PlayStation Network with online multiplayer, becoming a beloved classic.
Tekken 6 brought new characters like Bob, Zafina, Leo, and Miguel. With Mishima family drama escalating into corporate warfare, gameplay enhancements included the Rage system and combo-extending Bound feature, not to mention interactive arenas. The PS3 version was based on Bloodline Rebellion and included an extensive Scenario Campaign featuring Lars and Alisa.
### The Struggle Continues
The eventual PS4 release of Tekken 7 in 2017, long after its arcade debut, included the famed crossover character Akuma from Street Fighter, along with new entries like Lucky Chloe and Shaheen. The consolidated feedback saw revisioned Rage and screw combo mechanics, adding a new layer to combat.
Tekken 7’s PS4 arrival was also notable for its deep story mode and post-launch DLC that expanded its roster with past personalities, new characters like Leroy, and iconic guests like Final Fantasy XV’s Noctis and The Walking Dead’s Negan.
With Tekken 8 marking a year on PS5 and Season 2 of DLC underway, eager fans await more surprises as the Mishima saga continues with upcoming updates promising new and unexpected fighters, and perhaps more twists in the gripping family turmoil.
Each of these milestones reflects not just a chapter in gaming evolution but also a testament to Tekken’s enduring appeal on the PlayStation platform. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer enticed by its rich narrative and innovative gameplay, there’s no doubt this saga will continue to thrill its audience.
