Tekken

In the mid-90s, arcades changed overnight: polygons showed up. One of the cabinets that drew a crowd was Tekken, with 3D fighters moving like nothing you'd seen and controls so direct anyone could pull off something flashy on their first try. Then, of course, the guy who knew all the combos stepped up and put you on the floor.

Tekken isn't on UsuArcade yet, but it's on our wishlist. If you want it in the lobby, vote with “I want to play it.”

History

Namco released Tekken in 1994. Its arcade board was based on the original PlayStation's technology, which made for a super faithful home version that helped the console take off. It was the start of one of the longest-running fighting game series ever.

The story centers on the King of Iron Fist Tournament, hosted by Heihachi Mishima, and his feud with his son Kazuya, who enters to get revenge. That family drama would end up defining the whole series.

How to play

Each of the four buttons controls a limb: left punch, right punch, left kick and right kick. Combine them with the stick to throw strikes, grabs and combos, and every character has their own style, from martial arts to pro wrestling.

Matches are best of several rounds. You block by holding back or crouching at the right time, and it pays to know which attacks hit high and which hit low. Unlike a lot of fighters of its era, there's no super meter: it all comes down to your buttons and your timing.

Fun facts

• Its arcade board was based on original PlayStation hardware.
• Each button maps to one of the fighter's limbs.
• The Heihachi versus Kazuya Mishima rivalry started right here in the first Tekken.

In the arcade

Coming soon to UsuArcade. When it arrives, you'll be able to challenge a friend in the lobby from your browser, with a crowd watching the fight. Until then, for one-on-one bragging rights there's Street Fighter II, and for brawling side by side, Double Dragon and Final Fight: they're all in the lobby and free.

FAQ