The Tekken franchise has been a cornerstone of the fighting game genre, captivating fans with its intricate gameplay, deep story modes, and roster of memorable characters. As a series that has evolved alongside the video game industry, each installment has brought something new and exciting, making it one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed fighting game series. For those looking to dive into this iconic fighting series or complete their collection, some titles are available on RoyalCDKeys, ensuring you get the best deals and a seamless purchasing experience.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer eager to understand what makes these games stand out, join us as we journey through the best Tekken games ranked, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and impact on the fighting genre. Being a franchise that was even featured in some crossover games like Street Fighter X Tekken, Project X Zone, and Namco X Capcom, Tekken has captivated many fans over the years; this article aims to celebrate the series' evolution, providing insights and nostalgia-packed opinions on what makes each game a worthy contender in the world of fighting games.

• Release Date: June 11, 2013
• Platform: PlayStation 3

Playing Revolution was a mixed bag of feelings for me. On the one hand, the game introduced several new systems and mechanics like Special Arts and Critical Arts, aiming to make battles more accessible to newcomers and provide a strategic layer for seasoned players. The mechanics felt broken, but the gameplay retained the satisfying complexity Tekken is known for. The reliance on in-game purchases to progress and the limited roster compared to other titles was another point of contention.

While Tekken Revolution was an ambitious entry aimed at experimenting with the free-to-play model within the fighting game genre, it is a controversial title within the Tekken series. The game's release showcased Namco's interest in evolving and adapting to new trends in the gaming industry, attempting to join the hype around accessible online experiences.

However, for fans and players like me, it felt more like a stepping stone, a testbed for ideas that would later be refined and better implemented in future Tekken games. Tekken Revolutions is a testament to the franchise's willingness to innovate, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of its more fully-featured predecessors and successors. Nevertheless, for those interested in experiencing a unique part of Tekken's history or newcomers curious about the fighting game genre, Tekken Revolution offered an interesting, albeit limited, glimpse into the world of Tekken.

• Release Date: December 21, 2001
• Platforms: Game Boy Advance

Playing Tekken Advance was a surprisingly fun and engaging experience despite the initial skepticism about how well the Tekken formula would translate to an old handheld system. The game introduced a modified three-button control scheme that surprisingly worked well, adapting the complex combo system of its console counterparts into a more accessible format without losing the depth that the series is known for. The roster included several fan-favorite characters from Tekken 3, each with their unique move sets and styles adapted into sprites, scaled down to fit the platform's capabilities. The gameplay felt fluid and responsive, a testament to the developers' skill in optimizing for the Game Boy Advance.

In retrospect, Tekken Advance holds a special place in the Tekken series as a bold experiment that brought the essence of Tekken to a handheld format. While it couldn't replicate its console counterparts' full complexity and graphical fidelity, it captured Tekken's fighting system's excitement and strategic depth. This title showcased Namco's commitment to expanding the reach of the Tekken franchise, ensuring that even players without access to the latest consoles could experience the thrill of Tekken battles.

• Release Date: December 9, 1994
• Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 1

Playing Tekken 1 was a revolutionary experience; the game introduced the fighting game community to a new combat system, with each button being each part of the character's body. Each character in the roster had a unique fighting style, heavily influenced by real-world martial arts, which added to the game's appeal and authenticity.

The gameplay mechanics were robust, featuring a combination of punches, kicks, and throws, each mapped to a different button. This design choice was innovative then and became a staple of the series. While the graphics and character models have aged compared to modern standards, the animations' fluidity and the controls' responsiveness made Tekken 1 stand out in the fighting genre.

Although it might not have the depth or polish of its successors, its importance must be balanced. The title showcased Namco's ability to innovate and deliver a fun and technically impressive game. For many, including myself, Tekken 1 was an introduction to the world of fighting games, offering a blend of easy-to-learn mechanics and challenging gameplay that was highly rewarding. Its release marked a significant moment in video game history, paving the way for the Tekken series to evolve with each new installment, building on the solid foundations established by its revolutionary first entry.

• Release Date: August 3, 2015
• Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation

Playing Tekken 2 was an unforgettable experience that expanded what I thought was possible in fighting games. The game introduced several new characters, each bringing their unique style and backstory to the rich Tekken universe.

The visuals were a significant step up from the original game, with character models and backgrounds looking more detailed and vibrant, enhancing the game's overall aesthetic appeal and immersion. Much like the rest of the game, the soundtrack was memorable and fitting, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the battles.

This installment was pivotal for the franchise, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from fighting games at the time. It wasn't just a sequel but a statement of intent from Namco, demonstrating their ability to listen to feedback, innovate, and deliver a superior product. Tekken 2's critical and commercial success laid the groundwork for future entries in the series, each aiming to capture the magic that made this title so beloved by fans and critics alike.

• Release Date: February 18, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Arcade

Tekken 7 beautifully balanced the traditional gameplay mechanics fans adored with innovative additions like the Rage Arts and Power Crushes, offering a fresh yet familiar fighting experience. The roster included a mix of old favorites like Kazuya and Paul and several new characters that brought their unique styles and mechanics to the battlefield. Tekken 7's story mode was another area where the game shone, providing a cinematic experience that delved deep into the Mishima family saga, offering fans a satisfying narrative arc that had been decades in the making.

The game has cemented itself as a landmark title in the fighting genre. It successfully captured the essence of what has made the Tekken series so beloved while introducing enough new elements to feel innovative and fresh. Notably, the game has been a favorite at arcades and tournaments, showcasing the depth of its competitive gameplay and the community's acceptance of its balancing and mechanics. Tekken 7 not only lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessors but, in many ways, exceeded them, setting a new benchmark for what a fighting game can be.

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• Release Date: September 14, 2011
• Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U

Playing Tekken Tag Tournament 2 was an exhilarating experience that pushed the boundaries of what was expected from a fighting game. The game introduced several advanced mechanics, such as the Tag Assault, allowing for dynamic and strategic tag-team battles that were visually impressive and deeply satisfying. Including stages with varying terrain added a layer of complexity to matches, forcing players to adapt their strategies based on the environment. Additionally, the game featured a rich soundtrack that perfectly complemented the intensity of the battles, and the online modes provided endless hours of entertainment, allowing players to test their skills worldwide.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 holds a special place in the hearts of Tekken fans. It wasn't just a game but a package that celebrated the series' legacy while pushing forward with innovative gameplay and features. The game's release set a high bar for what a sequel in the fighting genre could achieve, combining a vast character roster, advanced fighting mechanics, and engaging game modes that kept players coming back for more.

• Release Date: March 20, 1997
• Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation

Playing Tekken 3 was an unforgettable experience that reshaped my understanding of what a fighting game could be. The game's fluid animations, responsive controls, and depth of gameplay offered a level of engagement that was unheard of at the time. Introducing new mechanics, such as the side-step maneuver, added a new dimension to the gameplay, allowing for more strategic combat beyond the traditional 2D plane of earlier entries in the series. The roster, featuring now-iconic characters like Jin Kazama and Bryan Fury, alongside returning favorites, provided a diverse range of fighting styles and strategies for players to master.

Today, Tekken 3 holds a revered place in the history of the Tekken series and the wider fighting game community. Its influence extends beyond just the mechanics and features it introduced; it symbolized a pivotal moment in the genre's evolution, combining technical innovation with a compelling game world which players became deeply invested in.

The game's reputation for pushing the envelope in terms of gameplay and narrative continues to serve as a benchmark for successive titles in the series. For many, including myself, it remains a touchstone of gaming nostalgia, a reminder of the leap in innovation and storytelling possible when developers dare to dream bigger.

• Release Date: March 30, 2000
• Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3

Playing the Tekken Tag Tournament was a unique experience that felt familiar and fresh. The introduction of tag battles added a strategic depth to the gameplay, allowing players to switch between characters mid-fight, leading to dynamic and unpredictable matches. This feature showcases the game's technical prowess and its commitment to innovation within the fighting game genre. The roster, a compendium of fighters from previous entries, allowed for many team combinations, each with unique synergies and combo potential. It set a high standard for what was technically possible in fighting games, building a reputation that would carry forward into future installments.

Looking back, Tekken Tag Tournament holds a special place in the annal of the Tekken franchise. It was a game that dared to try something different, expanding on the traditional one-on-one fighting mechanic and introducing a team-based format that added complexity and fun to the series. Its legacy is evident in the lasting appeal of the tag mechanic, which will be revisited in future titles, and in the fond memories of players who spent countless hours exploring every possible character combination.

• Release Date: November 15, 2004
• Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation 3

Playing Tekken 5 and experiencing its upgrade, Dark Resurrection, was transformative. These titles refined the series' core mechanics, stripping back the excessive features that had crept into previous installments and focusing on the tight, responsive combat that had made Tekken a household name. Dark Resurrection, in particular, was a standout, offering a significant content update with new characters, stages, and a rebalancing of the entire roster, which provided a fresh and even more engaging gameplay experience. The music and sound design were also exceptional, creating an immersive and exhilarating fighting experience.

Looking back, Tekken 5 and Dark Resurrection hold a special place in the Tekken series and the hearts of its fans. They successfully breathed new life into the franchise and established a benchmark for quality and innovation in the fighting game genre. The game's release left a lasting impression on players, including myself, reminding us why we fell in love with Tekken in the first place. Their legacy is a testament to the series' enduring appeal and Namco's ability to evolve and adapt to meet and exceed player expectations.

• Release Date: January 26, 2024
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

When Tekken 8 was finally released, any worries were quickly forgotten as players marveled at its innovation and evolution. The game embraced its legacy while introducing fresh mechanics and characters that breathed new life into the franchise. From the revamped combat system to the stunning graphics, Tekken 8 exceeded expectations in every way.

As I played through Tekken 8, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the attention to detail and the care taken to create an experience that would resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike. The game's roster, including beloved characters and newcomers, offered various fighting styles and strategies to master. Each match felt like a dynamic dance of skill and strategy, with every victory and defeat shaping my opinion of the game.

As I reflect on my time with Tekken 8, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey it has taken me on. From anticipating its release to the exhilaration of playing it for the first time, Tekken 8 has left an indelible mark on me as a player. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tekken series and a shining example of what can be achieved when developers dare to dream big. Tekken 8 is the best starting point in the series right now, and the game is most worth improving your skills. I can see myself surpassing my game time from previous titles.

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As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Tekken saga, with the possibility of crossovers like Tekken x Street Fighter and nod to other iconic franchises like Virtua Fighter, there's a sense of wonder and expectation for what the future holds. Despite the occasional disappointments and having some of our worst fears become real (like Akuma and Geese in Tekken 7), Tekken has remained a cornerstone of the fighting game community, creating memories that players will never forget and shaping the opinions of countless fans. Tekken remains a shining example of what can be achieved when developers dare to dream, and players subscribe to the ride's excitement.