MSRP $19.99

1-2 Players

I can honestly say that Tekken 6 is one of the best fighting games for Sony’s portable platform. There’s nothing like bringing your favorite fighting game and playing it on the go. And while it does lack some of the features unlike it’s console counterparts, it still retains the core gameplay that makes Tekken such an enjoyable fighting game experience.

Hit the jump to read the full review.

Anyone who’s played a Tekken game in the last two decades will know what Tekken 6 is about. It’s about hard-hitting dial and juggle combos with movesets using real martial arts. Tekken 6 also has the biggest fighting game roster I’ve seen on the PSP. At a grand total of 43 (FORTY THREE!) unique characters and movesets, it’s guaranteed that everyone will find something or someone that they can enjoy playing as. 

The fighting in Tekken 6 is easy to pick and and play. Those who are looking for a more basic dial-in combos will no doubt enjoy the game. However, those willing to scratch deeper into the game’s incredibly deep counter and juggle combos (and with some characters, throw and hold combos), will understand why Tekken has been in the forefront of 3D-based fighting games. There’s enough depth and tournament-level controls and strategy that will please those who love their fighting games deep and challenging.

One issue I had with Tekken 6 for the PSP is that it didn’t allow for infrastructure play over the internet. Players are stuck with Ad-Hoc two-player battles that isn’t as smooth or as easy-to-use as the system found in Tekken 5: Dark Ressurection. I can’t even count how many times I cursed the game out for lagging while the two PSP’s re-synced while in the middle of a match. Not cool, Namco, not cool at all.

Still, players will find lots of other ways to get into fights in Tekken 6. There’s the Arcade Mode, which simulates going to the arcades of older times; with different belts and difficulties of fighters available. There’s Story Mode, which allows players to fight and earn each character’s story ending. Ghost Battle, which allows players to fight continuously with pre-programmed or downloaded Ghost Data, simulates the different human play styles one would find in the arcades. As well, there’s the prerequisite Practice and Gallery modes that round out the package.

It’s bare bones, but it’s like that to get players right into the fight. And it works to the game’s advantage.

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION

Audio – Audio is pretty much the same between the console titles and the PSP. All the hits sound meaty and brutal which definitely works in the game’s favor. However, the music can be a negative or a positive depending on player’s tastes. There’s an overabundance of techno themes that permeate the package; and, while I don’t mind it, I’m sure a lot of other Tekken fans find it annoying. Overall though, depending on the player’s musical tastes, the game’s audio makes a huge impact on the gameplay.

Graphics – Now, this is technically where Tekken 6 shines. While the graphics don’t look as good as its HD counterparts, Tekken 6 for the PSP has some of the best looking and animated characters on the system. I play both the PS3 and the PSP versions frequently and I can’t even find animations or frames missing from the PSP version. As well, the weather and lighting effects work in tandem to bring players some really memorable fighting arenas. Two that definitely come to mind are the Helipad (during a thunderstorm) and the destroyed underground tunnel (lighting and water effects are amazing).

FINAL THOUGHTS

Again, while not as fully-featured (or as good-looking) as its console brethren, Tekken 6 for the PSP actually brings players straight into the game’s fighting system which works to the game’s advantage. The controls, the fighting, and the animations make for one of the best fighting games on the PSP (second only to Street Fighter Alpha 3: Max). And with more than 40+ characters, I’m sure players will find one or a number that they’ll enjoy playing as. Definitely a great addition to anyone’s PSP game library.

FINAL GRADE: 85%