Tekken 4
| Tekken 4 | |
|---|---|
| File:Tekken 4 Ps2.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | Namco |
| Publisher(s) | Namco |
| Platform(s) | Arcade, PlayStation 2 |
| Release | 2001: Arcade, 2002: PlayStation 2 |
| Genre(s) | Fighting |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
Tekken 4 is the fifth installment in the popular Tekken video game franchise, and was the second in the Tekken series for the PlayStation 2.
Story
Two years ago, Heihachi Mishima failed to capture Ogre. Not willing to give up, Heihachi ordered his researchers to collect blood samples, skin tissue, and hoof fragments left by Ogre (Known as True Ogre in its perfect manifestation) in order to conduct genetic experiments.
After extensive experimentation, Heihachi's bio-engineers came to the conclusion that an additional gene - the devil gene - was necessary in order to successfully splice Ogre's genetic code into another organism.
During his investigation, Heihachi discovered a photograph which stirred his curiosity. The 20-year-old photograph was an image of a burnt corpse covered in laceration wounds. He paid particular attention to the corpse's back, which had what looked like deformed, protruding wing-like limbs.
Convinced it was a picture of Kazuya Mishima, his own son who he threw into a volcano 20 years ago, Heihachi searched for clues regarding more information. His search eventually led him to a company by the name of G Corporation, a bio-tech firm making revolutionary advances in the field of bio-genetics.
On Friday, December 25th, Heihachi's Tekken Force raided G Corp's underground research facility where Kazuya's remains were preserved. However, he soon realized his operation was not going to plan...
An unknown entity slowly emerged from the room, easily tossing Tekken Force soldiers left and right. When Heihachi could see clearly enough, he recognized the figure as Kazuya. Enraged, Kazuya obliterated the remaining Tekken Force and vanished into the flames of the wreckage.
Heihachi then thought up a plan - he needed the devil gene for his own purposes, and for that, he needed either Jin Kazama, or Kazuya, who both possessed it.
A few days later, the fourth King of Iron Fist Tournament was announced..The prize of the tournament's champion is the Mishima Financial Empire
Gameplay
Tekken 4 is considered by many to be a turning point for the series. For the first time, it allowed players to maneuver around an arena interacting with walls and other obstacles for extra damage. These "environmental hazards" in turn allowed players to juggle opponents for consecutive combos and allowed the designers to implement a "switch maneuver", which let players escape from cornering and throw the tide in their favor. Also, the game engine had been tweaked to be more focused on the environment, causing the characters to move more slowly and fluidly than in Tekken Tag Tournament. Finally, the game introduced a brand new graphics system, that featured increased lighting, dynamic physics, and smoother surfaces.
Tekken 4 includes a Beat em' up mini-game available from the outset called Tekken Force. Similar to the previous minigame found in Tekken 3, it presents the player with a behind the view perspective as they fight wave upon wave of Heihachi's Tekken force through four stages, eventually facing Heihachi himself. The player can pick up health and power-ups while they fight waves of enemies. In the mini-game it is discovered that the Tekken Force possesses different ranks in the organization, evident in different amounts of stamina, strength and skill.
Character Roster
Returning Characters
- Heihachi Mishima
- Kazuya Mishima
- Marshall Law
- Paul Phoenix
- Yoshimitsu
- Nina Williams
- Lee Chaolan (also appears under the disguise of "Violet", who is Lee with sunglasses and purple hair.)
- Lei Wulong
- Hwoarang
- Eddy Gordo
- Ling Xiaoyu
- Jin Kazama
- King
- Bryan Fury
- Julia Chang
- Kuma Jr.
- Panda
New Characters
Awards
- E3 2002 Game Critics Awards: Best Fighting Game
Criticism
Despite to the numerous gameplay developments, or perhaps due to them. Tekken 4 is considered a low point in the series. Many fans felt that the changes didn't mesh well with the traditional Tekken gameplay. One of the biggest complaints stemmed from the enw stage layouts, which now featured walls and had uneven floors. Some felt that the uneven floors interfered with traditional high, mid, low placements of the attacks. Meanwhile, the walls, combied with generally small, tight stages meant that it was easy to corner an opponent and beat him or her with impunity - oftentimes, skilled players could pull off juggles that were almost infinite in length by bouncing the oppossing character of the wall. Most, of these changes were taken out or refined in Tekken 5.
External links
- Former GamesMaster commentator Derrick Lynch on a UK television in 2001, giving his thoughts on the Tekken 4 Vs Virtua Fighter 4