Tekken 6 - Review - Is Power Really Everything?

Tekken 6 just doesn't offer you the ability to stop the action. Just thought I would be honest and clue you in to that fact right up front. But, if you feel compelled to have hope against the inevitable, you can go ahead and exert a minimal amount of hope to contain the action. However, considering that the action brings all new battlegrounds, it becomes clear that containing the action is a hopeless endeavor. The all new Tekken 6 edition boasts the largest available selection of fighters to ever be seen in this series.

You choose to battle between 40 martial arts specialists, breaking and shattering through the floors and walls. Beyond the Vs. and Co-Op battle features, you can utilize the now available Scenario Campaign Mode, that allows you to battle either solo or co-op battles on a much larger scale. Furthermore, Tekken 6 features the new Character mode, allowing you to create your own original characters. Select your warrior's hairstyle, outfit, accessories, and even  exotic tattoos to create a look that is wholly yours alone.

Available: PS3, Xbox 360, and PSP

Perhaps the most important feature that loyal Tekken fans should know about the new Tekken 6, is the newest installment remains true to what we've come to love about the series. All the features and modes that truly made the previous installments great are in Tekken 6, and the game's appearance seems to be all that is expected for this highly anticipated release as well.

In fact, the available character roster truly is astounding with up to 40 characters for the standard Arcade and Versus mode, and many of these warriors have been given completely new outfits along with their originals. Included within this amazing roster are six completely new characters! Four initially featured during the Japan arcade release in 2007, and the other two were introduced in the Bloodline Rebellion.

Perhaps the most entertaining character by far is Alisa Bosconovitch. This character has a truly stunning array of combat moves, some including such as wild maneuvers like actually producing wings, surprisingly losing limbs, and in a few cases, catching us by surprise by even losing her head!

Among all her available features, her charge-up attack is by far the most annihilating, using her forearms in a highly damaging rocket attack. However, like the vast majority of attacks in Tekken, it is fairly easy to avoid such an attack, but it can often be done with style - especially when you want to highlight your superior fighting skills against an arrogant or seriously inept player. Alternatively, perhaps just against those who choose to fight with Christie or Eddy.

You will likely be pleasantly surprised to see another interesting trick, Alisa literally has up to her sleeve. It is her ability to use a pair of chainsaws, that greatly increases her attack repertoire with additional throws and swipes. However, Alisa really does not play or feel like any of the other Tekken characters, resulting in her being particularly tricky to fight, but isn't really excessively powerful.

Similar to many other characters, she displays a weakness during stance changes, compensating for the additional power provided by her chainsaw attacks. Her weakness can be avoided through a few offensive combinations that finish with her in the new stance, but they can be challenging to execute successfully, much like the stance altering combinations of Marshall Law, Lei, and others.

Do you remember Lars Alexandersson? The out-of-wedlock child of Heihachi and a Sweddish officer in Tekken Force. He made his first appearance in Bloodline Rebellion, and is now featured in Tekken 6. As it was initially revealed when the game became available for arcade, Lars plays in a far more traditional form, giving another excellent option to players who enjoy the fighting styles of the Jin/Kazuya type characters, although he really isn't that much different.

Additionally, other highly anticipated characters and alternates are also featured in Tekken 6, such as Roger Jr, ridiculous as usual, and Panda, who still remains quite aggressive. Most characters also feature new and improved costume options. Devil Jin is one such character, boasting highly flashy and incredibly detailed gauntlets, making him one character that must be seen to believe. Lili, who was initially featured in Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, still remains quite a site, with fluttering clothes and hair as she twirls, executing her maneuvers with grace.

If you crave a fascinating, action packed, fighting game, Tekken 6 will make a great addition to your collection.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, so after you check it out, stop by and leave me a comment.

Enjoy!