As we dive into 2025, Tekken fans have plenty to celebrate with Season 2 and the upcoming Tekken World Tour. This year promises to be another stellar chapter for lovers of Bandai Namco’s iconic series. Since its early days on the original PlayStation, Tekken has grown alongside gaming consoles, weaving its dynamic gameplay and compelling narrative ever closer to the hearts of players. Let’s embark on a nostalgic journey through the tumultuous history of the Mishima family and the mayhem they’ve sparked over the years on PlayStation.
Back in early 1995, Tekken made its debut on the original PlayStation, introducing us to the notorious Mishima clan and laying down the foundational mechanics, such as its hallmark four-button attack scheme. Unlike previous arcade ports, Tekken’s home version offered a perfect arcade experience, going beyond expectations with new content like ending movies, playable sub-bosses, and a hidden unlockable character tied to mastering a loading-screen game of Galaga, offering a glimpse of what’s to come in future titles.
Tekken 2 hit arcades later in 1995 and shifted the narrative focus to Heihachi Mishima, the ousted patriarch previously villainized. It also welcomed newcomers Jun and Lei, alongside a plethora of characters revealed over time, enticing gamers to return. When it landed on PlayStation in 1996, the port was a major improvement with exclusive CG intros, new gameplay modes like Team Battle and Time Attack, further cementing the series’ reputation for quality storytelling.
For many, Tekken 3 in 1998 was their first encounter with the franchise. Hugely successful both in arcades and at home, it advanced the story by two decades, placing Jin Kazama, son of Kazuya and Jun, at the center. New characters like Hwoarang, Bryan, Eddy, and Xiaoyu joined the ensemble. With Tekken 3, players could enjoy a fresh gameplay twist—sidestep dodges—and new modes like the beat-em-up Tekken Force and the popular Tekken Ball. It also introduced additional characters: Anna Williams, Dr. Bosconovich, and the series’ first guest character, the small but mighty dinosaur Gon.
The advent of PlayStation 2 saw Tekken Tag Tournament in 2000, featuring an enhanced visual experience and introducing a tag team battle style. This entry drew characters from across the saga’s history, including some pre-time skip avatars, and even served up Tekken Bowl, a beloved mini-game.
Tekken 4, released a year later, pivoted gameplay with environmental interactions since stages had defined boundaries, enhancing the strategic component. The introduction of uneven terrain and breakable obstacles, combined with a strengthened storytelling focus in modes like the expanded Tekken Force, made it a standout title.
It wasn’t until Tekken 5 rolled around that certain changes from Tekken 4 were reigned back, responding to player feedback. New characters like Asuka, Feng, and Raven spiced up the roster, and customization options allowed players to personalize their fighters. The PS2 port included classic Tekken titles, with the high-stakes Devil Within mode diving into the ongoing saga of Jin Kazama’s internal conflict.
Tekken 5 saw a significant upgrade with Dark Resurrection in 2006, which introduced Lili and Dragunov. This version reached the PSP and later PlayStation Network, capturing fans with its finely-tuned gameplay and online capabilities. It proved so popular that it’s still one of the firm favorites today.
The tumult continued with Tekken 6, releasing new characters like Bob, Zafina, Leo, and Miguel. Featuring intense corporate and familial battles among the Mishimas, it wasn’t short on drama. The Rage mechanism and the Bound system debuted, providing more dynamic combat.
As the series progressed, Tekken Hybrid in 2011 offered an HD remake of Tekken Tag Tournament, the animated film Tekken: Blood Vengeance, and a demo for Tekken Tag Tournament 2, which eventually restored the tag-matching action with a broadened roster and new stylistic animations, including collaborations with celebrity artists.
Tekken 7 eventually landed on PS4 in 2017, enriched with characters such as SF’s Akuma and others like Lucky Chloe and Shaheen. The developers listened to feedback, refining the Rage system and alternatives to the bound strategy. It stood out not only for its unique story mode but also for its post-launch content that consistently refreshed the game with new elements and surprise guest fighters.
Tekken 8 has now been captivating players on PS5 since its first anniversary this January. With Season 2’s release delivering exciting new and returning characters, plus an evolving story that promises further family discord within the Mishima clan, Tekken fans certainly have reasons to stay thrilled. The legacy of this fighting game series continues to grow and surprise, perpetuating its legacy as a beloved cornerstone in the world of gaming.
