The digital delights of Sony’s scrumptious PlayStation Network service know no bounds. Aside from letting punters compete in online gaming, stream films, browse the Internet and more, its premier attraction rests in the copious supply of downloadable games ripe for the picking. From PSN exclusives to PSOne Classics, minis and plain old add-on content, Sony’s online space is chock full of goodies battling it out for your hard-earned digital dollars.
Welcome back to another installment of Inside PlayStation Network, where every Monday – Friday we’ll pluck a PSN release—be it new or old—and put it in the spotlight for a thorough dissection. Fancy getting a new PSN game but don’t know what one to plump for? Perhaps this feature will help. Didn’t realize that a game was available in your region until now? We’ve got you covered. Or, perhaps you were musing over what those lucky Japanese folk were tucking into over in the Land of the Rising Sun? You can be sure our coverage will extend to those rare regional exclusives as much as those firmly embedded on the public consciousness.
Today, we engage in a spot of fisticuffs with crazy Japanese blokes with draft hair, boxing Kangaroos and voluptuous babes in the PSone Classic brawler, Tekken 2.
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Developer: Namco
Region(s) available: North America, Europe, Japan
Players: 1-2
As one of the most venerable beat ‘em ups to date, Tekken’s remained synonymous with the PlayStation brand since its Genesis way back in 1994. After all, the inaugural game formed part of the lauded launch line-up for Sony’s grey box of tricks, with sequels being churned out every couple of years thereafter. Tekken 2, however, remains unequivocally one of the franchise’s highlights, dwarfed only by the genre-defining third installment. Tekken 5 wasn’t half bad either, mind. But back on track. Regardless of your punch-up preferences, the second game marked the beginning of the golden years for the celebrated series, and unsurprisingly became a solid success upon its release in 1996.
Bigger, prettier and downright more bizarre (see: boxing Kangaroo) than its predecessor, Tekken 2 kicks off following the apparent demise of pointy-haired Heihachi Mishima at the hands of his scared son, Kazuya. After casting his old man off a cliff in revenge for a similar stunt from his childhood, Kaz assumes control of the mighty Mishima Zaibatsu and begins all manner of illegal activities, employing numerous bodyguards to do his dirty work around the globe. Unfortunately for Mishima Junior, daddy’s not dead, and manages to scramble back up the cliff seeking revenge. In retaliation, Kazuya announces the second King of Iron First Tournament. Thus begins another bout of flying fists and cyclone kicks. Character wise, we see the introduction of a number of brawlers who would later go on to become series staples – such as Jackie Chan doppleganger Lei Wulong and boxing brute Bruce Irving – and those doomed to cult obscurity (just ask Jun Kazama fans).
The meatiest additions come in the gameplay department, however. Moves have been fleshed out and totally revamped, sporting new animations and fresh manoeuvres, such as King’s health-destroying chain throws. Counter attacks also make their debut, as do ultimate tackles and throw escapes. A whiff of Tekken’s sidestep mechanic also invades our nostrils with Kazuya’s exclusive misstep, which he still has to this day. Needless to say, these additional components flesh out an already solid template, affording further strategic play and meticulous timing on the player’s part. In terms of battle grounds, each character and their respective sub-boss share their own stage- and despite their age, they’re just as diverse and beautifully crafted as they were back in the mid-90s. The soundtrack – among the series’ best work to date – accentuates this particular area admirably, whether it’s the dreamy, evocative landscape of the Japanese countryside or the metallic grind of a Russian warzone.
Tekken 2 also brings a number of new modes to the ring, many of which have shown up in latter installments. Among these include the ubiquitous Team Battle, Survivor and Practice modes, while the staple two-player Versus outing also shows up again for plenty of multiplayer mayhem. Oh how we relished back in the day of indulging in copious competitive Tekken 2 bouts when we should have been doing our homework. Indeed, it’s here where the game’s ample replay value lies, as has been the case for pretty much every Tekken game to date. Still, it’s worth shooting through the single player mode to unlock all the FMV endings, which Namco has seen fit to extend to the unlockable sub-boss characters this time around. Overall, Tekken 2’s influence on the series is still very much discernible to this day, and, while often overshadowed by its successor, remains one of the all-time greatest PSone beat ’em ups ever conceived. Don’t miss out.
Join us again tomorrow for another gander Inside PlayStation Network.