Among the many fighting games available, Tekken is one of, if not the most, well-known and popular. Since its release in 1994, it has created a franchise whose titles have become synonymous with the fighter genre, and to this day, it remains incredibly relevant and successful.
Начиная с 2025, Tekken is on its 8th mainline entry, and one has every right to believe that it’s going to keep pushing out games even in the far future. But how did it reach the level of status that most of its competitors could only dream of? Well, I believe it can thank its success to one of its mainline entries: Tekken 3.
Now, some of you may ask how a game from the original PlayStation console could be responsible for putting its franchise on the map. Well, to start, it’s because of what it was able to do for the fighting game genre at the time.
During the 90s, game companies and developers were still testing the waters when it came to 3D fighters. It resulted in us receiving titles like Bloody Roar or Soul Blade, and while those were great and ambitious in their own right, none of them revolutionized the genre the same way Street Fighter did for 2D fighters.
Предоставлено: Bandai Namco
However, on March 20, 1997, Tekken 3 was released and was able to do what its competitors could not. It changed the genre for the better with its fast and fluid gameplay, along with enhanced 3D movements and mechanics that were incredible for its time.
I’m happy to say that I was there for its heyday, and it was hands down the best fighting game that overshadowed all others. But if that isn’t enough to convince you that the game is what set up the franchise for future success, then perhaps telling you that there’s more to it than having great combat will.
Tekken 3 had one of the most unique and diverse character rosters in the franchise, and many still consider it one of the best to this day. It is also responsible for introducing popular icons such as Hwoarang, Ling Xiaoyu, and the most well-known of them all, Jin Kazama, which is why I believe the franchise wouldn’t be where it is if it weren’t for its 3rd entry.
Предоставлено: Bandai Namco
Aside from amazing fighting game characters, it also had optional modes with entirely different gameplay styles. You could select one that lets you play something similar to a side-scrolling beat-’em-up and another where it’s just volleyball but with a twist, and they were so well-received that they inspired future entries to have their own.
Tekken 3 was the blueprint that helped set up its successors for the praise and popularity they would eventually receive, and fans should acknowledge everything that it did for the franchise. I can confidently say that without its existence, Tekken would not be at the level of success that it is today, and I implore you to take the time to revisit the 3rd mainline entry to appreciate just how special it was.
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