Tekken 7 Score: The Depth of a 3D Fighter
For over two decades, the Tekken series has stood as a pillar of the fighting game genre, renowned for its intricate mechanics, diverse roster, and deep combat system. Tekken 7, the latest mainline entry, continues this legacy, delivering a refined experience that balances accessibility with the complexity long-time fans expect. While the game excels in many areas—fluid animations, a rich movelist, and competitive depth—it also faces criticism for certain design choices. This article explores Tekken 7’s strengths and weaknesses, focusing on its position as a premier 3D fighter.
The Core of Tekken’s Combat
At its heart, Tekken 7 remains true to the series’ fundamentals: movement, spacing, and frame data mastery. Unlike 2D fighters, where zoning and projectiles dominate, Tekken emphasizes three-dimensional movement—sidestepping, backdashing, and crouching to evade attacks. This creates a dynamic neutral game where positioning is as crucial as execution.
Each character boasts an extensive movelist, often exceeding 100 attacks, allowing for creative combos and mix-ups. The game rewards players who invest time in learning matchups, punishes, and optimal combos. Yet, despite its depth, Tekken 7 introduces mechanics like Rage Arts and Rage Drives to give newcomers a fighting chance. These comeback mechanics, while controversial, add tension to matches without completely overturning skill-based outcomes.
Visuals and Presentation
Graphically, Tekken 7 is a step forward for the franchise. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game features detailed character models, dynamic stages, and impactful hit effects. Slow-motion finishes during close rounds heighten drama, while destructible environments add immersion. However, some character animations—particularly facial expressions—can appear stiff compared to modern fighters like Street Fighter 6.
The soundtrack, a mix of rock, electronic, and orchestral tracks, complements the high-energy fights. While not every track is memorable, the iconic Tekken themes for characters like Kazuya and Paul remain crowd-pleasers.
Single-Player Content: A Mixed Bag
Where Tekken 7 stumbles slightly is in its single-player offerings. The story mode, The Mishima Saga, delivers cinematic cutscenes and dramatic confrontations but suffers from inconsistent pacing and limited player agency. Many fights feel like filler, and the narrative, while entertaining, lacks depth compared to earlier entries like Tekken 5’s Devil Within.
The Treasure Battle mode provides arcade-style progression, unlocking customization items, but grows repetitive quickly. Offline players may find the lack of substantial content disappointing, especially when compared to Soulcalibur VI’s expansive Libra of Souls.
Online Play and Longevity
Competitive play is where Tekken 7 truly shines. The netcode, while not flawless, is serviceable for most matches, and ranked mode offers a steady climb for dedicated players. The game’s balance is commendable—no single character dominates the meta, and even lower-tier fighters can succeed with skill.
The addition of DLC characters, from Final Fantasy’s Noctis to The Walking Dead’s Negan, keeps the roster fresh. However, the high cost of season passes has drawn criticism, especially when base-game content feels sparse.
Conclusion: A Worthy Heir to the Iron Fist Legacy
Tekken 7 is a masterclass in 3D fighting game design. Its combat system is deep yet approachable, its visuals are striking, and its competitive scene thrives years after release. While its single-player modes leave room for improvement, the core gameplay ensures Tekken 7 remains a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts.
For those seeking a fighter with unparalleled depth, Tekken 7 scores high—proving that, even after seven installments, the King of Iron Fist Tournament still reigns supreme.
