Tekken 2
| Tekken 2 | |
|---|---|
| Tekken 2 Arcade Flyer | |
| Developer(s) | Namco |
| Publisher(s) | Namco |
| Platform(s) | Arcade, PlayStation, PlayStation 2 (as part of Tekken 5's Arcade History mode), PlayStation Network |
| Release | Arcade
PlayStation  March 29, 1996 August 25, 1996 October, 1996 |
| Genre(s) | Versus fighting game |
| Mode(s) | Up to two players |
| Arcade system | Namco System 11 |
Tekken 2 is the second installment in the popular Tekken fighting game series. It was first released in arcades in 1995, and later released for the Sony PlayStation in 1996. It was again released in 2005 as part of the arcade history mode of Tekken 5 for the PlayStation 2.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Tekken 2 is much like its predecessor, with a few additions. It continues to use 2D backgrounds in its stages, features an infinite playing field, and uses a fighting system that utilizes four buttons: left punch, right punch, left kick, and right kick. Distinct additions included attack reversals for some characters, back throws, chain-throws, and a sidestep unique to one character (Kazuya Mishima). Tackles also were modified to inflict damage when running from a greater distance.
Story
A worldwide martial arts tournament was nearing its finale. A large purse of prize money which was to be awarded to the fighter who could defeat Heihachi Mishima in the final round provided incentive for warriors from all over the globe.
Financed and sponsored by the giant financial group, the Mishima Zaibatsu, the first Tekken tournament began with eight fighters, all of whom had emerged victorious from various matches held all over the world, all brought together by different motives, all possessing the skill and power to crumble mountains.
Many battles were fought. But only one lone warrior emerged with the right to challenge Heihachi Mishima for the of "King of Iron Fist" title. This warrior was Kazuya Mishima, Heihachi's cold-blooded son. Bearing the scar given to him by Heihachi, he enters into vicious combat with his father on the same field where Heihachi last struck down his own son and dropped him into a trench at age five.
After a grueling battle which raged on for hours, Kazuya emerged victorious by utilizing the power granted to him by the supernatural entity known as Devil.
As Heihachi's broken body lay on the ground, Kazuya dropped to his knee and lifted his father into his arms. Kazuya walked slowly to the edge of the same cliff from where his father had thrown him from, as a child. He stared out over the landscape, and let go of his father's body. As Heihachi's body plummeted, Kazuya's smile gleamed in the sunlight...
A year had passed. The Mishima Zaibatsu under Kazuya's leadership has become even more powerful with its tendrils reaching to all corners of the world. Soon after his father's apparent death, Kazuya disappears into the shadows. However, rumors of his immense power, and a dark side, slowly begin to spread throughout the world.
Exactly one year after the end of the first Tekken, a message is relayed from the Mishima Zaibatsu fortress to news agencies all over the world announcing a second tournament with a prize a thousand times that of the first.
Like his son before him, Heihachi survived his fall into the ravine thanks to his supernatural endurance. He retreated to the hills to meditate in order to rekindle and enhance his fighting ability. He enters the King of Iron Fist Tournament 2 to reclaim his conglomerate and dispose of Kazuya once and for all.
Character roster
Returning characters
- Heihachi Mishima
- Kazuya Mishima (Unlockable)
- Marshall Law
- Paul Phoenix
- Michelle Chang
- Nina Williams
- King I
- Yoshimitsu
- Lee Chaolan (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Heihachi Mishima)
- Kuma (Unlockable) (Also A sub-boss for playing as Paul Phoenix)
- Kunimitsu (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Yoshimitsu)
- Armor King (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as King)
- Ganryu (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Michelle Chang)
- Anna Williams (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Nina Williams)
- Wang Jinrei (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Jun Kazama)
- Prototype Jack (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Jack-2)
- Devil Kazuya (Unlockable) (Final Boss for everyone but himself)
New characters
- Jun Kazama
- Lei Wulong
- Jack-2
- Baek Doo San (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Marshall Law)
- Bruce Irvin (Unlockable) (Also a sub-boss for playing as Lei Wulong)
- Roger (Unlockable)
- Alex (Unlockable)
- Angel (Unlockable) (Final Boss for Devil)
Ports
Tekken 2's port to the Sony PlayStation is considered to be vastly superior in content to its arcade counterpart. Aside from unique CGI endings for every character, it featured numerous modes such as Survival, Time Attack, Team Battle, and a Practice Mode.
The 2005 PlayStation 2 release of Tekken 5 features the arcade version of Tekken 2, version B as a playable bonus.
Tekken 2 is available for PlayStation 3 users to download onto the PSP.[1] However, multiplayer options have been removed. Also, as of system upgrade 1.70, Tekken 2 can now also be downloaded onto and played on the Playstation 3 [2].
Reception
Tekken 2 was well received, with a current 93% rating at Gamerankings[1]. Gamespot, which gave the game 9.2 out of 10[2], praised the game's graphics and fluid character movement. IGN, which rated the game 9 out of 10[3], also praised the game's graphics and light sourcing.
Tekken 2 was an instant blockbuster that greatly benefited Namco on both the arcade and console markets. Aside from winning rave reviews from the critics, it was the number one arcade game in America for 24 straight weeks and sold 3,000,000 copies worldwide on the PlayStation console. Tekken 2 had opening day sales of 250,000, which was a record at the time.