Tekken 4 / JAP

Tekken 4 is the fourth main installment in Namco's popular Tekken series and was released exclusively for the PlayStation 2. After the action-heavy Tekken Tag Tournament, this installment brings a breath of fresh air to the series with a new graphic style, revamped gameplay and a stronger focus on atmosphere and story.

The game features a total of 23 playable characters, including well-known figures such as Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, Nina Williams, Hwoarang and King, as well as some new additions such as Steve Fox, Craig Marduk and Christie Monteiro. Each fighter brings their own style and individual fighting techniques, which can be precisely controlled and combined in a variety of ways.

One of the biggest innovations in Tekken 4 is the introduction of interactive arenas with obstacles, corners and height differences. This makes positional play, environment and tactics more important than ever. The combat system has been slowed down slightly and places more emphasis on timing and strategy, giving the game a more realistic tone.

In story mode, each character is presented with their own background story, which unfolds in cinematically staged cutscenes - a first in the series. There are also classic modes such as Arcade, Versus, Survival and Practice as well as a customizable training mode.

Visually, Tekken 4 impresses with atmospheric locations, detailed character models and dynamic lighting - a clear step forward compared to its predecessors.