Tekken 6 Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: X360, PS3, PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Namco Bandai	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Namco Bandai	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov. 24, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

If playing dress-up with your favorite Tekken character isn't exactly your favorite thing to do, then there is still plenty to keep you busy. In addition to the modes mentioned above, there is also an ad-hoc multiplayer option, which allows you to play nearby friends in an arcade-style battle. The only complaint that I have about the multiplayer is that there is no true online aspect. The PSP port of Tekken 6 really would have surpassed its console cousin if online had been included.

Tekken 6 screenshot

As far as visuals are concerned, Tekken 6 obviously has some downgrades from the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. However, for being on a portable platform, Tekken 6 runs very smoothly. The fighter animations are among the most solid I have seen on the PSP platform, and the framerate is steady throughout. The character models aren't as crisp as they are in the console versions, but that is certainly forgivable in lieu of the PSP's reduced graphical power. The only visual downgrade that I was surprised to see was the simplified arenas. The intricate and interactive arena design was one of the elements of the console version that I really enjoyed, and I was dismayed to see that all of the interesting and inventive level stages were not included in the PSP release.

Another technical area where PSP owners seem to be getting the raw end of the deal is the sound. The console game featured plenty of voiced dialog (in Japanese) and some nice accompanying music. However, much of the audio has been cut for the PSP release, resulting in repetitive stage music and minimalistic voice over. Although the audio isn't bad per se, it is definitely a step down from the nicely varied score of the console version.

It is very tempting to call Tekken 6 for the PSP the better version of the title. With a more enjoyable format for the story mode, and much faster loading times, this version of the game felt like less of a chore to play through than its predecessor. However, I cannot recommend it over the console version wholeheartedly, as those who like the online play will find nothing here. But, if you don't mind the lack of online play (or the downsized technical specs), then Tekken 6 for the PSP is definitely a great portable fighter, and is certainly one of the best console ports for the PSP in recent memory.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
Character animations look great, but stages and character models are not as detailed as they are in the console versions.

4.2

Control
Controls are identical to the console versions and work perfectly.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Background music is repetitive and voiceover is minimal.

3.9

Play Value
The game excels at preserving the core arcade mode from the console version, but the lack of online mode gives the portable version less replay value. Still, with robust customization and a different story format, there is plenty of content in the PSP version.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Tekken 6 sees the return of many familiar faces as well as new characters to create the largest line-up the series has ever seen. With a growing roster of fighters, each equipped with their own deadly techniques, martial art moves, and attack combinations, Tekken 6 promises to be the best "King of Iron Fist Tournament" yet.

Adding to the already rich gaming experience, a deeper character customization feature will only enhance the incredible fighting intensity as players go mano-y-mano.

Optimized for the PSP system, Tekken 6 not only contains all the explosive action of its home console brethren but also feature additional stages, content, items, and an ad-hoc multiplayer mode. Fighting amongst friends is encouraged as players can battle wirelessly against each other using original or fan favorite characters.

Rounding out its list of impressive features is the return of the Ghost Infrastructure mode, which allows players to upload their "ghost" character data and download others' from the Internet onto their PSP system. When players have reached the height of their Tekken fighting skills, they will be able to see how they stack up against others through the game's network support.