System: Wii U
Dev: NAMCO Bandai Games
Pub: NAMCO Bandai Games
Release: November 18, 2012
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Alcohol Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence

The best use of the GamePad is that it allows you to play the game entirely on the controller, freeing up the TV for someone else to use. The only downside is that it is an identical feed from the television, and though the gameplay plays fine, the already small fonts on the menu screens and tip ticker will make you squint when displayed on the GamePad screen. In fact, unless you have to relinquish the television, the Pro Controller is the recommended control choice.

If you're curious how the Wii U version compares visually to the other systems, it is absolutely pristine. I wouldn't say it's necessarily superior to the other consoles, but it doesn't strip anything down. Though the game designers revealed earlier this summer that the Wii U version clocked slower than the other consoles, I didn't notice any heavy controls or sluggish movement. It may be fractionally slower, but it’s nothing that should steer you away if you're deciding on which system to buy the game for unless you’re a pro-level fighter.

The music is all things techno, as you would expect from the Tekken series. The only substitution is during the Mushroom Battle, when the remixed Mario tunes chime in. All the kicks, punches, and other moves have an authentic arcade sound—not realistic, but certainly satisfying. Having all the characters voiced in their native language is probably the nicest touch, though.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition adds to the list of the new system's launch titles designed to appeal to a core gaming audience, and NAMCO Bandai's latest fighter is a solid choice to get things rolling. I counted fifty-eight playable characters, each with well over a hundred moves to master. Even if you somehow manage to complete everything in the solo offerings, there's always the online circuit to show off your combat prowess. The additional Wii U content may ultimately be throwaway material, but Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition is still overloaded with countless hours of entertainment.

By Sean Engemann Freelance Writer Date: November 27, 2012