We live in a time when you can pick and choose
a game to your liking in any genre, and fighting games are no exception. Newer
titles are maintained and balanced almost monthly, older titles are being kept
alive by the passionate communities, and more and more games support rollback
netcode that allows us to play online without any major troubles.
But how does one even approach picking a
fighting game to play? Most of them share the same foundational stuff –
healthbars, arena orientations, implementation of hitboxes, reliance on frame
data and move lists, and so on. But even so, most of them vary wildly in their
execution. Even two games from one series can play and feel completely
different.
In this material, I will be making a “sales
pitch” about why you should play Tekken 7.
Gameplay
Tekken 7’s key difference from the most other
prominent fighting games is its gameplay. Unlike the genre staples like StreetFighter, Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Guilty Gear, and others it has 3D arenas for
the characters to fight in. The three-dimensional structure allows players not
only to move forward and back but also to their respective left and right. It
opens up a whole other degree of possibilities. Sidestepping is a crucial part
of the game, as are the mind games associated with it. Some moves swipe
horizontally and cover all the area, others have tracking built into them and
they connect with their opponent even if they’re moving away, and others still
whiff entirely if juked by the enemy.
Of course, this isn’t the only notable facet
of Tekken 7’s gameplay. It’s built with the help of Unreal Engine 4,
so all the character models are precise and hitboxes pixel-perfect. When
mastered, this game allows the highest level of execution of combos, strings,
and juggles. It’s also almost intuitive and incredibly easy to pick up and have
some fun with.
Characters
Image Source: Wired UK
For a beginner, it would be prudent to test
out different styles to then make a decision which fighter to main. For the
starters, we recommend checking these characters out:
●
Noctis – a rushdown-heavy
character that offers many options when pressuring the opponent.
●
King – a powerful grappler that
can also be played in various ways.
●
Asuka Kazama – a defensive fighter
that can turtle well and weather the storm of the opponent’s pressure.
●
Kazuya Mishima – if you want
something with more flair. He requires surgical precision of inputs, but the
reward is worth it.
●
Akuma – a completely
unconventional fighter that will make your friends hate you if you master him.
Visuals and Customization
Image Source: Escapist MagazineIt also helps that the game looks absolutely
stunning, being an Unreal Engine 4 project. It has probably the best graphics
of any fighting game currently in existence. All the character models were
carefully crafted, and even more impressive are the arenas: they’re teeming
with detail, from minor decorations to the overall atmosphere of the whole
place.
Esports and Community
If the quality of the professional scene is
something you care about, then you’ve come to the right address once again.
Tekken has one of the most storied, exciting, and talented esports communities
in existence. We have the major powerhouse regions like Japan, Korea, and
Pakistan with the players like Chikurin, Gen, Knee, JDCR, Arslan Ash, and Awais
Honey. Then there is Europe, where the level of the top competitors is so close
you can’t guess who will win any of the events. North America is also always
looking to prove itself, while other minor regions have their local superstars
who consistently hand it to the renowned powerhouses. For example, Book’s
legendary Evo Japan 2020 victory will go down in history
– he managed to overcome some incredibly stacked
competition and win the grand prize.
The community side of things is also amazing.
There are several places online like Reddit or Discord servers that anyone can
visit, ask for advice, and receive competent help. Many people record detailed
guides, matchups specific or otherwise, and put them on YouTube. When you feel
you’re ready, you can easily find yourself a tournament to take part in –
people organize them all over the world, both local and online.
If you want to dedicate yourself to a fighting
game, there are lots of valid choices. Tekken 7 is just one of them, but you
can never go wrong with it!