As we dive into 2025, Tekken enthusiasts have plenty to be excited about with the launch of Season 2 and the Tekken World Tour kicking off. This year promises another thrilling chapter for Bandai Namco’s classic fighting game series. Since its debut on the original PlayStation, Tekken has woven itself into the fabric of gaming history, evolving side by side with Sony’s consoles. Today, let’s reminisce about the legendary Mishima family saga and the chaos they’ve unleashed on PlayStation over the years.
### The Bloodline is Born
1995 was the year Tekken first made its mark on the original PlayStation. Debuting in Japan and later worldwide, this game not only introduced us to the notorious Mishima family and laid the groundwork for its core mechanics like the four-button control system but also set a new standard for home console games. Gone were the days of watered-down arcade ports; Tekken’s home version added exclusive content such as ending movies and unlockable characters, including one pivotal figure discoverable only by mastering Galaga.
With Tekken 2 arriving in arcades in late 1995, players saw a shift in focus to Heihachi Mishima while new characters like Jun and Lei joined the fray. This installment kept gamers coming back by continuously unlocking new characters. The PlayStation port in 1996 improved even further, offering stunning cutscenes and new game modes like Team Battle and Time Attack.
For countless fans, Tekken 3 was their gateway into the franchise. Released on PlayStation in 1998 after a strong arcade presence, it pushed the story 20 years forward, introducing Jin Kazama as the new protagonist. The game expanded its roster with now-iconic figures like Hwoarang and added features like sidestep dodges and fun extra modes such as Tekken Force.
### The Vengeance Intensifies
As the PlayStation 2 was poised to launch, Tekken Tag Tournament was a fitting addition, arriving with visually impressive graphics that showcased the new console’s capabilities. This title mixed up the formula, allowing players to fight with a tag team. Meanwhile, Tekken Bowl became a beloved mini-game.
Tekken 4 reintroduced Kazuya and brought major changes, featuring stages with interactive elements that affected combat strategies and emphasizing story-driven gameplay with a robust Story Mode. Players could also enjoy an expanded Tekken Force mode.
Years passed, leading us to Tekken 5, which picked up right after its predecessor, dialing back some changes that didn’t resonate well with fans. It introduced the customization of characters and a captivating Devil Within mode. And for those who couldn’t get enough, arcade versions of the original Tekken trilogy were included on the PS2.
### Devils in the Machine
In 2006, Tekken 5 got an arcade update with Dark Resurrection, bringing new fighters and enhanced gameplay. Fans soon enjoyed a PSP version, and later a downloadable PS Network version, which remained popular due to online match capability.
Next came Tekken 6, expanding the conflict with new characters like Bob and Zafina. The Rage mechanic, Bound system, and interactive stages offered fresh gameplay dynamics. The PS3 release boasted a comprehensive Scenario Campaign mode, while the PSP version impressed with its visuals and multiplayer.
2011’s Tekken Hybrid bundled an HD remaster, a CG film, and a demo of Tekken Tag Tournament 2, which returned to tag-based gameplay. The PS3 port added legacy characters, a Snoop Dogg collaboration, and character cinematics.
Tekken Revolution, a free-to-play online version, let players earn currency and skill points in a fresh twist until its service ended in 2017.
### The Battle Rages On
Tekken 7 finally hit the PS4 in 2017, following several arcade updates, including the notable addition of Street Fighter’s Akuma. The PS4 version offered a story mode and years of DLC updates bringing characters like Leroy and guest stars such as Final Fantasy XV’s Noctis.
With Tekken 8 celebrating its one-year anniversary on PS5 last January, the future looks promising. Season 2 of DLC hints at new and beloved characters and a cliffhanger story update signals more Mishima family drama on the horizon.
