Title: Tekken 3D Prime Edition
Format: 3DS
Release Date: Feb 14, 2012
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Developer: Arika, Namco Bandai Games
Price: $39.99
ESRB Rating: T
The 3DS is not only Nintendo's most online-friendly system. The handheld is virtually BFF's with every fighting game franchise. Tekken makes its second appearance on a Nintendo handheld prior to its premier on N-console, the Wii-U. Tekken 3D is tagged the "Prime Edition," however, the fighter feels more like something aiming to "prime" gamers for what's next in the series.
Presentation:Instantly on loading the game, you are presented with a choice between two "modes." Actually the choice is between the game and the 2011 CG movie, Tekken: Blood Vengeance. The movie was probably better off as an unlockable, or as a possible exclusion. As it is, the 3D movie is presented quite well considering it was included on a cart with the game. There is some digital artifacting due to the compression. Still, it's a 3D movie presented glasses-free.The visuals of the game were a high priority, and its reflected in the 60 fps framerate with or without the 3D effect. This is a first for the system. The developer Arika, however, should be quite familiar with the system's capabilities as they also developed the 3D Classics offerings on the eShop and the 3DS version of Bubble Bobble. One disappointment is the developer's choice to automatically disable the 3D effect during multiplayer. The character models are downsized and simplified. Without the 3D, this game seems inferior to Tecmo's Dead or Alive Dimensions. The character roster, however, boasts 41 characters as opposed to DOA's 26.
One common gripe is the lack of gameplay modes. This game is held up against the PSP offering of Tekken Dark Resurrection as an example of a game loaded with content. Light in the gameplay mode department, Tekken 3D is definitely not for the unitiated. Apart from "Blood Vengeance," there is nothing in the way of a story. Gameplay-wise this is Tekken 6 with some variation. Some backstory would help to bring context to this clash of mega-conglomerates, furries, and demons. The newcomer, however, is tossed into this game with no such support.
Core Gameplay/Multiplayer:The Tekken series is closer in gameplay to Mortal Kombat than Street Fighter. The per-limb button layout presents an interesting change of pace to quarter-circling-button-mashing gamers. As I said previously, Tekken 3D is not for the uninitiated. There is a training mode, and it does provide gamers with video previews of combos. Still, it's not as effective a teacher as we have had in previous iterations.
In lieu of an Arcade Mode, the developers give us "Quick Battle." This series of 10 fights ends with a credits role and increases your player rank. The ranking system is odd in light of the grading systems in Street Fighter IV 3D or Dead or Alive Dimensions. The quick progression is welcome, however, when the rank of "Mentor" unlocks the color editor. The editor is the only level of character customization available in this game.
The online multiplayer in Tekken 3D was laggy during the matches played for this review. There is no indication of connection quality between players. So, it's possible given an increase in the player base that connections will improve and the fights will be more enjoyable. Streetpass could just as well be deactivated if this game is maxing out your 12 title per system limit. The 700 trading cards could be earned by playing much like the figurines in DOA Dimensions.
Final Thoughts:
As Tekken Hybrid is the $40 ad for Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Tekken 3D Prime Edition is the $40 ad for the WiiU Tekken entry. Newcomers may be put off by the lack of context, learning, and story. Fans of the series may be put off by the lack of content and gameplay modes. Still, there is a point to this game. We now have 3D running at 60 fps. We now have a stereoscopic full length CG movie on the 3DS. Whatever the end, Tekken 3D is certainly priming gamers for something better in the future.
Final Score = 7/10
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