The PlayStation 3 has been getting some fighting game love recently. First Virtua Fighter 5 and then Sony and Namco released Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection on the PlayStation Network. Both games have tons of fans and often each respective camp likes to take a jab (no pun intended) at the other game. Tekken is usually the brunt of all the jokes about a shallow fighting experience but is it justified with the new release of Tekken 5 on the PS3?

All the Tekken staples are included: a stable of able and memorable fighters, fast paced action, and a strong history of being one of the top fighting games to date. With the advent of the PS3 version of Tekken 5, there are now 3 versions of the same game to choose from. There is an awful lot to contrast and compare this time around so does the PS3 version win the King of the Iron Fist Tournament?

Is It All About Looks?
One of the biggest touted features for the PS3 version of Tekken 5 was undoubtedly the 1080p visual upgrade. For those gamers who have the beefy HDTVs that can support that, you’ll be in for a treat. For the rest of us? The game will look all right but not as good as Virtua Fighter 5 with the higher detailed fighters. That is not to say that Tekken 5 looks bad; it has great animation and, while other games look better, the character models are just fine. There are trade offs but for a downloadable title, the graphics should impress. Better yet is zero loading time… ZERO. You jump right into fights without the slightest unnecessary pause. This makes the gameplay even faster than the PSP and PS2 versions of Tekken for a more true arcade experience.

SIXAXIS + Fighting Game = Bust Out The Arcade Pad
The chronic problem of fighting games not controlling well with the standard controllers is very much present in Tekken 5. You can manage and win most of your matches with the Sony controller, but if you want to master the game’s combos, you need some sort of home arcade pad. Some of the moves listed in move set list are impossible unless you have some sort of nimble monkey fingers while using the default controls. Fortunately, it is possible to map the buttons to where you can make use of the L and R buttons on the top of the SIXAXIS. No matter how many times you remap the buttons, there isn't a substitute for a good arcade pad.

Lacking Modes
Once you download the title, you’ll notice there are very few modes to play with. You can fight single player, fight ghosts, or fight against a friend. Not even Tekken Bowl is included. It’s a shame really, because the PSP version (it is basically the same game) is more fleshed out in features. Where the PSP has all the PS3 versions features, it also had a Dojo mode, a story mode, and mini-games. In place of the story mode are downloads you can purchase with credits you get in-game that show the epilogue for characters after defeating Jinpachi. On top of the media, you can purchase extra additions to character clothing. It adds a personal style to the characters but you can’t see what the items look like until you buy them.

Tekken 5 offers no online multiplayer either. The lack of online is a fairly big disappointment unless you count the ghost data, which makes it forgivable in that case. There is always the VS mode where you and a friend can battle it out until the cows come home. Of course, versus mode is small consolation and not the next step in the fighting genre. As for the actual fighting mechanics of single player, they are intact from previous Tekken game. If you have played a Tekken game before, you should know exactly what you are buying when it comes down to slugging it out with the computer AI.



Buy Or No Buy?
There are many complaints to be had with the PS3 version of Tekken 5. Considering that the PSP version still reigns as the best, it’s a wonder why they didn’t port that game to the PS3. However, the $20 asking price is not too bad for what you get. Lots of fighters and lots of action make the game digestible in small portions. Most of the “fluff” has been cut out of this version to make it more like the arcade game. While some purists might like that, consoles gamers might get miffed there are so few options. To recommend this game is a toss up. As you play the little annoyances will keep cropping up and hamper the overall enjoyment of the title.

On one hand, Tekken offers great fighting at a budget price. On the other hand, it might feel too limited and the superior version of the game (PSP) is only $10 extra dollars. I’m inclined to say this is an achievement in downloadable titles - as it redefines what can be downloaded into your home - but I can’t help but shake the feeling of buyer’s remorse.