Can the PSP version of Tekken 6 upset its bigger brother?
Optimized for the PSP system, TEKKEN 6 will not only contain all the explosive action of its home console brethren but also feature additional stages, content, items, and an ad-hoc multiplayer mode. Fighting amongst friends is encouraged as players can battle wirelessly against each other using original or fan favourite characters. Rounding out its list of impressive features is the return of the “Ghost” Infrastructure mode, which allows players to upload their “ghost” character data and download others’ from the Internet onto their PSP. When players have reached the height of their TEKKEN fighting skills, they will be able to see how they stack up against others through the game’s network support.
If you read my console review of Tekken 6 (Which I reviewed on the 360 to avoid any confusion) you’ll know that I didn’t exactly fall in love with it like I did SF IV. 2009 seems to be Capcom’s triumph for the fighting genre. Tekken 6 is a good game, but the campaign was just horrendous. Luckily, it’s been scrapped for the PSP version but what else does it offer?
Truth be told…not a lot. The PSP version is more or less the same as the console versions…which isn’t a bad thing, it’s actually quite impressive that they’ve managed to bring the same experience to a handheld with only a few sacrifices in terms of visuals and online which is MIA. I can’t claim to be a fan of fighting games on a handheld, but the PSP version does a good job overall.
The PSP version contains all the fighters and modes from the consoles and best of all, that horrible campaign is gone. It’s such a relief to see that it’s gone; I don’t think I would have coped having to go through that “thing” again. Instead it’s back to basics with a story mode and arcade mode. There isn’t anything new here, but it does replicate the same experience.
Oh sure, the game doesn’t look as good as on the consoles…but I personally enjoyed it more. Why? I’m not exactly sure; I guess that the controls are a bit easier and more forgiving overall when it comes to performing combos. The bad news is the lack of online which would have elevated the game beyond its console brethren. While the PSP version doesn’t look as good, it does look pretty good for a game on the handheld…it’s actually quite impressive to look at.
The Verdict
While there is less content and no new features to be seen, Tekken 6 is actually more fun to play on the go than on the consoles…why? It’s easier to play for a start and they got rid of the campaign…which truly makes it look like a better package. It may not have set the world on fire like some hoped, but it’s still a damn good fighter.
