Tekken has long been a staple of fighting games and now stands out as one of the last great 3D fighters left among the more popular 2D series. Despite its enduring legacy, many of the earlier Tekken games are now difficult to access on modern platforms. At a time when other iconic series like Street Fighter They've found success in embracing retro collections that bring updates to older games, it would be a missed opportunity if every other big series in the genre doesn't get at least the same treatment.
WITH Tekken 8 Continuing the franchise's tradition of innovation and after 30 years securing the status of a profitable venture, it makes sense to now reflect on the journey that has brought the franchise this far. However, with Bandai Namco's seemingly lack of interest in revisiting these games of the past, they are in a more precarious position than other major titles of the arcade and early 3D era.
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With a set of stages as visually impressive and impressive as the game's roster of fighters, some of Tekken 8's diverse arenas shine above the rest.
The creator of Tekken has no particular interest in releasing retro Tekken collections
An explanation of Harada's reservations about Tekken's classic entries
It seems real Tekken could have had several collections of older titles released for current generation hardware given the precedent they set Capcom Fighting Collection and Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. Many numbered entries and several spin-offs that led to T8 have been released across many generations, not all of which are available in digital stores. Despite the potential for making them available and adding some new features, Katsuhiro Harada himself hasn't expressed enthusiasm about the prospect.
In an interview with TheGamer, Harada directly addressed fans' desire for a classic collection by questioning the quality of older releases in the series, stating:
“…But I wouldn't even see myself picking up Tekken 3 and playing against friends for an extended period of time. So yes, we do feel the difference between 3D fighters and 2D fighters in that regard.”
Although one could understand that the rougher graphics of the first three Tekken titles may seem appalling compared to newer titles, they were still groundbreaking in their time and have retained many fans. Between the various incentives for both Bandai Namco and the players, there is too much to gain from the retro Tekken they will be ignored for them.
Tekken could leave a goldmine untapped without a classic collection
The nostalgia value of the early 3D era should not be underestimated
The hesitation seems unlikely, but to regain some of the glory TekkenYounger days have their own appeal. Harada may have specifically doubted the fun of returning to the third game, but Tekken 3 introduced Jin Kazama, who still serves as a key part of the series' lore. It might be more realistic to see later entries like T5 and T6 released alongside more comparable fidelity levels, but all of their predecessors also represent their own milestones. If the pixelated look of many of Capcom's classics can still find acceptance among fans of their current games, it stands to reason that TekkenThe original aesthetics could be used as well.
Tekken history deserves to be properly archived
Beyond the raw financial potential, keeping all available games is a matter of preservation Tekkendecades of legacy. A proper retro collection for the first trilogy, for example, could help prevent fighting game cornerstones from fading into obscurity as true playable experiences. If there is additional content such as developer statistics and Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection''s concept art comes with the package, this kind of record Tekken's evolution could easily be a bargain for many fans.
