The Evolution of PlayStation – PlayStation.Blog

As the curtains rise on Season 2 and with the Tekken World Tour imminent, 2025 promises another thrilling chapter for enthusiasts of Bandai Namco’s storied Tekken series. This iconic franchise has a rich history with PlayStation, having evolved its gameplay and narrative alongside each new console iteration. With that, let’s dig into the tumultuous journey of the Mishima clan and the chaos they’ve unleashed on PlayStation users over the years.

The original Tekken burst onto the scene as one of the pioneering fighting games for the PlayStation, launching in early 1995 in Japan and later that year worldwide. It introduced gamers to the notorious Mishima family and set the foundation for the series’ unique mechanics, like the four-attack-button configuration. Setting a high bar for console adaptations, Tekken’s perfect arcade-to-home port was groundbreaking given that arcade versions often required compromise due to hardware restrictions at the time. But Namco took it further with additional features: ending movies, hidden sub-boss characters, and a secret character unlocked via mastering Galaga during its load screen—a nod to classic gamers and a portent of Tekken’s deepening narrative complexity.

Tekken 2 hit arcades in late 1995 and flipped the script by focusing on Heihachi Mishima, the ousted patriarch who had once been the villain, while also introducing fresh faces like Jun and Lei. This sequel expanded significantly on characters, inviting players to return as new fighters became available. In 1996, Tekken 2 transitioned to PlayStation with an enriched port that featured an exclusive CG intro and cutscenes that enhanced the series’ reputation for cinematic quality. It also debuted new gameplay modes: Team Battle, Time Attack, Survival Mode, and Practice Mode.

For countless fans, Tekken 3 was the gateway to the franchise, achieving colossal popularity in arcades and becoming a global sensation on the PlayStation in 1998. The story leaped forward by two decades with Jin Kazama, the offspring of Kazuya and Jun, stepping into the spotlight. Many familiar characters returned—though not always wiser—and some were replaced by new fan favorites like Hwoarang, Bryan, Eddy, and Xiaoyu. With enhanced use of 3D arenas, Tekken 3 introduced sidestep dodges, offering deeper strategic maneuvering. The PlayStation port added Tekken Force, a side-scrolling beat-em-up, and Tekken Ball, alongside newly playable characters: Anna Williams, Dr. Bosconovich, and guest character Gon.

When the PlayStation 2 arrived, it seemed inevitable that a Tekken game would follow. In 2000, Tekken Tag Tournament (TTT) brought massively improved visuals and a new twist: tag-team combat, allowing players to control a duo of fighters. The game boasted a roster filled with series favorites, plus Tekken Bowl, a quirky mini-game that became a hit in its own right.

Tekken 4, released roughly a year after TTT’s PS2 debut, reintroduced Kazuya and shook up gameplay with new stage designs featuring walls and uneven surfaces. Such elements offered additional damage and combo potential. This installment emphasized storytelling, featuring a dedicated Story Mode and an expanded Tekken Force sub-game.

As the series progressed, Tekken 5 made a triumphant return. It picked up where Tekken 4 left off, with Jin’s internal struggle against his devil side in full swing. Responding to player feedback, Namco fine-tuned the game mechanics, and introduced characters like Asuka, Feng, and Raven. Players could customize their fighters with cosmetic items earned in-game. Also, the PS2 version brought the boss Jinpachi into the fold as a playable character and featured the Devil Within mode for more narrative depth.

A 2006 revision of Tekken 5, Dark Resurrection, introduced new fighters Lili and Dragunov and offered visual enhancements and further gameplay refinements. Initially released on the PSP with the new Tekken Dojo mode, it allowed the sharing of AI-controlled ‘ghosts’ online for competition. This well-received version prompted a console release on the PlayStation Network, later updated to include online matches.

Tekken 6 landed in arcades later in 2007, presenting newcomers Bob, Zafina, Leo, and Miguel. Stakes were escalating among the Mishimas as Jin and Kazuya’s corporations clashed in all-out warfare. Bloodline Rebellion, an update in late 2008, introduced Lars and Alisa, while gameplay innovations included the Rage system, Bound mechanics, and interactive environments. The PS3 adaptation of Tekken 6 featured a rich Scenario Campaign mode, centering on Lars and Alisa’s rebellion against the Mishima Zaibatsu.

In 2011, Tekken Hybrid offered fans an HD redo of Tekken Tag Tournament, a CG film, and a demo of Tekken Tag Tournament 2, reintroducing the beloved tag mechanics with additional characters. TTT2’s PS3 release added even more content, including a track from Snoop Dogg and widespread character CGI endings.

Tekken Revolution, a 2012 free-to-play spin-off, focused heavily on online fights, allowing players to enhance character attributes through earnings. Updated over time with new fighters and features, it ended service in 2017.

Finally, Tekken 7 arrived on PS4 in 2017, adorned with updates based on its arcade version, including Fated Retribution’s guest appearance by Street Fighter’s Akuma. The refined Rage system introduced new skills, and post-launch DLC continued to evolve the roster with newcomers like Leroy and Lidia, and surprising guest stars like Fatal Fury’s Geese Howard and Final Fantasy XV’s Noctis.

Now, as Tekken 8 celebrates its first anniversary on PS5, anticipation builds for DLC’s second season, teetering on the promise of more beloved characters and high-stakes family drama. The Mishima saga, it seems, is far from over.