Summary

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is celebrated for its expansive character selection and dynamic tag-team fighting mechanics, marking a high point in the Tekken series for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth.

• Release Year: 2011
• Genres: Fighting
• Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Developers: Namco Bandai Games
• Publishers: Namco Bandai Games

Introduction

Dive into the electrifying world of Tekken Tag Tournament 2, a landmark title in the fighting game genre that elevates the series’ iconic combat system with a vast array of characters and innovative tag-team mechanics.

Synopsis

“Tekken Tag Tournament 2” is the eighth installment in the Tekken fighting game series and the sequel to Tekken Tag Tournament. Released for the arcades in September 2011, it received an update, subtitled “Unlimited”, in March 2012. The game was later ported to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U.

Unlike traditional Tekken games that follow a linear storyline, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 does not have a specific plot. Instead, it is more of a “dream match”, giving fans the opportunity to play as almost every character in the series up to that point. This includes some characters that had apparently been missing in the main Tekken storyline. The game boasts the largest playable roster in a Tekken game to date.

The gameplay of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 expands on the tag mechanics featured in the first Tekken Tag Tournament. Matches involve each player selecting two fighters to fight with. Players can switch their fighters out at any time, allowing the inactive character to gradually recover some life they might have lost. At certain points, an inactive character’s life bar may flash, giving them a temporary boost in strength if they are tagged in. If the life bar of either of a player’s fighters runs out, that player loses the round. If time runs out, the player who has the most cumulative life remaining amongst their fighters wins the round.

The game introduces new techniques, including combined tag throws which, if timed properly, can be escaped from. Tag combos, referred to as “Tag Assaults”, can be done simultaneously with both characters participating in the combo at the same time. The game also inherits gameplay features from Tekken 6, such as “Bound” hits (hits that slam an airborne opponent to the ground and stun them so combos can be extended) and walled arenas, some of which feature walls and floors that can be broken through during the fight.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 has been positively received by critics, earning averaged review scores in the range of 82-83% at both GameRankings and Metacritic for the PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360 versions. It has also won several fighting-game-of-the-year awards.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is a celebration of the Tekken series, bringing together characters from all installments in a dream match. Its expanded tag mechanics and gameplay features offer a unique and engaging experience for players. Despite not having a specific plot, the game’s focus on character variety and gameplay depth has made it a hit among fans and critics alike.

Characters

A roster of over 60 characters, including series veterans like Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, and Ling Xiaoyu, as well as new challengers, each with their unique fighting styles and backstories.

Gameplay

Featuring tag-team battles that allow players to switch between two characters mid-fight, introducing new mechanics such as Tag Assaults for combo attacks, Tag Crashes to escape enemy combos, and special tag-team finishers.

Conclusion

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tekken franchise, offering a rich and immersive fighting game experience with its vast roster of characters and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Review Score

8.7/10

Art

Cover Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern