TEKKEN TRILOGY

The TEKKEN TRILOGY is where the fighting game scene got a serious upgrade, mixing brutal brawls with a weirdly fascinating storyline. The first entry kicked things off with a rough but promising start, clunky by today’s standards, but back then, it was mind-blowing to see 3D fighters with this much personality. The roster was small and packed with weirdos like King the jaguar-mask wrestler and Paul (the dude with the ridiculous hair), each with moves that felt distinct. The gameplay was stiff, but it laid the foundation for what was coming.  

Then the sequel dropped and fixed almost everything. The movement was smoother, the hits had more weight, and the characters got way more fleshed out. This was the game where the Mishima family drama really took off, Kazuya throwing his father off a cliff? Iconic. The soundtrack slapped, the stages had more life, and the combat felt deeper without being overwhelming. Plus, unlocking hidden characters like Devil Kazuya and Angel was hype as hell. It wasn’t just an upgrade; it was the game that made the series a heavyweight contender.  

By the third entry, the series was straight-up legendary. The graphics were upgraded, the animations were fluid, and the new mechanics like sidestepping and faster combos made fights way more dynamic. This was the game that introduced Jin as the new protagonist, and his edgy, conflicted vibe fit perfectly with the darker tone. The roster got a refresh, ditching some old faces for new blood like Hwoarang and Eddy, who brought fresh fighting styles. And let’s not forget Tekken Force mode, a janky but fun beat ’em up distraction that showed the devs weren’t afraid to experiment.  

What ties the trilogy together is how each game builds on the last while keeping that addictive, over the top charm. The stories are ridiculous but weirdly compelling, the combat evolves without losing its pick up and play appeal, and the characters, whether they’re cyborgs, martial artists, or literal animals, are unforgettable. The TEKKEN TRILOGY is a masterclass in how to make a fighting game series grow without losing its soul. If you’ve never played these, you’re missing out on some of the most influential brawlers ever made.