What’s the Best Tekken Game?

Fighting Games

July 13, 2023

Jordan Ashley

What is the best Tekken game? This is a series which has grown a long way since its first release in the 90s. From the arcades and PS1 fighting games, we’ve come a long way. We’re even getting closer to the Tekken 8 release date too, so it’s a great time to look at the series so far. Which is the stand-out title though? What’s the best game?

There are actually quite a few titles in the series that some players hold up as the best. It does partially come down to your personal opinion. Outside of objective favorites though, there are a few areas you can look at to try and figure out what the very best Tekken game is though. Looking at how the titles have held up over the years, there are a few picks which could work.

What’s the Best Tekken Game?

Tekken 3 might be the best Tekken game at least as far as critics are concerned. The game felt like a new start of the series, with a much more fun roster, varied characters, and a lot of originality for a third game in the series. This is the Tekken game that really gave it the jump up to be one of the big three fighting game franchises. The combat here is really tight and the skill level can go crazily high too.

Source: Namco

This title is where quite a few of the series’ key features originated. It’s by far the most advanced of the original batch of games, and it performs great on the PlayStation. The title’s graphics aren’t as impressive as some later instalments, but it’s got a certain charm to it.

Out of all of the Tekken series, Tekken 3 is the game that established it as one of the biggest fighting games, and it set the tone for the rest of the series.

Runner Up – Tekken 7

Source: Bandai Namco

Tekken 7 might not be the best Tekken game overall, but there’s loads to like here. As the most recent game in the series, it’s by far the most polished. It’s on another level visually, which is always great for a fighter like this. It also has one of the widest rosters thanks to tons of DLC Tekken characters. If you want an expansive experience out of Tekken, then this is the game to go for.

It has more modes, ways to play, and decent online which is going to mean there’s always something to do. The story mode is one of the most fun we’ve had too. It isn’t quite the best Tekken game though. It’s a nice evolution to the series so far, but it just didn’t quite have the impact to push it ahead of Tekken 3.

While Tekken 7 was fun, all eyes are on what’s coming next for the series. Tekken 8 looks like a fun evolution of what the game series has been so far. If early indicators are anything to go by, Tekken 8 might make it as one of the contenders for the best Tekken game in the future. It has a hard time outshining its most influential titles like Tekken 3 though.