On This Day in Games: June 1, 2017
While the gaming world brimmed with E3 teases, and that overhyped “Last of Us Part II” screenshot, Bandai Namco quietly unleashed TEKKEN 7 on arcades and consoles. Coincidentally, June 1 also marks 21 years since Pokémon Yellow launched in North America, proving that early summer loves its red-hot franchises.
King of the Hill: Mishima Saga Reaches Its Scorching Climax
TEKKEN 7 isn’t just eye candy with kinetic fists. In fact, it delivers the long-awaited “epic conclusion” to the Mishima clan’s generational beef. You’ll experience a rollercoaster of love, revenge, and pride as Heihachi and Kazuya finally face off. Although the Story Mode stitches together cinematic set pieces powered by Unreal Engine 4, it opts for punchy 1-on-1 clashes punctuated by teaser clips. Rather than a continuous Netflix-style cutscene.
Fistful of Frames: Mechanics and Modes
- Rage Art & Drive System: A comeback mechanic so flashy it practically shouts “I pressed the button, trust me.”
- Mixed Arenas: Walls, floors that break, stage hazards even your grandma would side-eye.
- Multiplayer Palette: From local arcade-style bouts to ranked online duels and casual lobbies, plus a deceptively deep practice mode that newcomers often skip (RIP them).
- Season Pass Extras: Additional fighters, outfits, and story chapters sold separately. Yes, even your dad’s nostalgia costs extra.
Unreal Reality: Visuals & Sound
TEKKEN 7, powered by Unreal Engine 4, every punch crinkles your retinas in high definition. Character models flex realistic muscle tension, though a couple of bizarre hair shaders still remind you this is a game first. The soundtrack blends heavy guitar riffs with bombastic orchestral stabs. Ideal for headbanging even when you’re losing by a pixel.
Community Verdict: Blood, Sweat, and 82% Approval
On Steam, recent reviews clock in at 87% positive (316 reviews), while all-time sentiment sits at a solid 82% positive (65,773 reviews). Players rave about:
- Combat Depth: “Once you learn the juggles, there’s no going back.”
- Roster Variety: From classic brawlers to guest stars like Akuma—something for every button-masher.
Critics point out:
- Story Pacing: “Feels like two hours of build-up and 30 seconds of payoff.”
- Netcode Quibbles: Occasional lag spikes that remind you the internet is still a cruel place.
Legacy Check: Has Tekken 7 Punched Its Ticket?
By bringing the Mishima war full circle and doubling down on mechanics, TEKKEN 7 solidified its spot in the eSports ring. It revitalized arcade cabinets worldwide and convinced a new generation that button memorization is still an acceptable life choice. In a market chasing “innovative narratives,” sometimes the most radical move is perfecting the old one-two punch.
Final Gauntlet
So is TEKKEN 7 the flawless grandmaster of 3D fighters? The community’s near-universal thumbs-up says it’s damn close—just don’t expect a glowing 10/10 badge (there isn’t one). Instead, grab a controller, memorize your combos, and remember: every fight has a trophy, even if it’s just bragging rights at your next house party.
