Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tekken 4 marks a notable departure from its predecessors by introducing interactive environments and refined movement options. Walls and stage boundaries now play a strategic role in matches, allowing players to trap opponents, extend combo opportunities, or execute powerful wall-splat attacks. This added layer of spatial awareness forces competitors to think beyond simple offense and defense, rewarding those who can adapt to shifting ring geometry mid-fight.

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The revamped side-stepping system and new position-change mechanics deepen Tekken’s trademark three-dimensional combat. Enhanced sidestepping makes lateral movement smoother and more reliable, giving evasive players a genuine chance to avoid linear assaults. Meanwhile, position changes—such as shifting your stance or canceling an attack into a sidestep—open up fresh combo routes and mind games, raising the skill ceiling for advanced players.

With a roster of twenty fighters, including four exciting newcomers, Tekken 4 delivers a diverse array of fighting styles. Veterans such as Paul Phoenix and Nina Williams remain at the core, while fresh faces bring unique movesets that spice up tournament play. Across nine gameplay modes—including Arcade, Versus, Time Attack, and the brand-new Tekken Force side-scrolling beat ’em up—there’s always a reason to jump back in. The dedicated Training mode is particularly welcome, providing frame data displays and customizable dummies so players can hone their timing and combos with precision.

AI difficulty in single-player can feel stiff at times, with some opponents relying on predictable aggression. However, the learning curve is fair, and Tekken Force offers a more forgiving environment to practice crowd control and special tactics before facing off against human competitors. Overall, Tekken 4’s gameplay strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for series veterans.

Graphics

Visually, Tekken 4 is a standout on its hardware platform. Character models boast finer details in clothing folds, facial expressions, and muscle tone, conveying a sense of weight and physicality in every punch and kick. The decision to render more naturalistic animations—capturing the subtle recoil of a heavy blow or the wind-swept motion of a long coat—adds cinematic flair to each match.

Stage design has also been elevated with dynamic elements that complement the new gameplay mechanics. From the neon-lit corridors of the Mishima Building’s research labs to the rocky outcroppings of the Forgotten Realm, each environment feels distinct and purposeful. Wall textures register impact sparks and scuffs when fighters collide, reinforcing the connection between arena and action.

Lighting and shading receive a marked upgrade, with realistic shadowing that grounds characters in their surroundings. Reflections on metal surfaces and subdued ambient occlusion in darker venues amplify the atmosphere, whether you’re battling under stadium lights or inside a dimly lit dojo. Although particle effects are used sparingly, they make each fiery explosion or electric shock truly pop.

On the downside, some stages reuse assets more than once, leading to occasional visual repetition. Texture draw-in can also crop up when the camera pans quickly, but these minor hiccups do little to detract from the overall graphical polish. In comparison to other fighters of the era, Tekken 4 stands tall as a showcase of technical artistry in service of gameplay immersion.

Story

The narrative thrust of Tekken 4 centers on Heihachi Mishima’s relentless quest for immortality. Obsessed with harnessing the Devil gene—present in both his son Kazuya and grandson Jin—Heihachi orchestrates a clandestine operation to extract and study the genetic power within top-secret G Corporation labs. This father-son-grandson conflict gives the tournament a razor-sharp edge, as familial loyalties clash with deadly ambition.

When the resurrected Kazuya overthrows the Tekken Force and reclaims his demonic might, Jin chooses exile over allegiance. Heihachi seizes on this schism by announcing the fourth King of the Iron Fist Tournament, promising ownership of G Corporation to the victor. This high-stakes prize injects additional drama, as fighters from all corners of the globe enter the fray—each driven by personal vendettas, honor, or the lure of unimaginable power.

Storytelling in Tekken 4 unfolds through brief cutscenes bookending matches, offering snapshots of character motivations and rivalries. While these cinematic interludes aren’t as expansive as full-blown animated sequences, they effectively convey the essentials: betrayal, revenge, and the dark legacy of the Mishima bloodline. Fans invested in the series’ lore will appreciate the way Tekken 4 bridges the gap between its dramatic cliffhanger and the events to come.

Additionally, the Tekken Force mode incorporates a loose narrative thread where players battle waves of enemies to infiltrate Heihachi’s research facility. Though primarily a gameplay diversion, this side mode adds context to the central conflict, immersing you in the Mistimian army’s underbelly and revealing snippets of the corporation’s sinister experiments.

Overall Experience

As a package, Tekken 4 excels at reinvigorating a long-running franchise without losing sight of its core identity. The added environmental interactions and refined movement systems give seasoned players new tactical tools while preserving the series’ fast-paced, combo-driven essence. The expanded roster and varied modes ensure that there’s always fresh content to explore, whether you prefer one-on-one duels or solo missions against legions of foes.

Multiplayer remains the game’s beating heart, with tight netcode (on supported platforms) and local versus matches that encourage friendly rivalries. Learning to master wall combos and stage hazards makes each victory feel earned, while surprise reversals keep the tension high. For those flying solo, the blend of Arcade and Tekken Force modes provides a satisfying single-player experience, though some may wish for a deeper story campaign.

Accessibility improvements—such as clearer tutorials in Training mode and more generous combo windows—help newcomers find their footing. Veteran fighters, meanwhile, will relish the challenge of perfecting advanced techniques like position-change cancels and counter-hits off walls. The overall difficulty curve is well-paced, striking a balance between approachable fun and competitive depth.

Ultimately, Tekken 4 stands as a memorable entry in the series, pushing the boundaries of 3D fighting design while delivering enough fan-favorite elements to please long-time followers. Whether you’re drawn by the family drama of the Mishimas or the thrill of high-octane combat, this installment offers an engaging, replayable journey that remains rewarding to this day.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10