Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tekken Advance brings the fast-paced, combo-driven action of its arcade ancestor to the Game Boy Advance, albeit in a streamlined form. Players will notice that while the core fighting system remains intact—block, punch, kick, and special moves—the roster’s move lists have been pared down to fit the handheld’s limited button configuration. Timing is crucial, as the simplified input scheme means many of the more intricate juggling combos have been reworked or removed entirely.

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The title offers multiple gameplay modes to keep sessions varied: a classic Arcade mode where you climb the tower of opponents, a Versus mode using the link cable for head-to-head battles, and a Practice mode to refine your skills. With only nine playable fighters—Jin Kazama, Paul Phoenix, Forest Law, Gun Jack, Hwoarang, King, Ling Xiaoyu, Nina Williams, and Yoshimitsu—the selection focuses on Tekken’s most iconic characters. Despite the smaller roster, each combatant retains signature attacks and stance changes that give them distinct playstyles.

The inclusion of link cable support adds significant replay value by allowing two players to duke it out in real time, mirroring the social arcade environment. While you won’t find tag battles or frenetic four-player brawls here, the wireless absence is made up for by the speed and responsiveness of the handheld’s controls. Overall, the gameplay feels tight and portable-friendly, even if a few beloved specialty moves and unblockable attacks from the arcade original are missing.

Graphics

Graphically, Tekken Advance does a commendable job translating full-color sprites and detailed character models onto the GBA’s smaller screen. Each fighter is rendered with recognizable silhouettes, distinct costume details, and smooth animations that capture the essence of their arcade counterparts. Backgrounds are simplified but still offer a convincing approximation of iconic Tekken stages, complete with cheering crowds and atmospheric lighting effects.

Due to hardware limitations, some visual liberties were taken: shadowing and texture details are scaled back, and environmental elements appear more static than in console versions. However, character move animations—especially throws, aerial combos, and special effects—retain enough fluidity to feel impactful. The frame rate stays remarkably consistent, even during heavy on-screen action, ensuring input lag never detracts from matchups.

One drawback is the absence of any unlockable cutscenes or cinematic introductions, meaning you won’t witness the dramatic flair and storyline flourishes found in home console releases. Still, the minimalist presentation focuses players on the core fighting experience. For a handheld port, the graphics strike an admirable balance between visual clarity and performance, making it easy to follow the action in the heat of battle.

Story

Unlike its arcade and console siblings, Tekken Advance foregoes an in-depth narrative campaign or elaborate in-game cinematics. There are no unlockable cutscenes to flesh out the King of the Iron Fist Tournament lore; instead, the game relies on the player’s familiarity with the Tekken universe. Each character enters the ring with only a brief textual intro, leaving much of their backstory and motivations to the imagination.

Despite this pared-down approach, fans of the series will recognize recurring rivalries and signature character quirks. Ninjas clash, martial artists settle their scores, and mechanical combatants unleash devastating power moves— all nods to the broader Tekken storyline. While newcomers won’t find a step-by-step narrative, the distilled format invites quick pick-up-and-play sessions focused purely on meaty matchups.

For those seeking a portable dose of Tekken drama, Tekken Advance conserves the spirit if not the full substance of the franchise’s storytelling. The lack of animated sequences can be seen as a missed opportunity, but it also helps maintain a lightweight cartridge size and allows players to jump straight into the ring without lengthy cutscene skips.

Overall Experience

Tekken Advance stands out as one of the more successful fighting game ports on the Game Boy Advance, offering a faithful, if streamlined, rendition of the classic arcade formula. The pared-down move lists and simplified timing yield a more accessible experience for newcomers, while veterans will appreciate the sharp controls and responsive combat. The nine-character roster may feel limited compared to home console editions, but it encompasses a solid cross-section of fan favorites.

Link cable support elevates the title from a solo endeavor to a portable party game. Settling scores with a friend in tight, handheld duels recaptures much of the competitive excitement that made the original Tekken so popular in arcades. Practice and Arcade modes provide enough single-player content to hone skills and chase high scores, even if there are no extra features like survival or time attack modes.

Overall, Tekken Advance delivers a compelling portable fighting experience despite the constraints of its platform. While it can’t replicate every nuance of the arcade original, it offers satisfying battles, polished visuals, and the core mechanics that define the series. For fans seeking on-the-go brawling or newcomers wanting a taste of Tekken’s tight combat, this Game Boy Advance title remains a worthy addition to any handheld library.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10