The original Tekken trilogy helped define 3D fighting games, setting a new standard for the genre and cementing the franchise as a PlayStation powerhouse. By the time Tekken 3 rolled around, Namco had created a near-flawless formula that dominated both arcades and home consoles. When the PlayStation 2 era arrived, Namco took an experimental leap with Tekken 4, pushing the series in bold new directions.
While Tekken 4 was a commercial success, it remains one of the most divisive entries in the franchise. Some fans praise its innovations, while others see it as a misstep. However, looking back, it’s clear that Tekken 4 was ahead of its time in many ways. Let’s explore why this ambitious installment deserves more appreciation.
A More Grounded Approach
One of the most notable shifts in Tekken 4 was its emphasis on realism. Unlike previous entries, which included wacky characters like the dinosaur Gon and the wooden training dummy Mokujin, Tekken 4 scaled back its roster to focus primarily on human fighters. While Kuma, the series’ iconic fighting bear, remained, most of the outlandish elements were toned down.
The game also introduced more detailed character models, realistic voice acting, and cinematic cutscenes, making the story feel more immersive. Tekken 4’s darker, more grounded narrative put a heavy emphasis on the long-standing Mishima family feud, with Kazuya Mishima making his grand return to the series after missing out on Tekken 3. The confrontation between Kazuya, Jin, and Heihachi was one of the most intense in the franchise’s history, setting the stage for future installments.
Game-Changing Innovations
Tekken 4 introduced several mechanics that were revolutionary for the series. One of the most significant was the ability to move before the round officially began, allowing players to reposition themselves and strategize before engaging their opponent. This added a new layer of mind games and tactical play that was absent in previous titles.
Another major change was the introduction of realistic, uneven stages. Unlike the flat arenas of prior games, Tekken 4 featured multi-leveled environments with slopes, walls, and obstacles that affected gameplay. Fighters could use walls to extend combos or get trapped in corner situations, creating a more dynamic battle system.
This shift made fights feel more cinematic, with battles taking place in settings like an underground parking garage or a bustling shopping mall.
Grabs were also revamped to emphasize repositioning. Many throws allowed characters to maneuver their opponents, forcing players to think more strategically about spacing and positioning.
Breakout Fighters
While Tekken 4 introduced several new characters, none made a bigger impact than Craig Marduk. The towering Vale Tudo fighter entered the series with a ferocious playstyle, bringing raw power and brutal grappling techniques that set him apart from the rest of the cast. His introduction also marked the start of his long-running rivalry with King, adding depth to the franchise’s lore.
Marduk’s unique mechanics and larger-than-life personality quickly made him a fan favorite. His devastating tackles and ground-based mix-ups gave him a different feel compared to other grapplers, making him one of the most intimidating opponents in the game. His popularity ensured his place in future Tekken installments, solidifying him as one of the series’ most iconic heavy-hitters.
Another standout newcomer was Christie Monteiro, who brought a fresh take on Capoeira to the Tekken series. As the student and close friend of the fan-favorite character Eddy Gordo, Christie’s fluid and acrobatic fighting style made her one of the most visually stunning fighters in the game.
Her introduction added diversity to the roster, offering a unique blend of speed and rhythm-based attacks. Christie quickly gained a strong following, thanks to her stylish moves and engaging backstory. Her presence reinforced Tekken’s reputation for including diverse martial arts styles, making her an essential addition to the series.
Steve Fox was another revolutionary addition to Tekken 4, marking the franchise’s first dedicated boxer. Unlike other characters who utilized a mix of punches and kicks, Steve relied solely on his fists, forcing players to adapt to an entirely different combat style.
His ability to weave, duck, and counter made him an incredibly fluid and technical character. Steve’s playstyle rewarded smart movement and precise counterattacks, making him a favorite among competitive players. His introduction showcased Namco’s willingness to experiment with new fighting styles, and his popularity has made him a mainstay in the series ever since.
Controversial Design Choices
Despite its innovations, Tekken 4 was not without its flaws. The introduction of walls and uneven terrain, while immersive, also led to issues with collision detection and balance. Some stages, like the jungle level, gave an unfair advantage to players on lower ground, making certain matchups feel frustrating.
Movement was also more restricted compared to previous games. Sidestepping and backdashing were noticeably less fluid, which made escaping pressure more difficult. As a result, the game heavily favored jab-focused, hit-and-run gameplay, leading to certain characters dominating the competitive scene.
A Game That Pushed the Boundaries
Despite its divisive reception, Tekken 4 was a necessary step in the franchise’s evolution. Many of its ideas, such as stage interaction and repositioning mechanics, laid the groundwork for future entries. While later games refined these concepts, Tekken 4 deserves recognition for daring to experiment.
Looking back, Tekken 4 was a bold, cinematic take on the series that prioritized storytelling, immersion, and new mechanics. While it wasn’t perfect, it pushed Tekken forward in ways that are still felt in the franchise today. Instead of being seen as the "black sheep" of the series, it should be celebrated as an ambitious and innovative chapter in Tekken’s legacy.