Those who know me on this site and in real life knows that I'm a sucker for fighting games. And among one of my favorites is Namco Bandai's Tekken series. So, I was more or less stoked that I manage to play Tekken Tag Tournament 2, the long awaited sequel to one of the PS2 launcher titles. Much like the game before it, graphics were enhanced drastically. The difference here is that while Tekken Tag featured touched up figures which carried from Tekken 3, Tag 2 followed after 6, but with a more radical improvement in visuals, and features retained from the first Tekken Tag, as well as Tekken 6. While it contains a large roster with additions via DLCs, that were free, Tekken Tag 2, much like it's prequel, isn't canon to the storyline. This title saw the return of characters like Jun Kazama, and hidden characters/ palette swaps like Tiger (Tekken 3), and Violet (Tekken 4). Moreover, the customizing and Item Move aspects, as well as the Rage system from T6 is retained, though the latter has changes accommodating the Tag gameplay. Apart from the main game, a demo titled Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue was bundled in the Blu-ray rom Tekken Hybrid, alongside the film Tekken: Blood Vengeance, and an HD remake of the prequel. Moreover, the Nintendo WiiU saw an exclusive version with unique costumes, powerups, stages, and features.
This time around, the game changes yet again. Those familiar with Tekken will notice a few tweaks. As mentioned earlier, the Rage System changes slightly here, as when you attack your opponent to a certain point, Rage kicks in for their partner, meaning that their damage output is increased for a brief period. This is also applied when you're attacked. Destructible environments is 1-uped with multi-platform stages. Those familiar with Dead or Alive or the Mortal Kombat series will be familiar with this, and when you knock your opponent to a different part of the stage, that is another chance to follow up with your partner, who already awaits the target at the bottom. Unlike TTT, you can opt to go it alone in 1 vs. 2 matches. Selecting the character is different this time around, too. Before, each costume was button assigned. However, this time around, picking them is almost similar to that of the latter Soul Calibur titles, with some different 2P costumes introduced from the norm. Ghost battles still exists, but there is also a Story Move in this one. Endings are unlocked in various ways. I experienced that such things, as well as items, can be gained via Ghost Battle when you play consecutive matches. Speaking of, you might encounter special versions of your opponents if you play long enough.
In short, those who love TTT would be sure to welcome the sequel with open arms, and juggle fanatics from T6 would still feel right at home. A few movesets are changed and/or customizable, but that's extra alongside the option of assigning music to a stage, even from your own playlist.
My impressions: Genius!
Tekken has never failed to impress me in growth, save the GBA port of Tekken 3, known as Tekken Advance, and TTT2 just ups the ante. Those that are polished in T6 can adapt easily to this one, though in some cases, veterans might need a slight changeup for their bread and butter combos. The music is nice, but personally, nothing TOO outstanding as a whole. The remixes to familiar songs are a nice touch, with the revising of familiar stages from past games, such as Moonlit Wilderness from the 5th game. Gameplay retains it's core from the last title, so like I said, those dwelled in T6 should adapt easily to the seemingly subtle changes. I was expecting a bit more, I'll admit, but I'm content with what I played. Also seeing the likes of Jinpachi, one safe haven to worry less over is that unlike T6, there are no large bosses to deal with, which means Azazel is completely omitted. Oh, did I mention that TTT2 Prologue had the devil character from Blood Vengeance? It was confirmed, but I couldn't find out which Devil from there was seen. Likewise, this probably marks the only game where you have Devil Jin, as well as the return of Devil Kazuya from Tekken 2, accessible via some conditions. Another plus is that much like T6, all characters, save the DLC ones released for free (dunno if this is still the case), are available initially, though unlike before, to my knowledge, Unkown isn't playable.
Still, never failed to impress me as a polished fighter, so I'm giving this one a heartfelt 9 of 10.
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