As an experienced gamer, I try to take in all styles of all genres of games. I've been a fighting game fan for awhile now, but my philosophy has stated that 2D fighting games are just plain better. 2 1/2 - 3D fighting games were just a fad, and soon people would see the error of their ways. Well, that all changed a little over a year ago. I got introduced to "Dead Or Alive 2" and "SoulCalibur" on the Sega Dreamcast, and fell in love instantly. Still, that had no bearing on what would happen a few months later, when my best friend and I decided to try our luck on a game neither one of us particularly liked.
We were in our favorite lunch spot, and they had a brand-new "Tekken Tag Tournament" machine (and at 25 cents a pop instead of the usual 50, what nice guys). We got into it soon after, always going back there to try to best each other with new tactics. One of my good friends got ahold of an import PS2 (he works in a game store, so he's got the right connections), and I started to learn more about this game that I used to downright loathe. I had decided to get a PS2 for two main reasons: One, I needed a DVD player for my living room, and two, I wanted "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty" before anyone else I knew. So, I reserved my system, and I got mine day of launch (10/26/00), and loved getting dirty looks from those who didn't pre-order (so I bragged about it, can you blame me?).
I got home and popped in my new copy of "TTT." And all I had to say was "Wowwwww." The graphics were what caught my eye first, since some of the anti-aliasing issues had been resolved over the Japanese version. The play control was spot-on, the music was filled with great bass beats (I love my digital surround), and the action was intense, especially in a versus match.
Enter the present time. I've had my PS2 for almost 6 months now, and I love it dearly (strange talk coming from a Nintendo loyalist). I'm still learning more about this game. It's funny how this game seems so shallow on the exterior, while in-depth it proves itself to be so much more. I read up on the storyline, bought used copies of all the older games in the "Tekken" series, and learned how it got to that point story- and gameplay-wise. This game, simply put, rocks. It's a must-buy for any fighting fan with a PS2.
However, for those new to the series, a word of warning: "Tekken" is a cheap-man's fighting game. Not cheap in a sense of money, cheap in a sense of what downright evil tactics you can blatantly get away with. Once you come to grips with that pearl of wisdom, you'll learn how to avoid and counter these flimsy attempts at a quick defeat. So don't get discouraged when you can't just pick it up and start winning. Study your move list first, and practice. You'll be kicking punks up and down the block in no time.
Oh, I've got one more thing to say before I end this. I don't want to offend anyone's character choices, but for all those who like to use Eddy Gordo, you're only fooling yourselves. He is an extremely cheap character who takes no skill at all to use. For all you beginners (and semi-veterans who haven't used everyone yet), get to know people like Jin Kazama, Paul Phoenix and Forest Law. Eddy will get you nowhere after awhile. That's all for my tip, so go buy the game already!
