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Developer(s): Namco, 8ing/Raizing (PSP version)
Publisher(s): Namco
Platforms: Arcade, PS3, PSP (as Tekken: Dark Resurrection)
Release: December 2005 (JP Arcade), February 2006 (NA Arcade), July 6th 2006 (JP PSP), December 12th 2006 (JP PSN), March 1st 2007 (NA PSN - As Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online)
Characters: Asuka Kazama, Feng Wei, Raven, Kuma, Panda, Bruce, Anna, Jin Kazama, Lee Chaolan, Ling Xiaoyu, Bryan Fury, Nina Williams, Paul Phoenix, Yoshimitsu, Steve Fox, Craig Marduk, Christie Monteiro, Eddy, Hwoarang, Kazuya Mishima, King, Marshall Law, Julia Chang, Jack, Lei Wulong, Armor King, Roger Jr., Wang, Baek, Ganryu, Devil Jin, Mokujin, Heihachi, Jinpachi, Dragunov, Lili
Related Games: Tekken, Tekken 2, Tekken 3, Tekken Advance, Tekken Tag Tournament, Tekken 4, Tekken 5, Tekken: Dark Resurrection, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online, Tekken 6, Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion

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Review: Namco's welcomed update to Tekken 5 includes 3 new characters, new and remixed old stages, a kickass new soundtrack (one of the best in Tekken history IMO), new customizations, better graphics, more balanced gameplay, and all characters were given updated move lists. Tekken 5's bugs and balance issues have been taken care of, and new combos and moves are waiting to be learned... DR was no doubt one hella good update to Tekken 5.1.

   The already deep characters from Tekken 5 are back with new moves, all of which are nothing short of teeth-cringing. Several characters like Baek, Lei, and Jack-5 for example, have been given "complete make-overs" to their their classic move animations; which are now visibly much smoother but still have the same frame count. This is perhaps how these characters really should have looked in Tekken 5, but I suppose Namco just couldn't get to it in time. Characters also have new intro animations, new taunts between rounds, and some pretty cool new win poses and intro taunts as well.

   The new stages are much appreciated... Namco answered my prayers for MORE stages in Tekken 5. All of the new backgrounds (and returning "remixed" ones) add new graphical eye candy each in their own way. Namco also did a superb job on remixing most of the background music from Tekken 5, and thankfully, all of the stages from Tekken 5 are back along with their original BGMS! Thanks Namco. They also switched up the announcer's voice, for the better... Even though the new announcer seems to lack motivation or something...  Heh. Even so, I still prefer this guy over the original Tekken 5 announcer.

   And finally, the action itself is as flashy as ever, especially while watching two skilled fighters duke it out. And I don't mean skilled as in "using cheap tactics and strategies to win"... I mean as in "making the game look pretty AND using useful tactics and strategies to win." In my opinion, being good at Tekken isn't just about knowing combos and having good defensive skills. It's also about knowing how to "adapt" against different players... Mixing up offense and defense patterns and such. Watching a skilled player take down a reckless player who "only attacks" is a beautiful sight... And also sad and funny one at the same time.  If you one of  the many who constantly get their ass kicked in Tekken, I'd recommend Tekken: Dark Resurrection for the PSP... It comes with an in game tutorial before it even lets you start fighting (Great idea Namco)... Let's clean up those button mashers already! Heh heh.

   I will admit that the hit detection in Tekken 5: DR can sometimes be a bit funky and unrealistic at times. If you know the in's and out's of the game, you'll know that certain mid and seemingly high attacks actually connect with your opponent while he/she is on the ground, and may actually "pick them up," allowing for even more combo possibilities. While this may only occur during high level play, this small flaw of physics rewards hardcore players with longer juggles, and makes newbies say something to the effect of "what the hell?!" or "put me down already!"  In any case, Tekken is and always was about combos and air combos! Just think if Tekken didn't have air combos; it wouldn't be any fun at all. Alas, Tekken is still of the most fun 3D fighters you can currently play. The King of Iron Fist 5 has been Resurrected...
 

Gameplay Engine	9.5 / 10
Story / Theme	8.5 / 10
Overall Graphics	9 / 10
Animation	9.5 / 10
Music / Sound Effects	10 / 10
Innovation	9 / 10
Customization	9.5 / 10
Options / Extras	8 / 10
Intro / Presentation	9.5 / 10
Replayability / Fun	10 / 10
"Ouch" Factor	10 / 10
Characters	10 / 10
OVERALL SCORE	10 / 10

Closing Comment: Those of us that love our Tekken were ecstatic when we heard about T5:DR, and were even more ecstatic when we played it... And that was clearly Namco's goal. T5:DR brought Tekken 5 players back to the arcade, and gave them (us) a more balanced game. The best Tekken to date? It was... With it's release on the PS3, Tekken was brought into true HD with 1080p visuals and, for the first time ever, offered online play (ala Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online). Tekken fanatics have put down their worn out psps, and have picked up a light-weight, wireless SIXAXIS PS3 controller (perfect for taking to fighting game tournaments)... Tekken DR on the big HD screen? Pure bliss. ~F.Yagami, Webmaster of TFG
 

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