While Tekken 7 still doesn’t have a firm release date for consoles, Producer Katsuhiro Harada has already confirmed that it will run at 1080p resolution and 60fps (frames-per-second) on PlayStation 4.
Speaking of Harada, the famed “face” of the Tekken franchise has given us a chance to speak with him about all things Tekken 7! We asked him about exclusive console content, DLC and a whole lot more.
PlayStation LifeStyle: The game has been out in arcades for a while. Has feedback from players helped to shape the console versions of the game? If yes, to what extent?
Katsuhiro Harada: First, I would like you to remember that, not only Tekken, but most fighting games always appeared in arcades first, and then were ported to console. In that long history of arcade to console porting cycles, fighting games were updated and polished in the arcades before being ported to console. If you know this history, you know half the answer already.
In the current climate, probably only Tekken is still able to stick to this traditional cycle of having a large scale arcade release and receiving a substantial amount of feedback while still in the arcade. This obviously still helps us quite a bit in developing the game. Console only modes and content is a different story, however.
PSLS: Are there any features coming exclusive to the console versions?
Harada: Hahahaha!! The Tekken series has continued for 20 years, and you’ve seen what we have done in the past, right? Has there ever been an installment in which we never including anything extra for the console release?
PSLS: Any DLC plans? If so, can you hint at them? New characters?
Harada: Up until now, our DLC was free, but we were only able to provide free content for two to three months after launch. However, current feedback from players has been that they want to see a longer span of support after the release, so we are currently still discussing our plans for DLC.
PSLS: What’s next for Tekken’s storyline, what with the Mishima conflict coming to an end?
Harada: The main storyline portrays the showdown between Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima. Not only that, but we delve into why the father and son began their quarrel in the first place. A lot of the mysteries that were left unanswered will be explained.
PSLS: Who’s the best character for newcomers to the franchise? Who’s the most challenging character to master?
Harada: I would definitely recommend Katarina to newcomers. It’s a lot of fun even mashing the kick buttons to see a great variety of different attacks, and her combos aren’t too difficult. For difficult to master, I would say Hwoarang is deceptively difficult to master.
PSLS: How’s development going at this stage? Are things on schedule for the early 2017 release?
Harada: There’s never easy going with development, but everyone is giving 120% to create the best Tekken possible.
PSLS: Tekken has always been known for it’s unique modes outside of the normal fighting game. Are there any fun modes making a return from previous games, or entirely new modes this time around?
Harada: Story Mode might sound similar to past modes because of the name alone, but it is quite unique in that you can shift seamlessly from cinematics to actual gameplay, and this sets it apart from other fighting games. We also have some other cool things planned, but can’t go in to detail yet.
PSLS: Why was the decision made to bring Akuma in to Tekken 7? Is he a part of the story, or just a guest character?
Harada: Akuma actually is part of the Mishima storyline in some way. I would also hesitate to call him a “guest character” because he is hardly a guest. He is a formidable foe.
PSLS: Can we expect to see more guest characters from other franchises make an appearance, either in game or as DLC?
Harada: I don’t know. My sole focus now is to try to finish the game and make it awesome!
PSLS: We’ve always loved Tekken for the cutscenes and story modes that each character has. Does Tekken 7 continue to incorporate the web of full stories for each character with full CG cutscenes?
Harada: All I can see is to wait until you can play it for yourself. As I mentioned above, the Story Mode is quite different from past installments and other fighting games.
PlayStation LifeStyle would like to thank Harada and Bandai Namco for taking the time out to chat with us. Tekken 7 is confirmed for release on PS4 and Xbox One in 2017.
PS4 Fighting Games - A Look at Current and Upcoming Titles
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PS4 Fighting Games – A Look at Current and Upcoming Titles
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Blade Arcus from Shining EX
Out Now?
Blade Arcus from Shining EX is already out in Japan. While a western release is unlikely, it's easy to import. SEGA might surprise us, though, as they seem to be localizing every game that isn't Phantasy Star Online 2 lately.
What's the Hook?
This fighting game mashup of Shining Blade and Shining Hearts brings together beloved chaacters from the Shining series. Featuring a tag team dynamic, the fighting game is pretty simple with a four button layout. Players can also call in support attacks like in Marvel vs Capcom.
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BlazBlue
Out Now?
BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend is out now. Its sequel, BlazBlue: Central Fiction, is also expected to come out to PS4 in the future, but is not officially announced.
What's The Hook?
Arc System Works' BlazBlue series is one of the most stylish and fast-paced fighters on the market. With its deep but accessible gameplay, BlazBlue has developed a surprisingly large following.
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Dead or Alive 5 Last Round
Out Now?
Yes, Dead or Alive 5 Last Round is available as a full product, and as a free-to-play game.
What's The Hook?
Dead or Alive 5, despite some over-the-top physics, has always been a solid fighting game. There's a large cast of characters, and the rock-paper-scissors gameplay is just as fun as it ever has been. It's one of the best 3D fighters on the PlayStation 4.
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Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition
Out Now?
Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition came out December 17, 2015 in Japan. No word yet on if the updated version will come stateside, but the previous iteration of the 2D fighter came out on PS3 and Vita.
What's The Hook?
Bringing together some of the most beloved anime and manga characters, Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax is full of rad crossovers. Even some SEGA characters join in on the fighting fun alongside the likes of Kirito from Sword Art Online and Rentarō from Black Bullet. The fighting game, while very simple, is competely serviceable as well.
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Divekick: Addition Edition +
Out Now?
Yes, Divekick arrived on PS4 in late 2014.
What's The Hook?
Divekick is a testament to the fact that being simple doesn't take away from depth. The two button fighting game may make fun of a lot of the fighting game community, but it's also one of the best fighting games. You'll pick it up for a few laughs, but don't be surprised when you've spent a surprising amount of time mastering the many characters including Johnny Gat from Saints Row.
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Dragon Ball XenoVerse
Out Now?
Dragon Ball XenoVerse released worldwide in early 2015.
What's The Hook?
Sure, we still haven't gotten a fighting game that fulfills the potential of how awesome one could be in the Dragon Ball universe, but XenoVerse is the best one in recent memory. It's deep, MMO-like setup allows for a wide range of characters, and there's plenty of fun to be had reliving your favorite battles from the series.
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Guilty Gear Xrd
Out Now?
Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign- is out now, while a follow-up, Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator-, comes out in June 2016.
What's The Hook?
The latest game in the long running Guilty Gear series is one of the most visually impressive games ever made. Despite looking like a 2D fighter, the game actually uses 3D models that you can see during special moves and celebrations. Besides the gorgeous graphics, there's also a very solid fighting game to sink your teeth into, and a ton of game modes to check out.
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Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
Out Now?
Yes, Injustice was a launch title for PlayStation 4.
What's The Hook?
NetherRealm Studios' fighting game brings together some of DC Comics' biggest stars (and Aquaman). The Ultimate Edition includes all of the DLC characters (including Mortal Kombat's Scorpion), as well. There's a solid story mode that plays out like a DC animated film, and a lot of fun to be had whether you're playing as a hero or a villain.
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J-Stars Victory VS
Out Now?
J-Stars Victory VS, through some miracle of licensing work, is out in all territories.
What's The Hook?
The hook is that almost every beloved Shōnen Jump character is in this game. From Dragon Ball's Goku to my waifu, Nisekoi's Chitoge, there's a huge cast filled with recognizable faces. Not everyone is playable, with plenty of characters appearing in a support role, but this is a solid game that is bolstered by fantastic fan service.
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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven
Out Now?
The latest fighting game in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series is out now Japan, but is coming to Europe (at an undisclosed date) and North America in 2016.
What's The Hook?
The 3D action brawler features over 50 characters from the beloved anime and manga series. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven will feature 2v2 battles and looks to build upon the PlayStation 3 title, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle.
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The King of Fighters XIV
Out Now?
No, SNK's comeback will happen later this year in both Japan and North America.
What's The Hook?
It's the fourteenth main entry in The King of Fighters. That's a big deal, and The King of Fighters XIV is set to have 50 playable characters filled with new and old faces. We're excited to see what director Yasuyuki Oda has in store for us.
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The Last Blade 2
Out Now?
Sort of, as The Last Blade 2 originally released for Arcades in 1998, so sort of. The PlayStation 4 port isn't out yet, though.
What's The Hook?
It was announced at the PlayStation Experience 2015 that developer Code Mystics would be bringing over the classic SNK Playmore title to both PlayStation 4 and Vita. A new generation will be able to enjoy what was one of the best fighters on the Neo Geo.
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Mortal Kombat X
Out Now?
Yes. Mortal Kombat X came out in 2015, and an XL edition came out earlier this year.
What's The Hook?
The tenth game in the Mortal Kombat series might be the best game NetherRealm has ever developed. Combat is fundamentally solid, and there's enough content to keep players busy for dozens of hours. The new XL version even includes all of the game's DLC (which includes guest characters like Jason Voorhees and The Predator).
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Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Out Now?
CyberConnect2's latest Naruto game released in February of this year.
What's The Hook?
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 features over 60 characters from the popular anime, and finishes off the epic storyline. The biggest new feature is being able to switch characters mid-battle which adds a new layer of depth to the combat. The series went out with a bang on PlayStation 4, so if you're a Naruto fan you should definitely check it out.
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Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel
Out Now?
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is out now in North America and Japan, it releases in Europe next month.
What's The Hook?
Typically crossover games feature recognizable characters. That isn't the case with Nitroplus Blasterz, which is filled with characters from obscure visual novels. Despite the lack of familiarity most gamers will have with the roster, there's a very solid fighting game here filled with wacky movesets (one character fights with a swarm of cats!).
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One Piece: Burning Blood
Out Now?
Not yet, but fans won't have to wait long as One Piece: Burning Blood comes out May 31 in North America.
What's The Hook?
This 1-on-1 fighting title brings together all of the stars from Eiichiro Oda's beloved manga, One Piece. Early trailers have shown promise, and this looks to be a game for fans to keep an eye out for.
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Saint Seiya: Soldiers' Soul
Out Now?
Yes, it's out in all territories.
What's The Hook?
Based on the manga of the same name, Saint Seiya: Soldiers' Soul runs at a crisp 60 fps on PlayStation 4. The 3D fighting game features over 40 characters, and it's a solid offering from developer Dimps. While it won't overly impress those not familiar with the series, fans will get a lot of enjoyment from it.
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Skullgirls: 2nd Encore
Out Now?
Skullgirls: 2nd Encore is out now in North America and Europe. A Japanese release is coming soon in 2016.
What's The Hook?
Lab Zero Games' successful fighting game has found itself a dedicated community of players. So much so, that gamers have crowdfunded 5 additional characters into the 2D fighter. All of these characters can be found in 2nd Encore, and this is by far the best version of the highly technical title. It isn't recommended for beginners, but Skullgirls has the depth for hardcore fans.
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Street Fighter
Out Now?
There are two different Street Fighter titles on PlayStation 4. Both Ultra Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter V are available now.
What's The Hook?
Despite having some of the best fundamentals of any fighting game, there's no denying that Street Fighter V has a disappointing amount of content. If you want a more content rich experience, though, Ultra Street Fighter IV has you covered. Both games are excellent from a gameplay standpoint, and V will become more fully featured as time goes on.
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Tekken 7
Out Now?
While we don't have a release date for Tekken 7 yet, we do know that it'll release on PlayStation 4.
What's The Hook?
Finally announced for consoles at Paris Games Week 2015, Tekken 7 looks to be the most anticipated fighting game in the near future. There's a lot to be hyped about, too, as the game will feature a huge guest character in the form of Akuma from Street Fighter. Bandai Namco has also announced that the 3D fighting game will support PlayStation VR, so we're excited to see how it turns out.
