Tekken. Namco's premier franchise and possibly the most popular 3D fighting game in the world, is back back BACK in its fifth incarnation (don't forget about Tekken Tag Tournament).

Already out in your local arcades and in Japan, Tekken will once again bring its RK, RP, LP, LK, RP+RK, LP, LP, RP brand of action into fight-happy homes. While appearances might give the impression that this is really just more of the same, a host of subtle improvements should enhance the joy of hand-to-hand combat here.

The first matter of concern is the handful of new characters Namco is bringing into the fold. Violet, Christie Monteiro, Craig Marduk, Combot and Steve Fox join the ranks of participants in the 4th Iron Fist Tournament. Steve Fox might be the most compelling member of the new crew as he doesn't so much think about kicking. An all-punching, all-the-time machine, Steve is a straight-up boxer. He bobs and weaves and ducks and throws body blows and uppercuts. Combot is T4's replacement for Gun Jack, while Christie is Eddy Gordo's capoeira-loving daughter. Finally, Craig Marduk is a big bruiser cast in the Zangief mold while Violet is a dandy fop reminiscent of Lee Caholan. Kazuya fans will also be interested to hear that their favorite possessed pugilist is back in the fold as an immediately playable fighter.

Formerly available characters like Dr. Boskonovitch, Alex/Roger, Mokujin, Baek, Ganryu and Gon (who might just be gone for good) are missing in action. We're not sur.....

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