Tekken 3D Prime Edition

Handhelds aren’t normally the ideal format of choice for ultimate beat ‘em up experiences, but the Nintendo 3DS seems to be disproving that theory, and Tekken fans will be pleased to know that Tekken 3D Prime Edition remains as faithful to the console titles as could possibly be expected. Over 40 characters from the series are crammed into this version, so long-time players can rest assured of their favourites being available. As with other 3DS fighters, the touch screen can be used for combo attacks, with four programmable touch buttons having commands assigned to them, ready to input during combat. Movement is done via Circle Pad or D-pad, with the face buttons representing traditional punch and kick outputs.

One major selling feature Namco Bandai is pushing with Tekken 3D is a constant smooth 60 frames per second, even with stereoscopic 3D turned on. Other beat ‘em ups reduced gameplay down to 30fps when 3D was turned up, but the development team has worked hard to ensure maximum speed so the game is true to the console versions without sacrificing any of the gorgeous graphics, which look tremendous. The characters themselves are extremely pleasing on the eye during battles, and fans can expect equally as high a degree of quality during cut-scenes.

 

Playing through modes such as Arcade, Survival and Tag Challenge, the last of which has 26 tag missions, will increase your profile ranking, which lets you earn points and 'Tekken Cards,' of which there are over 700. Cards can be used in StreetPass to swap 3D character cards that really stand out when viewed in 3D. On top of the traditional battle modes, online multiplayer is included to fight others around the globe, and to trade your cards and data.

As if all of this had failed to whet your appetite, Namco Bandai is also including the full CG-animated movie, Tekken: Blood Vengeance, on the same game card, viewable in 3D. The movie is set between the events of Tekken 5 and 6, featuring famous faces from the series. For the price of a standard 3DS game, fans are getting a true console-like Tekken game and movie, ready to take anywhere. What a delicious prospect!