Tekken 2

Before Tekken became synonymous with console fighting games, it had to build its foundations. And it was Tekken 2 that firmly established Namco's series at the top.

The second installment took the solid concept of three-dimensional combat from the first Tekken and refined it into a far more playable form. It added new characters, tuned the controls built on independent buttons for each limb, and expanded the movement options. Tekken set itself apart from rival fighting games precisely through that intuitive system, where each button controls one arm or leg, giving the player a natural sense of control over their fighter.

Here Namco further developed the brand's signature traits: a varied roster of characters with their own fighting styles, story backgrounds for the individual combatants, and quality presentation. The combat was faster and more readable than that of many rivals, and the fighting system offered enough depth for tournament players and pleasant accessibility for Sunday brawlers alike.

The console version for the PlayStation ensured that the arcade attraction became a home evergreen. It was precisely the availability of quality 3D fighters at home that was a big draw in the mid-nineties, and Tekken became one of the console's flagships. It thus laid the foundations on which its successors would later build the reputation of one of the longest-living and most successful fighting series of all time.

Thanks to this installment, the series built a loyal fan base and a clear identity. Whether you're drawn to competitive play or just want to understand where today's legend of the genre came from, the second Tekken is an important stone in that structure.

Why play it: The installment that firmly established Tekken among the top console fighters and refined the intuitive control system based on individual limbs.