TekkenThe Combo system has always been one of its defining functions-intricate, high reward, spotted and sometimes brutal punishment. But over the years, especially in Tekken 7 and Tekken 8The length of combinations has extended to frustrating extremes – not because they reward skill, but because they often rob the agency from the defending player for several seconds at a time. Therefore, the solution for Tekken 9 is not to lower the combination damage, which would actually only undermine the reward structure as competitive Tekken thrive., but to shorten combination sequences while maintaining full damage.
By keeping the damage high but reducing the number of hits, Tekken 9 could resolve one of the series' core design errors. It would keep the threat of punishment intact, while making neutral gaps and estimated breaks feel more intentional and influence. This would also help eliminate boredom and helplessness that long combinations cause.
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Tekken 9 should reconcile one of its predecessors' sins from the start
While one aspect of Tekken 8 has probably let the players who expected more, the sequel does not have to suffer the same problem.
Why shorter combinations would actually make the tekken harder and better
Tekken is at its best when the microdes play a role; The player shows his skill by bending, punishing Whiffs and Beta Mot-Hits. But right now many matches are on memorized 8-12 hit string that leaves both players decoupled: a passive, one by a rigid execution route. Shorter, high injury combinations in Tekken would require cleaner execution and smarter optimization. If Tekken 9 If that way goes, it would force players to maximize injuries with fewer features and optimize their routing instead of relying on extended juggles to cover mistakes and amputate the opponent, regardless of players' other skills.
In many ways this would raise the execution ceiling for competitive dynamics TekkenDon't lower it. Right now, many matches are hinges at some big moments, and the game is often about luck and timing. A combination can lead to a 60% loss of life without ways to escape when a combination is in motion. In a system of shorter combinations, the flow would benefit more exchanges: less yet deadly opportunities to push benefits without removing control from the defender for absurd stretches.
Tekken's Future needs commitment, not just spectacle
Tekken 9 Must realize that the visual spectacle with long combinations is not worth the gaming cost. Spectators may marvel at long strings once or twice, but real tension comes from rapid changes in speed, not extended autopilot sequences. TekkenShort, brutal combinations, those who end quickly but that beating equally hard, would lead to faster recovery, more encryptions and a faster pace to matches overall. Players would be encouraged to stay sharp every second instead of checking out mentally once launched.
What is equally important is that it also helps new players. Learning effective combinations should feel less like memorizing a playlist with input strings. It should instead be about who can figure out the best combination of maybe a four-hit game, a grip, a block and a surprise signature movement by the fighter they play with. That encourages mastery and does not burden newcomers in Tekken With bloated, impractical combination trees.
Reducing Tekken's combination length can give importance to defense again
If Tekken 9 adopts shorter combinations and the same injury philosophy, it would redefine how Tekken Feeling at all levels of games. Defense would mean more, just as it originally made back Tekken 3; Neutral moments would be richer and real-time-tanks games Tekken Built on would return to the forefront. Winning Tekken Rounds would be about reading the opponent better and strikingly faster instead of memorizing a 15-second juggling.
TekkenThe strength has always been its pick-up-and-play appell with endless mastery potential. Overlong Combos threatens that balance by making large parts of matches passive and non-interactive. Correct it in Tekken 9 Would restore the nuclear experience that made the series legendary.
Tekken 8
9/10
- Published
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January 26, 2024
- ESRB
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t
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
