Tekken Fans: Don’t Expect a Retro Collection Anytime Soon

Longtime Tekken developers Katsuhiro Harada and Michael Murray believe that releasing a collection of classic Tekken games is unlikely due to the fundamental differences between 2D and 3D graphics. Many fans cherish the iconic 90s titles in the series, including the beloved Tekken 3.

Since its inception in arcades and its transition to home consoles, Tekken has remained a staple for fighting game enthusiasts. Over its three-decade journey, Bandai Namco's franchise has consistently received acclaim for each installment, from Tekken Tag Tournament 2 to the recently released Tekken 8.

While other Japanese studios, such as Capcom, have successfully repackaged their classic fighting games for modern platforms, Bandai Namco has yet to adopt this strategy for Tekken. Recent comments from key developers suggest this trend may continue for the foreseeable future.

In a conversation with TheGamer, Tekken 8 co-producer Harada expressed skepticism about the viability of a retro game compilation for Tekken, citing the franchise's 3D graphics. He noted that players of 3D fighting games typically prefer the latest versions, and the earlier titles' polygonal character models may not appear "nearly as impressive" today. In contrast, Harada pointed out that 2D fighting games, which feature "just sprite characters," do not suffer as much from aging, making them visually timeless.

The Future of a Tekken Retro Collection Looks Dim

Murray, who assisted in translating Harada's insights, echoed the sentiment that 3D fighting games age less gracefully than their 2D counterparts. However, he did acknowledge that he might be intrigued by a fighting game featuring outdated 3D graphics if it offered gameplay that was "drastically different," similar to the contrast between Tekken Tag 2 and Tekken 7. Recently, Harada hinted that longtime developers may step back after the next game, leaving the door open for new teams to consider the idea of a retro Tekken compilation.

With both Harada and Murray disinterested in the notion of a retro collection, it seems clear that Tekken fans should not anticipate something akin to Capcom's Fighting Collection for Bandai Namco's iconic fighting franchise. Consequently, there appears to be little hope for those eager to play classic titles like the original Tekken on modern consoles.

However, the demand for retro Tekken games persists among players. Collections like the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics often attract buyers due to nostalgia, and modern ports of classic titles cater to this sentiment. Should Tekken ever receive its own retro collection in the future, it would provide fans with a more accessible way to enjoy the beloved classics.