Tekken 9 Needs Shorter, High-Damage Combos to Fix Core Design Flaws

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In Tekken, the combo system has always been a standout characteristic – it’s intricate, high-reward, flashy, and sometimes downright punishing. However, in games like Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, combos have become excessively long, which can be more frustrating than rewarding because they often take away the defending player’s control for extended periods of time. For Tekken 9, the solution isn’t to decrease combo damage, as this would actually weaken the competitive Tekken’s incentive structure. Instead, it would be beneficial to shorten the duration of combo sequences while maintaining the same level of damage output.

In Tekken 9, by increasing the intensity of each blow but decreasing the frequency of attacks, they could address one fundamental design issue within the series. This strategy keeps the sense of danger while making thoughtful gaps and calculated pauses in gameplay feel more meaningful and significant. Additionally, this modification may reduce the monotony and feelings of powerlessness often associated with lengthy combos.

Why Shorter Combos Would Actually Make Tekken Harder and Better

In its optimal state, Tekken shines when small choices made by the players matter significantly; they showcase their mastery through dodging, capitalizing on missed attacks, and luring counter-attacks. However, currently, a large number of matches are determined by memorized sequences of 8 to 12 hits that leave both competitors detached: one passive, one strictly adhering to a predefined sequence of actions. A shorter, high-damage combo system in Tekken would necessitate more precise execution and smarter optimization. If Tekken 9 were to adopt this approach, it would push players to maximize damage with fewer moves, optimizing their strategies instead of relying on extended juggles to compensate for errors and incapacitate the opponent, regardless of either player’s other abilities.

In numerous aspects, enhancing this aspect could elevate the strategic peak of Tekken’s competitive dynamics, not diminish it. Presently, a significant number of matches rely on key decisive moments, and the game frequently boils down to chance and timing. A single combo can lead to a 60% health depletion without any means for escape once a combo is initiated. In a setup with shorter combos, the gameplay would lean towards more interactions: smaller but still fatal opportunities to exploit advantages without depriving the defender of control for excessive periods.

Tekken’s Future Needs Engagement, Not Just Spectacle

In simpler terms, Tekken 9 should understand that the impressive display of lengthy combos isn’t compensated by the gameplay sacrifices. While spectators might appreciate long strings occasionally, true excitement stems from frequent shifts in control rather than extended automated sequences. Shorter, intense combos in Tekken, which end quickly but pack a punch, would result in more frequent resets, scrambles, and a faster-paced game overall. This would keep players on their toes instead of allowing them to relax mentally after launching an attack.

In essence, it’s crucial that this method assists novice players as well. Instead of requiring them to remember a complex playbook of input sequences, it should be about discovering the optimal combination of moves such as a four-hit sequence, a grab, a block, and a unique signature move of their character. This way, it fosters mastery without overwhelming newcomers in Tekken with overly complicated and impractical combo structures.

Reducing Tekken’s Combo Length Could Give Importance to Defense Once Again

If Tekken 9 were to incorporate shorter combo sequences while maintaining its existing damage philosophy, it would significantly alter the experience of playing Tekken at all skill levels. Defense would regain importance, much like in Tekken 3; neutral situations would become more intricate, and the real-time mental strategies that Tekken is known for would once again take center stage. In this version of Tekken, winning rounds would be about anticipating your opponent’s moves better and striking quicker rather than memorizing a lengthy juggle sequence.

The allure of Tekken lies in its accessibility for beginners while offering endless depth for advanced players. Overly lengthy combos disrupt this equilibrium by rendering significant portions of fights passive and unengaging. Addressing this issue in Tekken 9 would help restore the authentic experience that has earned the series its iconic status.

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2025-05-02 06:44