Highlights
Tekken's history is filled with intense rivalries that drive the storyline and engage fans in the fighting dynamics of the game.
Tekken's hate-filled history revolves around the battles and betrayals within the Mishima family, specifically between Heihachi and Kazuya, as well as Jin and Kazuya. Additionally, the game features notable rivalries such as King and Armor King, Feng Wei and Lei Wulong, Hwoarang and Jin, Bryan and Yoshimitsu, and Lars and Jin, each with their distinct motivations and backstories.
Rivalry is the driving force behind intense battles in boxing, MMA, and fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. While button mashing can be entertaining, the context adds a thrilling element that immerses players in the fighting dynamics. In the Tekken series, each character represents unique ideals, and when the conflicting ideologies of good and evil collide, it sparks an epic power struggle that captivates fans. As Tekken 8 approaches, the franchise's most prominent rivalries are set to make a comeback, and delving into the history of these famous conflicts is always appreciated.
The history of Tekken's animosity begins with Heihachi Mishima and his wife Kazumi. Upon discovering Kazumi's occultic origins and her intention to end his life, Heihachi preemptively kills her. Still not completely secure, Heihachi throws his son Kazuya off a cliff, suspecting that he too possesses the devil gene inherited from his mother. Heihachi's loving father and husband persona transforms into that of a power-hungry tyrant. He imprisons his own father in the basement of the Mishima Zaibatsu compound and hosts the Tekken tournament to assert his dominance as the world's strongest fighter. Unbeknownst to Heihachi, Kazuya survives the fall and soon enters the contest, determined to claim the Mishima Zaibatsu for himself. This marks the beginning of their intense and ferocious battles.
Family Battles and Betrayals are on Display in Tekken
Paternal animosity runs deep within Jin Kazama's family. He harbors a profound hatred for his father, Kazuya, due to his absence when Ogre brutally murdered his mother, Jun Kazama. Jin resents Kazuya's willingness to embrace his devil powers and makes it his mission to eliminate the devil gene and all devils from the world, including his own father.
One of Tekken's more lighthearted rivalries is showcased between King and Armor King. These two fighters don similar-looking leopard head masks, making it challenging to tell them apart. However, Armor King wears armor while King fights shirtless, adhering to the stereotype of a wrestler. Their motivation for fighting lies in protecting the innocent, cultivating a mutual respect between the two.
Conversely, Feng Wei and Lei Wulong's rivalry stems from a tragic incident. Feng unintentionally kills his master during a test of strength, resulting in the destruction of the Kazama dojo and causing harm to numerous individuals. As a Hong Kong interpol officer, Lei takes on the role of a spokesman for justice, determined to bring Feng Wei to justice for his crimes.
Jin and Hwoarang's clashes date back to Tekken 3 when a street fight ended in a draw. Hwoarang becomes driven to defeat Jin when they cross paths again in the Tekken 5 tournament. Initially, Hwoarang gains the upper hand in their confrontation, seemingly defeating Jin. However, Jin's devil gene takes control, inflicting severe injuries on Hwoarang, ultimately forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.
The rivalry between Bryan and Yoshimitsu in Tekken is filled with animosity. It all begins when the cyborg, Bryan, joins the Tournament in a desperate search for his creator, Dr. Abel. After being defeated, Bryan makes a final attempt to forcefully take control of the Mishima Zaibatsu to save his own life. However, his plan fails and he ends up getting injured. Yoshimitsu, the leader of the Majin clan, assists Bryan by taking him to Dr. Bosconovitch for medical assistance. Bryan is fitted with a power generator, but he betrays Yoshimitsu by killing clan members and attacking the doctor. This leads to Yoshimitsu seeking revenge and ignites their ongoing rivalry.
The enmity between Lars and Jin is initiated when Jin assumes control of the Mishima Zaibatsu and instigates World War 3 with the purpose of eliminating the devil Azazel and eradicating the devil gene from the world. In response, Lars embarks on a mission to defeat Jin in hopes of putting an end to the war. Just like Mortal Kombat, Tekken features numerous rivalries, captivating gamers who are eager to once again showcase their virtual prowess in the next installment.