Tekken 6 Character Countdown Part 14: Wang Jinrei

Still going… still going…

As a way of counting down the time to the release of Tekken 6 for the PS3 and Xbox360, I’ve decided to begin this weekly series of lengthy, character-specific articles, each one featuring one of the 40 or so competing warriors in the latest and greatest King of Iron Fist Tournament. Hopefully, by the time we finish and reach character number 40, we’ll have the console version of Tekken in our hands already.

Part 14 brings us to another longtime character in the Tekken universe- in fact, he is probably the most long-lived fighter in the lineup. Already in his senior years when Heihachi was in his prime during the first Tekken, he has only grown even more powerful in the decades that have passed since. If wisdom and experience are measures of power, then this Old Master surely has no equal. He is the relentless merchant, the cunning gardener, the venerable grandfather of martial arts. He’s Wang Jinrei.

Wang Jinrei
Distinguishing Features: An elderly gentleman with eyes full of wisdom and almost perceptible energy. Long, white moustache and beard. Dead ringer for Master Roshi from Dragonball.

Strengths: Experience from countless battles and duels has given him an almost telepathic ability to counter and anticipate enemy attacks. His inner strength and chi are second to none. Knows more proverbs and dirty limericks than anyone else alive.

Weaknesses: His spiritual strength is slowly but surely being the limitations of his ancient body. Has a great weakness for ladies- preferably young and hot ladies. Often mistaken for a corpse when taking a nap.

Affiliation: None. He enters the latest Tekken Tournament to defeat Jin Kazama and stop the long-standing Blood Curse of the Mishima Legacy.

Background: The history of Wang Jinrei extends far, far before even the first Tekken Tournament, as he was a close friend of JInpachi Mishima, the grandfather of Heihachi and founder of the Mishima Zaibatsu. A relentless merchant known for both his cunning, wisdom and power back in his youth, he eventually retired to the life of a recluse, tending the gardens of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Such was his isolation that he failed to act when armed conflict gripped the Zaibatsu and his friend Jinpachi disappeared, leaving Heihachi in command.

A message left by Jinpachi gave Wang the cryptic message that for peace to be achieved, the Mishima bloodline had to be destroyed. When the Tekken Tournament was established, Wang acted as one of the sub-bosses. The Old Master used his position to weed out the weak and undeserving- he fought Marshall Law to a draw during this time.
The tournament ended with Kazuya defeating Heihachi and gaining control of the Zaibatsu. Wang sensed the evil in Kazuya and became the mentor of Lee Chaolan, eventually convincing him to help bring honor back to the Zaibatsu. In the end, both Wang and Lee’s efforts are what enabled Jun Kazama to defeat the Devil, and indirectly to aid Heihachi in overthrowing Kazuya and reclaiming the Zaibatsu.

Wang would go into seclusion afterwards, not appearing for the next two tournaments. It is speculated that Wang was one of the fighters attacked by the Ogre during Tekken 3, though this is never confirmed. He may have been recovering during the time afterwards, explaining his absence from Tekken 4.

Prior to the King of Iron Fist Tournament 5, Wang receives a strange message apparently sent by his long-lost friend, Jinpachi, asking for help. Puzzled but sensing great danger, Wang entered the Tournament. Eventually though, Wang is defeated utterly by Jin Kazama during the closing moments of the Tournament. Wang was satisfied though, thinking that Jin would perhaps bring peace to the Zaibatsu by ending the curse of his bloodline once and for all.

Unfortunately, it was not meant to be- shortly after defeating Jinpachi, Jin took over as the Mishima Zaibatsu’s new CEO and chaos quickly overran the world. The Tekken Force engaged in various covert activities, and in the ensuing armed conflicts the Zaibatsu declared itself an independent power. Wang, lamenting his indifference and lack of action, decides to enter the upcoming King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 with a newfound purpose…

Character Analysis: If Tekken was akin to Star Wars, then Wang here would be Obi-Wan. Heck, he’d be Yoda too. As the requisite ‘Old Master’ of martial arts, Wang should be almost invincible in terms of his power and experience- and you’d think that such power would have been enough to keep the peace and stop the constant troubles from the Mishima Zaibatsu. But then, Wang is still just human, and there’s only so much a tired old man can do. The Mishima family and clan is close to Wang, and it probably tears him inside to have to lift his hand against Heihachi, the son of Jinpachi whom he considers closer than a brother. But duty and the plain truth that the evil of the Mishima Bloodlines is now almost totally out of control may soon let loose the truly frightening power being held within the wrinkled old coot.

That said, Wang’s role is surely not of central hero. He is a guide, a guardian and an aide to those whose time is now. His time is long past, but his strength is still needed by those who must bear the burden fully on their younger, stronger backs. Wang will surely lend a hand to fighters such as Asuka Kazama or his own ward and ‘grand-daughter’ Ling Xiaoyu as they seek to stop Jin’s mad quest for power. Unfortunately, that hand may also find itself giving the said fighters a not-appreciated pat on the behind…

What does the future hold for Old Man Wang? As ancient as he is, again I don’t see him retiring anytime soon- at least, not as long as the Curse of the Mishima Bloodline exists. If the Mishima drama continues- and it surely will- Ol’ Obi Wan will be around to help fight it- whether it’s in body or in spirit.

Stay tuned next week when we delve into another fighter’s story!

Tekken 6 is set for release on the PS3 and Xbox360 this Fall 2009.

Metal Gear Solid 4 by Mega 64

Here’s a sketch from videogame comedy group Mega 64 spoofing Konami’s flagship stealth action opus… made particularly awesome by a surprise guest at the end.

Fashionable Fighters: More Tekken 6BR Customization Pics!

Because you really can’t have enough pics of the Tekken babes in cool, sexy outfits…

Nina’s ready to go clubbin’.

Now, back in Tekken 6, a LOT of complaints were launched at Nina Williams’ customizations. I mean, yeah, her Player 1 outfit is your usual Purple Combat Suit, and showing skin at the waist was nice… but man, the Player 2 outfit was pretty bland. Even worse were Nina’s alternates- granny flats! Yeah, her Death By Degrees outfits were hot, but overall- Nina needed more.

Well, she got more in Bloodline Rebellion. Aside from her sexy and sleek Racing Outfits, Nina got some sexy vests and jeans- her Tekken 3 look, basically. But the devs didn’t stop there, giving her back her cool numbers from Tekken 4 (the PVC catsuits) and some much-needed hot, miniskirts. Add in some high heels and knee-highs and… NOW that’s how a hot female assassin oughta dress.

Assassin babe essentials- sexy zip-tops.

Now, not to be outdone are the girls you’d think were just ‘cute’. Ling Xiaoyu in particular has got some pretty cool customs- she’s not limited to just her Magical Girl baubles. Ling got ‘Punk’ stuff, including jeans with one leg short and one long, sexy leg bands- one cutsie, one punkish with a pretty cool padlock. Even better, you can just dress Ling down to a pretty sexy sarashi top. Mmm.

Ling in her ‘Intense Sarashi’ top and Pumpkin Shorts.

And finally, here’s a look at Asuka Kazama’s Miko items- her whole set of Feudal Era customs that, when put together- forms Samurai Asuka! Man, all that stuff should take a couple of million in Fight Money to earn. DAAAAMN.

Everything a holy warrior maiden should have in her closet.

Anyway, even with these pics up, we’ve really only seen a fraction of the customs added to BR. All these will make it into the home versions (and more, hopefully), so for now just chew on the pics and dream of your killer fashion combos come this October.

Tekken 6 is set for the PS3 and Xbox360 this Fall 2009.

Resurrecting Dead or Alive

Will we see Hitomi and friends brawling again someday?

Okay, I’ve been going along all this time wearing my Tekkenhead and VF5R Fanatic Hats… but really, I was also a Dead or Alive fan, years ago. Well, to be exact, I absolutely adore a couple of games in the series- particularly Dead or Alive for the PSX and Saturn, and Dead or Alive Ultimate. The rest of the series I just love along with them, and I particularly LOATHE Dead or Alive 4.

Part of this is the simple fact that I freakin’ HATE Tomonobu Itagaki. The guy is easily THE most obnoxious, pompous overblown assholes in the gaming industry, which is tragic since he started off quite nice. Somewhere along the way he changed into this rockstar parody and proceeded to make games that I feel were his way of giving his fans time and again the finger. Well, he’s GONE from Tecmo and hopefully, gone forever from the Dead or Alive series.

Say what you will about DOA’s much-publicized fan service… it was a solid fighter most of the time, and the graphics were always impressive. However, it’s fault I believe was mainly in Itagaki’s arrogance which kept it in it’s own little world.

Let me say this- the pompous twit actually said that he had accomplished all that he needed to do with DOA4. That it could no longer be improved. Well, DOA4 sucks in so many ways for me, and I just hate it on principle. So here’s my two cents on how now, in a post-Itagaki Team Ninja, that Tecmo’s Flagship fighting game can be set right on the path and be a big player once again.

Update the Look. Dead or Alive hasn’t changed it’s look since DOA2. Really. Things have just gotten a bit smoother, clothes more detailed… and the boob physics have gotten progressively WORSE. Really. By the time DOAX2 rolled in, the boobs were more unrealistic than world peace. Throw out the old models and start everything from the ground up, from scratch. We don’t really need the anime-esque, you’ve seen one girl, you’ve seen them all style of yesteryear’s DOAs. It would probably be awesome to see the DOA babes finally looking more realistic and lifelike, purple hair and all. Let’s see it. Update the game in HD for the Next-gen consoles, the animations and stages- make it as fresh at least as Tekken 6 was to Tekken 5. Go realistic, solid and lifelike. It should blow people away.

Update the Fighting System. Counters ruling everything is outdated. DOA lacks side-throws. Incorporate counter-escapes and make the system deeper or more detailed. Update the moves. Have a new mechanic regarding the stages- something more to spice things up and give DOA a unique feel. Something. Perhaps the 3-button layout needs to go. Maybe.

Customization. Let me say this- Customization should be mandatory in fighting games, particularly 3-D fighters, from here on in. The big boys have it in spades, and they’re reaping rewards from players plunking in credits and quarters in order to earn that cool bling, rad shirt or funky hairdo. DOA should have had this years ago, but Itagaki just teased it in CG art but never delivered. So other fighters beat them to the punch. DOA has a built-in cast of babes ready to be fighting fashion models… use ’em!

Get Rid of the Guys. Hell, this is a bit of a stretch, but why not. Make DOA it’s own niche game- the only all-female fighter (in as much that Rumble Roses is an all-female wrestler). Introduce female versions of the best evicted male fighters to fill in the gaps and have variety in fighting styles, but add in all-new babes with never-before-seen fighting skills. It’s crazy, but who knows- it may just set DOA apart from the rest.

That said, here’s the New Story. DOATEC died in DOA4, which is something, at least. The runaway shinobi storyline with Kasumi is also outdated. Let’s see something new there. How hard can it be to think up a new tournament and an excuse for babes to get together and start kicking butt again? Here’s the answer. Why not call the New DOA Dead or Alive Xtreme 3? No more freakin’ stupid pool games with the bikini babes- we want swimsuit-clad WARS! The story is, simply, Zack sets up a fighting tournament on a new island, with a big cash prize at stake, calling up all the ladies around. Go all the way, Team Ninja! GO!

Now, how realistic will a future DOA game be? Certainly, this franchise is one of Tecmo’s best and biggest assets, and it would be very silly to think that they would shelve it forever. Team Ninja is most probably already working on the next game, sans Itagaki’s taint, and who knows- maybe the once solid challenger from Tecmo will someday hold water against Tekken, VF and Soulcalibur again.

Let me say this- I am DEAD SERIOUS with all that I have said. To Team Ninja, this is your recipe to resurrecting your fighter. Do this, and you’ll be a Top Fighter once more! Well… at least, with me. Heheh.

Team Ninja unveils Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

When Tomonobu Itagaki got frakked out of Tecmo, the fate of his then-leaderless development group, Team Ninja, was supposedly in question. Well, ask no more- the well-known devs behind the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series are hard at work making more games even without the rockstar wannabee arse that was their swelled head.

The big title so far in the horizon isn’t a DOA game, unfortunately, though it stars a couple of characters from Tecmo’s fighter. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is an exclusive title for the PS3, and will supposedly be the ultimate version of the bloody action series.
Once again, players take the role of ninja master Ryu Hayabusa as he battles fiendish opponents and encounters busty babes.

Ayane. Deadlier and even more inappropriately-dressed as ever.

Taking a cue from the recently-released Resident Evil 5 though, NGS2 will feature a second character joining the battle with Ryu. In fact, not one but TWO new ninja are taking up the blade in Sigma 2. Ayane, the fickle purple-haired kunoichi FINALLY gets off her butt in the sidelines and has her own Story Mode to pursue along with Ryu. Her blinding speed and spinning attacks seem to be culled directly from her DOA moveset.

Momiji makes the jump from the DS to the PS3.

The other new playable is Momiji, a ponytailed beauty who first appeared in Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword for the DS. Armed with a long lance, Momiji seems to take over the ranged attack style reminiscent of Rachel from past NG games. And what of Rachel, you may ask? Well, the blonde bimbo, er bombshell, will appear in the game in some capacity… no details yet.

Trailers and screens have shown Ryu and Ayane fighting side by side, showing off NGS2’s co-op player action, also recently revealed at the current Game Developer’s Conference. Apparently Ryu and Ayane (and we assume Momiji as well) can team up for some Dual Ninpo for double the damage.

As a tweaked and greatly expanded version of the previous games, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 should address a lot of complaints with the past titles, including the sloppily-made Ninja Gaiden 2. The camera will be improved as well as more difficulty levels to insure that while challenging, the game won’t require you to actually have ninja reflexes and patience to finish. Plus, PS3 gamers can expect DLC to keep the game fresh afterwards. Man, this all sounds great. Itagaki should have been sacked years ago. WAHAHA!

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is set for release in Fall 2009.

Becoming Mr. Bubbles: Bioshock 2 Update

There’s been quite a bit of info on Bioshock 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the critically-acclaimed ‘genetically-enhanced shooter’. The game’s storyline has been hinted upon by a teaser website, but more solid details of the plot have been revealed in the latest issue of Game Informer magazine.

The game is set some years after the events depicted in the first Bioshock. Based on the ‘good ending’ where the first game’s protagonist left Rapture with a bunch of Little Sisters in tow, Rapture sank into chaos after the sudden shortage of Adam. Order was only restored when a new power filled Rapture’s power vacuum.

Supposedly players will take the role of the ‘First Big Daddy’, a prototype who is faster and more intelligent (well, as intelligent as the player is) version of the armored diving suit-wearing, drill-handed walking bosses. Since you are ‘The First’, you’ll have powers over and beyond those of other Big Daddies- basically you’ll have access to Plasmids and be able to upgrade your powers as you go along and collect Adam, the power source of Rapture. You will also be an outlaw, apparently even in the seemingly lawless underwater city you’ll be walking around with a bull’s eye on your butt.

Being a Big Daddy, one of your goals is to find a Little Sister of your own to take care of. Along with searches for Adam among the corpses littering Rapture’s corridors, you’ll have to fend off attacks from Splicers on your little charge. But the Splicers won’t be your only threat- in fact, the biggest obstacle will be the much-publicized Big Sister, a female version of the Big Daddies. This unique opponent is thinner but far faster and more agile than BD’s, and she’s got an agenda of her own. A former Little Sister, the Big Sister seems to be seeking to rebuild Rapture into the image of what she remembers it… and that may not jive with your own goals.

So as you grow stronger and flesh out your own mission in Rapture, expect the Big Sister to come after you with growing relentlessness- kinda like Rapture’s version of Nemesis. And since she apparently absorbs Adam directly into her body, growing stronger each time- you know there’s bound to be a final battle between you by the game’s climax. You know the old saying- There Can Be Only One Big Boss.

Bioshock 2 is slated for release in late 2009, though a game like this can easily slip into next year. The good news is, it’s gonna come out on both PS3 and Xbox360 simultaneously.

Here’s to this sequel living up to the lofty heights (or depths) that the original set. For now, all we can do is dream of our impending return trip to Rapture.

Tekken 6 Bloodline Rebellion Tops the Charts

The latest (April 2009) issue of Arcadia Magazine revealed that Tekken 6 Bloodline Rebellion is the Number 1 game in Japanese arcades. Namco-Bandai’s upgrade kicked off last month’s top title, Blazblue, which had in turn taken the top slot from Tekken 6 the month before. Given from how addictive BR is along with the tons of customizations that can be earned will keep this fighter on top of the hill for a while. Maybe.

Meanwhile, here in Manila, we don’t have any Arcadia or any other publication to say what the top arcade game is- but I’m pretty sure Tekken 6BR is at the top of the list of Timezone’s credit crunchers. Well, then again I could be wrong… the Deal or No Deal crowd is pretty loyal as well. Heheh.

Still sweating it out on our trek to the console version, which is still, so far, set for a release in late 3rd Quarter 2009. I’m seriously considering doing something pretty special to pass the time, but I’ll announce that only once I actually get started on that special project. More on that later…

Tekken 6 Character Countdown Part 13: Christie Monteiro

Call her ‘Eddy in drag’ at your own peril.

As a way of counting down the time to the release of Tekken 6 for the PS3 and Xbox360, I’ve decided to begin this weekly series of lengthy, character-specific articles, each one featuring one of the 40 or so competing warriors in the latest and greatest King of Iron Fist Tournament. Hopefully, by the time we finish and reach character number 40, we’ll have the console version of Tekken in our hands already.

Here’s a special follow-up to Part 12! Part 13 features a fighter tied closely to the previous entrant, Eddy Gordo. In fact, she’s identical to him in fighting style and moves. This formidable female and a fourth-generation Tekken fighter is one hot lady- in fact, her fans will readily say she is THE hottest female in the roster. But despite her superficial beauty and overt sex appeal, this fighter is a courageous heroine in her own right, fighting with no other goal than to save her loved ones. This sensuous siren brings heat to the arena in more ways than one. Her name is Christie Monteiro.

Christie Monteiro
Distinguishing Features: A buffer and sexier Beyonce.

Strengths: A deadly combo machine with kicks and gymnastic moves that hit like an avalanche on the unprepared. Once she gets into her groove, the rhythm of destruction she can rain down on her opponent is almost a force of nature. All that and she’s hot- a vibrant soul filled with optimism and fortitude that goes beyond her obvious physical beauty.

Weaknesses: If she gets predictable, can be easily countered, anticipated and punished. Supposedly weaker than Eddy, compensating for her slightly better speed.

Affiliation: Enters the King of Iron Fist Tournament apparently alone, looking for the missing Eddy Gordo and her grandfather.

Background: Soon after the end of the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3, Eddy Gordo sought out Christie Monteiro, the granddaughter of his teacher, Ho Chi Myong the Great Capoeira Master, in order to teach her in the ways of their martial art. In just two years, Christie had become an impressive fighter in her own right. During that time, master and student had become close, perhaps even romantically involved. But any relationship they had was interrupted when Eddy abruptly went missing. His last words to Christie were, “I must seek vengeance on the enemy responsible for the death of my father.”

Troubled by Eddy’s disappearance, Christie did her best to seek him out. Her quest brought her into the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4, and eventually she found Eddy, who had been seeking out Kazuya.

When her grandfather was released from prison after Tekken 4, Christie was dismayed to learn that he had contracted a mysterious illness that left him with only six months to live. Later finding out that the Mishima Zaibatsu may have the technology and resources to find a cure, Christie entered the King of Iron Fist Tournament 5. Despite her best efforts though, she was defeated and had to return home.

Once she arrived in Brazil, Christie was surprised to find her grandfather missing from the hospital. Her investigations soon revealed that he had been transferred to the Mishima Zaibatsu’s medical facility. Seeking to find the exact location and condition of her grandfather and perhaps Eddy as well, she once again sets out to enter the latest King of Iron Fist Tournament.

Character Analysis: For those who found Eddy Gordo a bit too manly, the appearance of Christie Monteiro in Tekken 4 may have been a good incentive to take up the Capoeiria mantel. Certainly easier on the eyes, Christie has since then proven extremely popular despite many a pundit calling her little more than Eddy in drag. Despite the fact that their move lists are identical, Eddy is supposedly stronger (more damage) and has slightly longer range while Christie is faster (I may be wrong). So their differences are more than simple cosmetics or win animations. Me? I would rather of course stare at Christie than Eddy, so it really boils down to every player’s preference.

Christie is predictably often portrayed in sexy attire and provocative poses, the sensual dancing diva who defeats her opponents with a combination of her rhythmic kicks and sex appeal. She often uses her feminine wiles to charm or set opponents off-guard, as shown by her pre-fight quotes. But anyone who underestimates her invites disaster- this girl is all business and she knows what she wants.
And what she wants is pretty simple- she’s out fighting for the ones she loves- her grandfather, and Eddy, whether the big macho lug thinks he needs helping or not. Of course, it’s Eddy who underestimates her the most, ironically.

What lies in the future for Christie? She certainly is a pretty, little butterfly heading into a dense, thorny thicket, a storm of dangerous winds which is the Tekken 6 Tournament. But she’s been taught by the best- she’s got the skills and the drive to make it at least to Eddy’s side and perhaps kick some sense into his stubborn head. Certainly this beautiful, spunky princess- who refuses to wait around and let her prince charming do all the work- can win her own happy ending on her own terms, with her own hands (and feet!). We’ll just have to wait and see.

Stay tuned next week for another fighter’s story!

Tekken 6 is slated for the PS3 and Xbox360 in Fall 2009.

Tekken 6 Character Countdown Part 12: Eddy Gordo

Capoeira’s Poster Boy faces his Darkest Hour.

As a way of counting down the time to the release of Tekken 6 for the PS3 and Xbox360, I’ve decided to begin this weekly series of lengthy, character-specific articles, each one featuring one of the 40 or so competing warriors in the latest and greatest King of Iron Fist Tournament. Hopefully, by the time we finish and reach character number 40, we’ll have the console version of Tekken in our hands already.

Part 12 brings us to a fighter who came in relatively late in the series, bringing with him a unique fighting style that was, at the time unknown in videogames. His fascinating, dance-like stance and powerful and seamless, seemingly unending kick combos made him an instant favorite for players of all levels- including button-mashers, much to many an opponents’ frustration. Much has happened since then, and while he has been balanced out considerably since, in the right hands, Eddy Gordo is still a force to be reckoned with.

Eddy Gordo
Distinguishing Features: Dreadlocks. Expensive sunglasses and lots of bling. FASCA!!! Usually seen in a handstand.

Strengths: A deadly combo machine with kicks and gymnastic moves that hit like an avalanche on the unprepared. Once he gets into his groove, the rhythm of destruction he can rain down on his opponent is almost a force of nature.

Weaknesses: If he gets predictable, can be easily countered, anticipated and punished. Will do anything for those he considers his only family left- his ailing master and his lady love, Christie Monteiro.

Affiliation: Currently working as a member of the Tekken Force under Jin Kazama, taking part in covert operations throughout the world.

Background: Born to one of the richest families in Brazil, Eddy’s life was forever changed when his parents were murdered by drug cartels. As part of his father’s dying request, Eddy admitted to the crime and was put in prison where he would, supposedly, be able to escape the immediate attention of his family’s enemies. There in the hard and merciless hell behind bars, Eddy waited to strike back at the ones who had killed his father and grew stronger. He met an old man, the Great Master of Capoeira, who taught him how to fight. Later, when Eddy broke out of prison and joined the Tekken 3 Tournament to begin his quest for vengeance, he found out the identity of his father’s murderer- Kazuya Mishima.

Eddy would disappear in the next tournament, his spot on the roster filled in by his student and his master’s granddaughter, Christie Monteiro. It is implied that Eddy went deep underground at this time, seeking out the whereabouts of Kazuya. Little is known of his activities, and Eddy would only resurface and return to the King of Iron Fist Tournament in Tekken 5.
When Eddy’s master was released from prison, the great Capoeira Master was but a shadow of his former self. An unknown illness plagued the old man, giving him only six months to live. However, Eddy learned that his master’s life could be saved through the technology and resources of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Setting aside his personal vendetta for now, Eddy sought to win the tournament for his master’s sake.

At the end of the King of Iron Fist Tournament 5, Jin Kazama emerged as the victor and new CEO of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Eddy approached Jin and the two spoke in private, soon reaching an agreement. In return for the Zaibatsu’s aid in finding a way to save his master’s life, Eddy joined the Tekken force and began using his strength and skills to help the Mishima Zaibatsu carry out its plans of world conquest…

Character Analysis: Easily one of the most popular and well-known Tekken characters, Eddy Gordo probably popularized Capoeira to the layman and mainstream society, for better or worse. As a character, he is usually portrayed as a righteous young man whose life has been thrown into chaos thanks to his family’s involvement in the business of Kazuya Mishima. His only anchors to a life apart from his thirst for revenge are his master, the Great Capoeira Master, and Christie Monteiro… for them, he would do anything and everything- perhaps even make a deal with the devil himself.

Eddy and Jin Kazama joined the Tekken Tournament at the same time, way back in Tekken 3. It seems likely that two youths, but seeking justice, would find a certain kinship or even friendship in one another, even if circumstances may place them on opposing sides. Since then, each has changed, for better or for worse. Today, Eddy is forced by fate to approach Jin. Does he recognize the radical change that has transformed Jin since they last met? Does he care that he is now carrying out much of the same evil that caused him his own misfortunes many years ago?

In any case, Eddy has thrown his lot in with Jin and the Zaibatsu, and no doubt he will carry through with his promise if it means saving his master’s life. And, if in the process it brings him into confrontation with the man who set him on the Devil’s Road- Kazuya Mishima himself- all the better, it seems. Everything that Eddy has been fighting for seems to be falling into his grasp. But dealing with the devil always has its price- Eddy may end up with everything or nothing depending on how the rhythm goes.

What does the future hold for Eddy Gordo? When Jin and the Zaibatsu fall into their inevitable ruin, a survivor and fighter like Eddy should have the sense to jump ship and make for the surface. It’s been a hard time so far for Eddy- perhaps now he’s due for some payback. Surely the main proponent of Capoeira will land on his feet when all is said and done- hopefully with his lady love at his arm and his master at his side- in order to fight and dance another day.

Stay tuned next week for another fighter’s story!

Tekken 6 is slated for the PS3 and Xbox360 in Fall 2009.

Metal Gear Solid Touch Sneaks In

SNAAAAAAAAAAKKKKEEEE!!!!

The latest MGS title, Metal Gear Solid Touch on the iPhone and iPod Touch, is here. Well, actually, it’s on the US and UK Appstore already, one full day ahead of its supposed release date. Unfortunately for us Asian fans of Old Snake, no sign of MGST on the Philippine store yet. Once it does, it’s a sure buy for me.

The game looks… well… it looks like MGS, albeit kinda flat. But still, the sound and music are spot-on amazing, and that alone is enough to make this title head and shoulders over most other iGames. Supposedly this intro version will contain 12 levels, with more to be added via updates to the game (free of course once you buy the game). Anyway, it’s not a simple ‘Duck Hunt’ with Snake, the zoom-and-snipe moments are cool and shootouts seem fairly intense. This should be an improvement over iSniper, in any case. More on this as I get it.