最新更新（from ss's message）
On Thursday, September 23, 2004, we visited Betson West Distributing, a Coin-Op machine distributor in Buena Park, CA. Namco Representative Emilio Cabrera was kind enough to be there to showcase and let the general public testplay the latest prototype version of the highly anticipated Tekken 5 Arcade Machine. We got the chance to speak with both Mr. Cabrera and Betson West Sales Representative Bill Watson on what was new in this version and when to expect these cabinets to begin hitting the local arcades.
The first thing that Mr. Cabrera showed off to us was the Card System. As mentioned in our previous article, the card system allows for customization to your characters--add colors, glasses, tattoos, etc. Of course, the customization is purely cosmetic and will not affect gameplay in any way. Mr. Cabrera explained that once you pop your game card in and we see your character on the screen, everybody is going to know that it's your character because it is unique. In this version, we saw that when you stuck a game card into the game slot during the character select screen, a new window would pop up asking you whether you wanted to use this card or not. Selecting "Yes" would open another game menu inside this pop up window that allows you to edit your settings and spend the "Tekken Money" you earned from winning matches. Each game card will still only carry data for one character. The reasoning behind this was because most players usually only play with 1 or 2 characters. Why not improve this situation by letting players customize their favorite characters? When asked about how much the game cards will be, Mr. Cabrera said that they will be $5 USD each, the same estimated pricing Namco Representative Jason Arney had mentioned during the Evo2k4 playtest.
The version they had up for this playtest was a 70% complete build, whereas the Evo2k4 playtest version was only a 50% complete build. There are a number of noticable differences in this version compared to the last. First of which is another graphical upgrade. The character skins are more detailed--you can now see the muscle tone on some of the better-built characters. New and revamped stages are included in this version as well. You can now see a ghost ship in the background of the "treasure chest stage," and there is the new "penguin stage" that was seen in the Tekken 5 E3 Trailer where the bear Kuma was dancing backwards at the ending. Last but not least, there were a considerable amount of new moves added to characters in this version of the game.
-----
Here is a small list of some news and observations from the playtest courtesy of MarkMan:
MISC
- From speaking with the Namco rep, he was hinting towards a first or second week of October for the Tekken 5 release.
- Overall the game still feels close if not unchanged from it was at EVO. The gameplay was fine and matches went by at a good pace.
HWOARANG
- d/f+2 only launches if they are standing.
- RFS d+4 hits grounded.
- d/f+2, 2,4,2, f+3, u/f+3,4,3 is the shit.
JIN
- cd+1 is not safe. But is still damn good. The damage on the move alone adds up to great damage in combos. Some of the notable juggles from today were:
cd+1, b,f+2,1, b,f+2,1,2
cd+1, b,f+2,1, 1,3~3, d+4
- After NJS 4 hits you can juggle after. Example, NJS 4, cd ws 4, f,f+2.
KING
- b+1 is similar to b+2. Hits high, forces enemy to crouch on block. Slow though.
- u/f+3 is a great low crush move that did decent damage on CH and also on grounded opponents.
- d/b+3 on hit is really good. ws 1 would beat out anything my opponent would do. On CH the hit effect is that of Marduk's FC d/f+4.
- New juggles I came up with...
u/f+4, 2,1, f+2,2,2(this wasn't possible at EVO)
u/f+4, f+2,2, 1, 1+3_2+4
u/f+4, 1, f+2,2, 1, F+2+4
LEI
- d+4~D leads into SNK stance. Not that good from what I tested. Any options afterwards(attacks and stance changing) was easily interrupted, even if the d+4 hit.
- Big roundhouse kick seen in some Korean vids is f,f+4. It has an extension which is a sideways flip which is seen in one of the T-O screen shots against King. The whole move is f,f+4,3+4. On CH f,f+4 would turn the opponent sideways.
LEE
- Lee was severely toned down from the EVO build. As mentioned by others, move properties have changed.
- From low parry, acid storm seemed gauranteed.
- As mentioned u/f+3+4 hits lower to the ground and is mid.
NINA
- Her new strings look really nice. Mixups from her 3_4~U_D rolls into ss moves were a great addition.
- ss+2 animation has changed and now has slightly less range. Completely safe still though.
- f,f+1 is a launcher that launches similar to TTT Kazuya CH wgf.
BRYAN
- Hella damage on juggles.
- f,f+1+2 throw as mentioned does not yield gauranteed d/f+3.
MARDUK
- the active window for when a tackle actually goes into the tackle animation is longer than in T4. It leaves more room for opponents to hit Marduk out of the tackle.
-----
As MarkMan had mentioned, according to the Namco and Betson West Distributing Reps, the Tekken 5 Arcade Machine will begin distribution either the first or second week of October. Most arcade operators that have placed an order for it should recieve their machine by the end of October if they haven't received it by then. Again, as mentioned in our previous article, there is no regional distribution for these. These machines will go to whoever buys them first. It may be a good idea to start bugging your local arcade operators if you want a Tekken 5 Arcade Machine at their location. The Tekken 5 Arcade Machine is currently going for approx $6,700 USD. This includes the board and the cabinet. Presently, Namco wishes to distribute these together as the card system is a central part to the arcade machine and the game itself.
The final build will include PlayStation 2 ports on the cabinet for players to plug in their PlayStation 2 controllers. This will allow players who find themselves more comfortable playing on a gamepad than on the available arcade sticks to still be able to enjoy the new game. I asked how they would compensate for players who would like to bring their own joysticks as I noticed there wasn't much space to place one down on unless it was on top of the arcade buttons themselves. Mr. Cabrera wasn't aware of this concern but was glad that I brought it up and said he will try what he can do to put in a consideration for a redesigned base.
The Tekken 5 Nationals Tournament is hinted to begin in late January 2005. A game card will be required in order to participate in this, and other future Namco sponsored Tekken 5 events. Winners will be able to earn custom titles for their game cards among other the prizes.
The last thing that Mr. Cabrera mentioned to us was of a brand new website, http://www.tekken.vg. It will be the official place for the "Dogou System," where players can register themselves at a Tekken 5 arcade location and find out about other players in their particular area. This will make it easier for players to stay in contact with each other and be notified of any upcoming events or tournaments.
We would like to once again thank Emilio Cabrera of Namco America Inc., Bill Watson of Betson West Distributing and the rest of his staff for giving us this opportunity and allowing us to come by to check it out. Tekken 5 is already looking awesome, and this one was only a 70% complete build! Can't wait for when the fully complete version hits arcades this October.
