The Tekken series has maintained a reputation for creating feature-rich console ports. Consider all the mini-games and bonus modes we’ve seen throughout the years, like Tekken Force, Tekken Bowl, and the zaniest game of all, Tekken Ball. Tekken Ball premiered in Tekken 3 and returns inTekken 8, combining fighting game mechanics with beach volleyball to create a fun and frantic head-to-head experience.
The original Tekken Ball from Tekken 3 featured three balls to choose from, each with a set damage level. Tekken 8 provides double the balls to pick. While the ball you choose does not affect gameplay, each has unique cosmetic adornments. So, we decided to take each Tekken Ball out for a spin and see which ones we liked the best.
6The Iron Ball
Description
“An iron ball that requires an iron fist to play with.”
🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑(1.5/5)
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑(4/5)
🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑(3/5)
Total Score
8.5 points
The Iron Ball ranks lowest on our list because itdoesn’t stand out among its spherical peers. Its appearance is plain. What’s more, its implied heft makes its floating movement feel off. However, we’ll acknowledge that the sun’s reflection on this ball has an impressive effect.
One merit we will give the Iron Ball is how wellits look melds with the default Tekken Ball sound effects. The weighty smashes and bangs with each hit support the illusion that you’re smacking your opponent with a giant metal ball.
“A beach ball that feels familiar somehow.”
10 points
The Beach Ball, initially seen inTekken 3, is a classic. Its colorful pattern and airy movementadd to Tekken Ball’s breezy beach atmosphere. The ‘toss’ sound effect works particularly well with this summertime orb.
It’s a shame that Tekken 8 does not give each Tekken Ball a specific set of sound effects. In this case, combining the mostlyheavy-hitting sound effects with this plastic, air-filled pool toy mixes like water and oil. Overall, no amount of inflation will help this ball rise to the top of our ranks.
4The Tekken Ball
“A ball created to make fun of the world-spanning and intergenerational Mishima family conflict. (Sets off fireworks after a K.O.)”
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑(3.5/5)
10.5 points
Everything about theMishima-inspiredTekken Ball (officially named “Tekken Ball”) makes us think we would love it. What Tekken fan wouldn’t love areference-laden Tekken Bomb that shoots fireworks after every K.O.?Unfortunately, this ball does not live up to the hype.
The Tekken Ball has some aesthetic factors working for it. Its wooden texture has plenty of detail, and the Mishima Zaibatsu logo is a nice touch. Plus, the burning wick adds some frantic urgency. Even the whistling sound this ball makes when you hit it is fun. Butthe K.O. fireworks are a dud- little more than a comic bubble that says “BOOM.”
We expected much more from a ball that we had to win ten online Tekken Ball matches to unlock.
3The G Corp Ball
“A commemorative monument holding a G Corp ball was erected in New York City to celebrate G Corp’s achievements.”
11 points
The G Corp Ball is the first Tekken Ball we truly appreciated. Its appearance, supported by its NYC lore, won us over. This ball’s intricate design and copper finish make it look likesomething you could see while walking through Columbus Circle.
This copper globefalls short in one key area: sound. Since the G Corp ball uses the default Tekken Ball sound effects, its overall hit satisfaction takes a minor hit. However, you’ll enjoy seeing where the giant copper G ends up each time you punch the G Corp ball over the dividing line.
2The Globe Ball
“A decoration that can be found at the Battle Area in the Tekken Fight Lounge. Who brought it here?”
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕(5/5)
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗(4.5/5)
13 points
We did not anticipate that the Globe Ball would slap as hard as it does. However, this is an excellent example of “less is more.” The Globe’stransparency provides a malleable presentation. You can see how each strike impacts the Globe’s tint and hue.
The default Tekken Ballsound effects do not help or hinder the Globe’s hit satisfaction. Although the droplet-like sound effect makes tossing the Globe feel like popping a bubble, which we like. Fortunately, the Globe’s stellar appearance supports its other shortcomings.
1Azazel’s Core
“A ball created by condensing negative human emotion into solid matter. It gives off an ominous miasma. (Changes some sound effects.)”
15 points
Azazel’s Core tops our list of Tekken Balls because it sets a standard for what the other Tekken Balls could have been. The amount ofdetail between its appearance and sound effects makes the Core a joy to hit. The swirling colors within the Core are mesmerizing. The chiming sounds after each hit add to the Core’s mysterious nature.
As you may have noticed,sound was the determining factor in our ranking. After all, a plastic beach ball should sound like poking an inflatable pool toy when hit. A wooden fireworks canister should click and clack like Mokujin on impact. And when you hitthe Core of the ancestral devil, you should hear bizarre ethereal noises that evoke the supernatural.
