Katsuhiro Harada’s Love for Tekken on PlayStation
Katsuhiro Harada surprised me with a question of his own during our interview. Instead of me asking the questions, Harada showed his curiosity about the beloved 32-bit generation of gaming. We reminisced about the launch of the original Tekken game on the PlayStation in 1995, discussing its impact in Japan, Europe, and North America.
Harada asked me about my memories of Sega’s Virtua Fighter, and we delved into the influence of fighting games like Tekken and Virtua Fighter during that era. As a teenager, I was captivated by the realistic animations and complex moves in Tekken, especially the intricate chain throws performed by characters like King. Watching these moves unfold on the PlayStation felt like a revelation compared to other arcade games I had experienced.
The transition from arcade to console gaming was seamless with Tekken on the PlayStation. The mainstream success of the PlayStation played a crucial role in elevating Tekken to new heights, making it more accessible to a wider audience. This partnership between Sony and Namco paved the way for Tekken to become a household name in the world of video games.
The Evolution of Tekken on PlayStation
Harada’s dedication to Tekken was evident as he worked on the arcade versions of the game, ensuring its success in both arcades and on consoles. The innovative features in Tekken’s PlayStation ports, like mini-games during loading screens, added depth to the gaming experience and kept players engaged for months on end.
Sony’s marketing efforts to promote Tekken in the west contributed significantly to the game’s popularity, making it synonymous with the PlayStation brand. As Tekken evolved with each sequel, it introduced a compelling narrative to the fighting game genre, setting a standard for consumer ports.
The PlayStation Revolution of Tekken
Tekken’s success on PlayStation can be attributed to its accessibility and innovative gameplay design. The introduction of characters like Eddy in Tekken 3 showcased the game’s appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. The seamless transition from arcade to console gaming made Tekken a perfect fit as a PlayStation exclusive, resonating with a diverse audience of gamers.
Tekken’s PlayStation Legacy
The culmination of Tekken’s success on PlayStation came with Tekken 3, a game that defined an era of fighting games and became a commercial powerhouse. Harada’s dedication to the game and the collaborative efforts with Sony propelled Tekken to new heights, solidifying its position as a gaming classic loved by millions worldwide.
