Unfortunately, this sequel feels a little barebones when compared to the myriad of fighting games currently on the market. You get a wide cast of diverse characters, exciting online multiplayer options and a few worthwhile tweaks to the mechanics. The good news is that Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is a much more enticing package than the 2000 original. Having seen the genre nearly die and then suddenly be resurrected, consumers expect a lot more from their fighting games. It's been twelve years since that first game. This wasn't a bad game by any measure, but was a bit of a letdown after all the acclaim for Tekken 3. It was also a launch title for the PlayStation 2, which might explain why it was more of a half-step than a full sequel. The original Tekken Tag Tournament was a similar experience, mashing together the best elements of the first three installments. It's a comprehensive collection of what made those games great, conveniently packaged on a single DVD. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is a lot like Namco's greatest hits album, featuring the most popular characters from the last three Tekken sequels.
It's an easy way to make a few extra bucks off of consumers who couldn't be bothered to buy the individual albums. Even when there aren't enough hits to fill a disc, that's not going to stop a record label from trying. In the music industry, the 'Greatest Hits' album has been a staple for every major band.