Why Harada Doesn’t Believe in a Tekken Classic Collection

Katsuhiro Harada, the director behind the legendary Tekken series, recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of a Tekken Classic Collection. Contrary to what many fans might hope for, Harada expressed that there isn’t much interest in revisiting older Tekken titles. This sentiment comes as a surprise, especially given the recent trend of classic game collections, particularly in the fighting genre.

Why Harada Believes Classic Tekken Games Won't Work

In an interview with TheGamer, Harada explained that the primary reason for his stance lies in the nature of 3D fighting games. He noted that early 3D titles like the original Tekken games were groundbreaking for their time due to their use of polygon models. However, he believes these models haven't aged well, particularly when compared to 2D sprite-based fighting games that have retained their visual appeal over the years.

"It’s different for [2D] fighting games because 3D fighting game players tend to play the latest installment," Harada said. He emphasized that the visual limitations of early 3D graphics make revisiting these games less appealing, especially in contrast to 2D games, which have a timeless charm due to their artistic style.

3D vs. 2D: The Aging of Fighting Games

Harada and Michael Murray, the Tekken project producer, explained that 3D fighting games were on the cutting edge of technology when they first launched. However, with advancements in game development, the older polygon models appear less impressive by today's standards. This is in contrast to 2D fighting games, where sprite-based visuals have aged more gracefully, making them ideal candidates for re-releases.

According to Murray, while the idea of a Tekken Classic Collection is tempting, it wouldn’t hold the same appeal as other collections of 2D titles. He mentioned that he would be more likely to play something like Tekken Tag Tournament 2 or the special beat ‘em up modes like Tekken Force.

Do Nostalgia and Tekken Mix?

Despite the potential nostalgia factor, Harada’s stance is that early Tekken games are unlikely to find the same reception as 2D classics. Collections like Street Fighter or Capcom Fighting Collection have been successful because of the enduring popularity of their sprite-based graphics. Harada remains skeptical that the older 3D models would inspire the same kind of enthusiasm.

Technical and Financial Challenges

Beyond visual aging, Harada alluded to the technical difficulties involved in re-releasing early 3D games. Remastering polygon models is much more complex than working with 2D sprites, adding another layer of challenge to making a collection of this kind. Additionally, from a financial perspective, the potential return on investment might not justify the effort required.

However, some fans and analysts disagree with Harada’s assessment. They argue that a Tekken Classic Collection could tap into the nostalgia of older players who grew up with these games, regardless of the graphical limitations.

Conclusion: Will Tekken Classics Ever Return?

Ultimately, Harada’s focus is on the future of the Tekken franchise rather than looking back. With Tekken 8 on the horizon, he seems more interested in pushing the series forward than revisiting its roots. While fans may still hope for a collection, Harada’s reasoning suggests that a classic compilation is unlikely—at least for now.