Tekken: Dark Resurrection

Tekken: Dark Resurrection is a single-player and multiplayer 3D fighting game that serves as an expanded version of Tekken 5. Originally released in arcades as Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, it was later adapted for home systems, adding new content and modes while retaining the series’ focus on fast-paced martial arts combat.

The core gameplay builds on the mechanics of Tekken 5. Fights take place in enclosed arenas where characters exchange punches, kicks, grapples, and combos in best-of-three rounds. The combat system emphasizes timing and positioning, with sidestepping, juggling opponents in the air, and wall-based attacks all remaining central. Characters have extensive move lists that include standard strikes, launchers, throws, and powerful finishing attacks.

The roster is expanded with the addition of Lili Rochefort, a Monegasque heiress who combines gymnastics with street fighting, and Sergei Dragunov, a Russian soldier specializing in close-quarters combat. Armor King and Panda also return as fully separate fighters rather than palette swaps of King and Kuma. Several existing characters gain new moves, while the ranking system introduces additional tiers. Cosmetic customization is further developed: players can purchase and equip multiple items for each character, apply custom colors, and alter accessories on different body parts.

Stages from Tekken 5 are altered to reflect new times of day and environmental details, while the original versions remain unlockable. Visual auras representing player rank also change color, providing an immediate signal of progress and experience.

New play modes extend the experience beyond the standard Arcade and Versus options. Gold Rush mode rewards players with currency for every hit landed, while Dojo mode allows them to fight AI opponents of varying skill levels and unlock custom items. Ghost mode introduces the ability to fight against AI “ghosts” modeled after real player data. On supported platforms, players can upload or download these ghosts, enabling competition against the styles of other human players without direct online matches.

In the handheld release, additional diversions include Tekken Bowling, carried over from Tekken Tag Tournament, alongside hot-seat and training modes. The console version places a stronger emphasis on online functionality, offering ranked matches and worldwide leaderboards.