Is Akuma Broken in Tekken?
Akuma, a character from the popular fighting game series Street Fighter, made his debut in Tekken 7, which raised questions about his impact on the game’s balance. In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of Akuma being broken in Tekken and provide an in-depth analysis.
What does "Broken" Mean?
In the context of fighting games, a character is considered "broken" when their moveset and abilities can be exploited to gain an unfair advantage over other characters. This can lead to a character becoming overpowered, making the game unbalanced and frustrating for opponents.
Akuma’s Moveset
Akuma’s moveset in Tekken 7 is an amalgamation of his original Street Fighter moves and new additions specifically designed for Tekken. This fusion creates a unique playstyle that sets him apart from other characters in the game.
Unbeatable
Akuma’s speed and agility make him a formidable opponent, and his signature move, the Demon God Fist, is capable of dealing significant damage to opponents. Rafael Sorel‘s expert analysis confirms that Akuma’s rush-down capabilities and pressure from his aerial attacks make it difficult for opponents to breathe.
High Damage Potential
Akuma’s high damage potential comes from his ability to land consecutive jabs and punches, quickly racking up damage meters. His Hyakkishu and Goshoryu Ken moves have the potential to deal massive damage, putting opponents in a precarious situation.
Immense Combo Potential
Akuma’s ability to combo into Demon God Fist from nearly any situation allows him to deal significant damage. With the right setup, Rafael Sorel shows that it’s possible to rack up over 60% of an opponent’s health, making it extremely challenging to recover.
Akuma’s Weaknesses
While Akuma is undeniably a powerful character, he has some noticeable weaknesses:
- Defense: Akuma’s defense is relatively weak, making it difficult for him to tank damage. He is also vulnerable to pokes and mix-ups.
- Startup: Some of Akuma’s moves have slow startups, leaving him open to counterattacks.
- Meterless Damage: While Akuma deals high damage, he often requires to meter to do so, making it difficult to keep up the pressure without investing in meter.
Why is Akuma Broken?
Akuma’s presence in Tekken 7 has sparked debates about the game’s balance. Proponents argue that Akuma’s unique playstyle, speed, and damage output make him overpowered and unbalanced.
Fighting Game Balance
Akuma’s arrival in Tekken 7 has undoubtedly disrupted the balance of the game. The Street Fighter’s character’s powerful moves and abilities have forced developers to re-evaluate the character roster and potential changes for future updates.
How to Counter Akuma
Fortunately, there are ways to counter Akuma’s pressure and deal with his dominant playstyle:
- Pokes: Utilizing pokes and zoning abilities can help keep Akuma at a distance, giving opponents time to recover from his attacks.
- Mix-ups: Akuma’s defense is weak, making it crucial to incorporate mix-ups to keep him guessing and leave him vulnerable to counterattacks.
- Metered Damage: Investing in meter to generate more damage and punish Akuma’s attempts to block or whiff his moves.
Conclusion
Akuma’s presence in Tekken 7 has raised questions about the game’s balance and his role in the character roster. While Akuma is an incredibly powerful character, he has several weaknesses that opponents can exploit. By understanding Akuma’s moveset, playingstyle, and weaknesses, players can adapt and find ways to counter his aggressive playstyle.