Tekken: Bloodline review: A worthwhile video-game adaptation

In Tekken: Bloodline, Jin Kazama must learn of his ancestry and inherit the abilities he needs to seek revenge against his mother’s killer. The anime series is now streaming on Netflix.

Story

At the start of the show, Jin Kazama’s mother, Jun Kazama, dies during a battle with a creature known as ‘Ogre’. Before perishing, she tells him to seek out his grandfather, Heihachi Mishima.

When he does, Jin realises that he is an extremely strict man who is proud of his Mishima blood. He expects Jin to forget the Kazama pacifism taught to him by his mother and accept the Mishima side of him.

After four years of intense training, Jin is ready to face off against Ogre, according to Heihachi. He organises the ‘King of Iron Fist’ tournament again to lure out the creature.

However, during the tournament, a number of dark secrets come to light as Jin begins to doubt that Heihachi is a good person. Will it be too late for him?

Positives

The pacing is extremely quick and the season never drags for even a moment. Jin and his mother’s equation is heart-warming as well.

It picks out some great elements from the video games and the fighting sequences are reminiscent of that. Heihachi’s ruthlessness is on full display and he is definitely one of the most interesting characters in the series.

Speaking of characters, the show does take some creative liberties with them, but not to an extent that ruins it.

This is easily one of the better video-game adaptations in recent times, especially considering the platform recently release a Resident Evil series that didn’t pick up a lot from the games at all.

Negatives

The fast pace is a double-edged sword. A lot of the characters are not given a proper introduction as the primary focus of the show remains on Jin and Heihachi throughout.

There was a great opportunity to use these popular characters and serve great moments that would delight long-term fans. Instead, the show is almost too direct at times.

It also has an uninspiring narrative. A basic revenge story that never touches any sort of complexity.

Verdict

Tekken: Bloodline is definitely worth your time but is by no means a masterpiece. It serves as one of the best video game adaptations, but more so because the bar is quite low.

The loyal fan base will consider it a missed opportunity as well. Nonetheless, it builds the foundation for even better seasons ahead.

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