[Shock Value is a bi-weekly segment which runs down inexpensive titles that are more than worth the money spent.]

• Title: Tekken 6
• Developer: Namco Bandai
• Publisher: Namco Bandai
• Genre: Fighting
• Release: October, 2009
• Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360,
• Pricing: PS3 New: $14, PS3 Used: $12, X360 New: $13, X360 Used: $12,

Tekken 6 is the most recent installment in the prized Tekken series of fighting video games. Namco has piled a huge amount of content into this game, which makes it feel like the grandiose debut of the sequel to the popular and successful Tekken 5.

This time, they’ve packed in more characters, game modes, stories and customization than ever before, and the game play mechanics are so tight, that the game is frequently recognized in competitive gaming tournaments like EVO. The visuals are crisp and polished and all the characters look distinct and unique.

The stages have been given more functionality than ever before in a Tekken game. In addition to being multi-tiered and beautifully designed, you can now interact with them. Players can knock their opponents through walls, floors and other objects to both deal additional damage to their opponents and reveal another facet of the arena.

The music is much less dance and techno than say, Tekken 3 or Tekken Tag, but things stay upbeat for the most part. I would have personally enjoyed a more dance flavor, but the snapping percussions and ethnic undertones give the game its own flavor.

The story is, as important as it has ever been. It is the King of Iron Fist Tournament 6. What more can I say? Warriors from around the globe have come to test their mettle in the ultimate clash of skill and strategy and compete for huge cash prizes, fame and glory. That does a pretty good job of generalizing things, though each person is in the tournament for a different reason and things get pretty convoluted on that end. Suffice it to say that if you haven’t been following the story over the last five iterations, then you should just enjoy the cool cut scenes.

The combat is superbly deep. The absolutely massive roster presents a cornucopia of different styles, skills and abilities. From the contorting and intricate Zafina to the reckless and powerful Lars, there is a character here to suit just about anybodies play style. Players who favor the quick and agile if low-damage approach can try out Lily, Nina or Law. Those who favor considerable damage in exchange for slow, lumbering movement and function can look to Marduk, King or Ganryu.

Combos are simple and satisfying, with the juggling component becoming a huge part of the combat. Bounding your opponent off of floors and walls to continue your assault feels thoroughly badass. The fluid controls will allow anyone to play, while the deep mechanics will appeal to the hardcore fighting game fan.

The online community is alive and thriving. You’ll be able to find an expanse of opponents at all hours of the day and Tekken fans are no pushovers. Make sure you hit the books in practice before you make the online dive. There are many single player modes that add tons of value like the story, campaign and ghost battle modes. As you play the game you’ll earn money, which you can use to deck out your character and take them online to show off your accessorizing skills.

This game will suck countless hours of your life away because within the many game modes, you’ll be playing for a very long time. Tekken 6 is an atomic bomb of a fighting game and provides an astonishing amount of content for the money spent. If you like fighters even a little bit, you have got to pick this one up.