Ib. QUICK FAQ

Get answers to common Tekken 5 questions about character releases, name spellings, vocal tracks, ranking systems, and the meaning of 'Tekken'.

Q: Why aren't all the characters there?

A: Because they weren't all released at the time this was last updated. So far, we've yet to see if a final update with Jimpachi...I doubt he'll be there, but I'll leave it at that, just in case. There will be a separate FAQ for the home version, which I believe will have Jimpachi.

Q: Why is (so-and-so)'s name spelled weird?

A: Sorry; I tend to write things out strange. Since it's from Japanese generally, and it's not written in the Roman alphabet, there is no 100% correct way to write it out. For the sake of students of the Japanese language, I use sort-of a Hepburn-style of Romanization that shows which vowels are "elongated." That's why names like "Ganryuu" show up. Also, the letter "n" is pronounced like an "m" (sort of) in front of a "p" or "b" or "m." That's why I'll write words like "Jimpachi" when it's usually spelled out "Jinpachi." Confused? Well, sorry. I'll elaborate more in the section "How to Pro- nounce Japanese, Korean, and Chinese."

Q: Why aren't all the vocals in there?

A: The only arcade near me has the volume turned very, very low, and the rest of the arcade is noisier than a night club. Seriously, the times I've had the place to myself, the attract modes of the other games are so loud that I still have to press my ear to the speaker to hear anything. If anyone has samples of the entrance and victory poses, I'd certainly like to hear them.

Q: What does "Tekken" mean?

A: "Fists," especially "tightly-clenched fists." Literally, it means "iron fist," which is where the name of the tournaments comes from. However, "tekken" is a common expression in Japanese and is different from the "iron fist" that is used in English to mean "a strict reign."

Q: What are the Japanese ranking names for the cards?

A: At first, you're a "Nyuumonsei," a "beginner" or a newly-enrolled student. Then, you'll be promoted to "9th Kyuu" (just another word for "class" or "rank.") You'll then have to work your way up to 1st Kyuu, then you'll be "1st Dan." "Dan" is another word for "rank" or "class" or "grade." Go up to 5th Dan, and you may be promoted to "Shihan" ("instructor.") From there, you can be promoted to "Kaiden," which means "initiator" or "master." Then, "Kentatsu," "fist master." Then, "Kengou," or "fist hero." After that comes "Kensei," or "fist saint." Then, "Shuura," which is a shortened way of saying "Ashura," or Asura, a Buddhist deity of war. Then, "Fuujin," a god of storms, whose name means "Wind God," and then, "Raijin," another storm god whose name means "Thunder God." These are the two that the uppercuts used by the Mishimas and Jin are named after. After that is currently just a rumor, but I believe it will be "Shinken," or "Fist God," because that is the title Feng Wei aspires to, and possibly the source of Jimpachi's power.

Q: Your translations don't match the official Namco ones. Whassup with that?

A: They're my translations. Usually, I haven't even seen the American ones. If it turns out with different syntax, there is usually a reason. I usually try to convey things fairly close to the Japanese text, so if it turns out different, they've usually taken some liberties with the text.

Q: Why do you ramble so much?

A: As I said before, this FAQ isn't simply a moves list; I'm also attempting to shed some light on the language used in the game--particularly the Japanese (it is a Japanese game, after all). I must apologise to the Korean and Chinese audiences. I speak only a little of those languages, and so, if I don't do them justice, I am sorry. Then again, the Japanese makers of this game don't do them much justice, either (just look at what they've done to the Chinese names).

Q: I hate you and your lousy FAQ. Should I write you?

A: As always, I guess, if you really wanna tell me off, go ahead and mail me, but I probably won't respond. Also, if you keep mailing me, I might wonder why you bothered looking at the FAQ at all. Jeez, go outside and run around, or something. There are much better ways to spend your energy than sitting around and getting all bent out of shape that some guy wrote something about Jin that conflicts with your fanfic, or whatever.