Tekken translated simply means 'Iron Fist', in reference to the King of the Iron Fist tournaments around which the games are based. However, Namco weren't originally happy with this name for U.S audiences, as they thought it sounded too typically Japanese, while 'Iron Fist' sounded far too cliche. According to images found in issue 65 of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Tekken was originally set to be released in the U.S as 'Rave War', as you'll see in the image above. There's been no explanation, interview or clarification of this name change by Namco at this point, so it's pretty unlikely we'll ever get an explanation. After looking at the different definitions of rave, the use of it in this case probably relates to the meaning of anger, madness and incoherence.This definition of rave is not often used, but obviously this might have simply been a bad choice of words due to sloppy translation and outdated English vocabulary. Rave War is a ridiculous sounding name for any game, sticking to Tekken was a good call by Namco.
Sam is an experienced Film, Gaming and Wrestling writer, critic and journalist who was written for a vast number of different entertainment websites. Follow him on twitter at @Sams_Reel_Views.
