Portable Splash

This image from the video game "Tekken Dark Resurrection," provided by publisher Bandai Namco Group, shows one of the many environments where players will have to wage battle in this gorgeous new fighting game for the Sony PlayStation Portable. (AP/Bandai Namco Group)

(AP) - If you've never played a fighting game like Tekken: Dark Resurrection, there are a few important things to know.

As with most video games, hand-eye coordination is certainly important. But above all else, you need fingers of steel.

This new title for the PlayStation Portable often comes down to how long your poor digits can endure pounding buttons in quick, endless succession.

For a portable system that doesn't have very many fighting games (or very many good games at all, for that matter), Dark Resurrection is a gorgeous, button-mashing extravaganza.
The gameplay is simple enough for novices to jump right into and enjoy, yet the many combinations and special attacks will take a long time to master.

People who struggle with the sophisticated button slaps needed to win games like this will appreciate the practice mode, where I was able to hone my skills with minimal humiliation.
You begin by choosing from an array of warriors - there are dozens of oddball characters including a kangaroo and a panda, as well as more traditional human combatants. Each has special moves and fighting characteristics.

These battle royales play out in 3-D environments such as wolf-infested forests and high-tech arenas that really come alive during the one-on-one fights.

Graphically, Dark Resurrection is one of the best-looking PSP games yet. Each fighter has a distinct look and features detailed, fluid movements as they flail around, throwing and blocking punches and kicks.

Of the several fighting modes available, the player-versus-player online mode offers the most replay value. Two PSP players within wireless range can duke it out, which is far more interesting than the built-in computer foes (who still provide plenty of challenge, however).
Though much of the game showcases the audiovisual prowess of the PSP, Dark Resurrection also points out one of the system's biggest annoyances: the button placement.

In a frantic game like this, it's painfully clear that the directional buttons are spaced too far apart from each other, if only by a millimetre or two.

But that's certainly not the game's fault, and at least I was able to tweak the button layout to make things a bit easier.

My fingers may be tired and aching, but Dark Resurrection serves notice that good fighting games are possible - and enjoyable - on PSP.

Three stars out of four.