A Deep Dive into Tekken 8: Characters, Gameplay, and Reviews
Get ready to dive into the world of Tekken
8, the latest installment in the legendary fighting game franchise that's set
to take the gaming world by storm . Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and
Arika, Tekken 8 promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience with its
next-gen graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an expanded roster of
iconic characters .
Announced on September 13th, 2022, Tekken 8
is slated for release on January 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S,
and PC via Steam . As you eagerly await its arrival, get ready to explore the
evolution of the Tekken series, from the introduction of the groundbreaking
"Heat System" to the return of fan-favorite characters like Jin
Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Nina Williams, and many more. Prepare to immerse
yourself in the rich lore of the Tekken universe as the game expands upon its
storyline and introduces new rivalries that will keep you on the edge of your
seat.
Unveiling Tekken 8
Tekken 8, the latest installment in the
legendary fighting game series, is set to release on January 26, 2024, for
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC . Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
- TEKKEN Project, this highly anticipated title continues the tragic saga of
the Mishima bloodline and their world-shaking father-and-son grudge matches .
The game boasts an impressive roster of 32
redesigned, unique fighters, each with their own narrative that contributes to
the overall story . Among the returning characters are fan favorites like Jin
Kazama and Kazuya Mishima, while three new characters - Victor, Azucena, and
Reina - make their debut .
Some of the exciting features and gameplay
elements in Tekken 8 include:
·
16 battle stages with intense
destruction and interactive stage elements
·
A new game mechanic called the
"Heat System"
·
The cinematic story mode,
"The Dark Awakens," which takes place six months after the events of
Tekken 7 and focuses on the final confrontation between Kazuya Mishima and Jin
Kazama
·
Azucena Milagros Ortiz
Castillo, also known as Perfect Blend or Coffee Queen, is the first Peruvian
character in the series
·
Alex, referred to as an
"enemy monster," has more than 180 movement patterns, possibly
including various attacks, side steps, backlashes, and tech rolling animations
Next-Gen Graphics and Performance
Tekken 8 showcases a significant leap in
graphics, harnessing the power of next-gen consoles and Unreal Engine 5 . The
game delivers stunning visuals , with high-fidelity character models and
lifelike environments that take advantage of modern console capabilities. Every
moment of impact and aggressive super move is showcased in incredible detail .
Some key graphical features in Tekken 8
include:
1.
Improved character models with
more detailed skin meshes, physically based materials, and realistic hair
physics .
2.
Detailed and destructible
environments featuring dynamic elements like smoke, fire, and rubble .
3.
Enhanced lighting and
reflections, although Tekken 8 does not use UE5's Lumen technology .
4.
Improved post-processing
effects, including alpha particles and motion blur .
5.
Realistic physics, such as
fluid and destruction simulations .
6.
Real-time procedural
destruction and expansion in some fighting areas .
Tekken 8 runs at a target resolution of 4K
with a frame rate of 60fps on consoles , and supports dynamic resolution
scaling to ensure smooth performance . Loading times are significantly reduced
due to the use of current-gen console SSDs . The PC version supports Unreal
Engine's Temporal Super Resolution (TSR) and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR)
for improved performance and image quality .
It's worth noting that while Tekken 8
utilizes Unreal Engine 5, it does not use certain features like Nanite and
Lumen to avoid performance pitfalls . The game is built from scratch, with no
assets reused from Tekken 7 . Online play has been improved, with faster
rematches and better netcode , and the game features crossplay between
PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S .
The Evolution of Combat: 'Heat System' and Gameplay
Mechanics
Tekken 8 introduces a new mechanic called
Heat, which adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay . The Heat System enhances
offense and allows for new moves or properties for each character . Once
activated, the Heat State grants enhanced attacks, Heat Smash, and Heat Dash .
Enhanced attacks deal recoverable chip damage when blocked , while Heat Smash
deals massive damage at the cost of all remaining Heat . Heat Dash spends Heat
to dash in again for extended combos .
The Heat System is represented by a meter
under the health bar that fills at the start of each round . There are two
methods to activate the Heat System:
1.
Heat Burst: Activated by
pressing 2+3, performing a smash attack that enters Heat, and works mid-combo .
2.
Heat Engager: Activated by
character-specific moves that launch opponents and trigger a dash in animation
to gain advantage .
Proper timing and execution of Heat can
give players big advantages . Managing Heat wisely allows for extended combos
and pressure , while timing Heat well helps control match pacing and momentum .
Other notable gameplay elements in Tekken 8
include:
·
Recoverable health: Allows
players to reclaim life by throwing out attacks .
·
Focus Reset: Enhances combat
dynamics .
·
Rage System: During Rage State,
attack power increases .
·
Rage Art: Powerful special
moves that can be activated as a one-shot turnaround .
·
Tornado extender: Replaces the
'Screw' mechanism .
·
Stage hazards: Harder walls and
floors that must be broken multiple times .
The new mechanics in Tekken 8 create a more
dynamic combat system, enhancing the overall gameplay experience . Critics have
praised Tekken 8 for its aggressive gameplay, the Heat System, a diverse
roster, and a stable online component . The game aims to provide a more
cinematic fighting experience, with stage destructions and specific characters'
reactions .
Expanding the Lore: Storyline and New Rivalries
Tekken 8's story, titled "The Dark
Awakens," takes place six months after the events of Tekken 7 and focuses
on the final confrontation between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama . The main
antagonist, Kazuya Mishima, aims to bring about the world's destruction using G
Corporation's forces, while his son, Jin Kazama, stands in his way, aided by an
unexpected ally, his mother, Jun .
The Mishima family's battles and betrayals
form the core of Tekken's hate-filled history :
1.
Heihachi Mishima killed his
wife, Kazumi, sparking a longstanding rivalry with their son, Kazuya .
2.
Jin Kazama despises his father,
Kazuya, for his absence when Ogre murdered his mother, Jun Kazama .
3.
Jin vows to eradicate the devil
gene and all devils from the world, including his father .
Other notable rivalries in the Tekken
universe include:
·
King and Armor King's
light-hearted rivalry, with both aiming to protect the innocent .
·
Feng Wei and Lei Wulong's
rivalry, which began when Feng Wei accidentally killed his master in a
challenge of strength .
·
Jin and Hwoarang's clashes,
which started in Tekken 3 after a street brawl that ended in a draw .
·
Bryan and Yoshimitsu's rivalry,
which began when Bryan joined the Tournament in a desperate attempt to find Dr.
Abel .
·
Lars and Jin's enmity, which
started when Jin took over the Mishima Zaibatsu and started World War 3 .
Tekken 8 also introduces new characters
with intriguing storylines:
·
Akuma, a mysterious demon
fighter, finds himself in the middle of the Mishima blood feud due to a
pre-existing relationship with Kazumi Mishima . He was ordered by Kazumi to
kill her husband, Heihachi, and her son, Kazuya .
·
Azucena, also known as Perfect
Blend or Coffee Queen, entered the King of Iron Fist Tournament 8 to boost
recognition of her family's farm . After winning the Latin America Block
preliminary and progressing to the next round in Italy, she was scouted by G
Corporation for a large-scale fight against Yggdrasil and the United Nations'
combined forces on Yakushima . During the battle, she fought Leo Kliesen and
discovered their shared love for coffee, promising to send some of her
company's new blend to Leo by mail .
Character Roster and Return of Fan Favorites
Tekken 8 boasts an impressive roster of 32
redesigned, unique fighters, each with their own narrative that contributes to
the overall story . The roster is deep and varied, offering something for everyone
, with mainstay characters like Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima returning
alongside newcomers . Each character has unique personalities and fighting
styles, with in-depth customization options available .
Some notable characters in the Tekken 8
roster include:
·
Jun Kazama, who returns to the
story for the first time in 25 years . Her main goal is to end the Mishima
bloodline and rid the world of the devil gene .
·
Azucena Milagros Ortiz
Castillo, a new Peruvian character also known as the 'Peruvian Coffee Queen' .
She owns Ortiz Farm and entered the King of Iron Fist Tournament 8 to boost
recognition of her family's farm .
·
Reina, the last character in
the main roster, who uses a mix of Taido and Mishima-karate . She is an
exceptional student at the Mishima Polytechnical School, exuding a charismatic
sense of evil .
·
Victor Chevalier, a living
legend who founded the UN's independent forces and wields a pistol and
cybernetic sword .
Other returning fan favorites include :
1.
Alisa Bosconovitch, an android
created by Doctor Bosconovitch and repaired by Lee Chaolan
2.
Lee Chaolan (Violet), Heihachi
Mishima's adopted son and a genius in robotics
3.
Zafina, a wise seer who knows
the histories of all things spiritual
4.
Feng Wei, a ruthless Chinese
martial artist
5.
Sergei Dragunov, a cold-hearted
Spetsnaz commando
6.
Shaheen, who entered the
tournament to infiltrate the G Corporation
7.
Steve Fox, a British boxing
middleweight champion
8.
Leo Kliesen, who seeks revenge
against Kazuya for their mother's death
9.
Yoshimitsu, the leader of the
Manji Clan and a skilled swordsman
10. Kuma, Heihachi Mishima's pet bear
11. Panda, Ling Xiaoyu's trusted bodyguard and companion
Tekken 8 will also feature four season
passes, introducing new characters as DLC . Eddy Gordo is set to join the game
in Spring 2024 , and the first season of DLC will add four more characters to
the roster .
Alisa
Alisa Bosconovitch, a cyborg fighter
created by Dr. Bosconovitch, returns in Tekken 8 with enhanced abilities and
new gameplay mechanics . When in Heat, Alisa can access her Dual Boost (flight
stance) without removing her chainsaws first, allowing her to perform a high
sweep from full screen and adding a new layer of offense to her arsenal .
In Destruction Stance, all of Alisa's
chainsaw moves are empowered, dealing massive Chip damage to opponents . This
stance, combined with her ability to access Dual Boost while in Heat, makes
Alisa a formidable fighter capable of pressuring opponents from any distance.
Some of Alisa's key features in Tekken 8
include:
·
Enhanced Destruction Stance:
Empowered chainsaw moves that deal significant Chip damage .
·
Dual Boost access during Heat:
Allows Alisa to enter her flight stance without removing chainsaws, enabling
new offensive options .
·
High sweep from full screen: A
powerful new move that can catch opponents off-guard .
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Anna Williams
Anna Williams, the deadly assassin and
sister of Nina Williams, returns in Tekken 8 with her signature fighting style
and a thirst for revenge . Trained in Aikido and Koppojutsu-based assassination
arts by her parents , Anna's unique moveset showcases her agility, quick
attacks, and a wide range of techniques .
Some of Anna's key strengths in Tekken 8
include:
1.
Defensive and turn-stealing
tools
2.
One of the best whiff punishers
with f2
3.
Excels at keeping opponents at
a distance with her plethora of ranged mids
4.
Strong jab and df1 game
Anna's storyline revolves around her
rivalry with Nina, constantly attempting to outdo, humiliate, or eliminate her
sister . After participating in the early King of Iron Fist tournaments and
being subjected to cryosleep by the Mishima Zaibatsu , Anna joins G Corporation
to counter Nina's alliance with the Zaibatsu . Tragedy strikes when Anna's
fiancé, an elite G Corporation soldier, is killed on their wedding day, fueling
her desire for revenge .
Asuka
Asuka Kazama, Jin's cousin and a martial
artist who uses the Kazama Fighting Style, returns in Tekken 8 with new tricks
up her sleeve . In this latest installment, Asuka gains access to Hana Gusto, a
new stance that unlocks three unique moves . These moves are significantly
enhanced when Asuka enters the Heat state, dealing massive damage and boasting
increased range .
One particularly devastating move in
Asuka's Hana Gusto stance is her 1+2 attack. When executed during Heat, this
move can deal a staggering 42 damage, which is almost half of an opponent's
health bar . This makes Asuka a formidable opponent capable of quickly turning
the tide of battle in her favor.
To make the most of Asuka's new abilities,
you'll need to master the timing and execution of her Hana Gusto stance moves.
By strategically activating Heat and unleashing these powerful attacks, you can
overwhelm your opponents and secure victory in the King of Iron Fist Tournament
8.
Azucena
Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo, a new
character hailing from Peru, brings her unique blend of coffee farming and
mixed martial arts to the Tekken 8 roster . Growing up on the Ortiz Farm, a
coffee plantation in Peru, Azucena learned the art of coffee cultivation from
her father and dreamt of becoming the world's best coffee farmer . Through her
experiments with different coffee plants, she achieved the highest rating at an
international trade fair .
Alongside her passion for coffee, Azucena
is also a champion MMA practitioner, model, and dancer . She studied business
administration at a prestigious university and uses her martial arts skills to
promote her coffee brand, rising to prominence in the American MMA scene . Her
fighting style incorporates a variety of techniques, including:
·
120 techniques in her move list
·
Counters, reversals, and
grappling techniques
·
Her powerful Rage Move,
"AlegrÃa del Café," a multi-hit combo ending with a devastating
uppercut
Azucena's appearance and personality have drawn comparisons to Laura Matsuda from the Street Fighter series . With her unique background and fighting style, Azucena adds a fresh and exciting element to the Tekken 8 roster, showcasing the diversity and depth of the game's characters.
Single-Player and Multiplayer Innovations
Tekken 8 introduces a variety of innovative
single-player and multiplayer modes to keep players engaged for hours on end.
The new Arcade Quest mode allows you to create your own avatar and conquer
rivals in various arcades , offering a structured narrative to teach you the
game's mechanics . This mode, along with the story mode, can be completed in
about six hours , ensuring a rich and engaging single-player experience .
Other notable single-player modes include:
1.
Super Ghost Battles: Challenge
CPU opponents built from real player data .
2.
Tekken Ball: A single match
mode .
3.
Practice with Combo Challenges:
A training mode for online play .
4.
Character Episodes: An arcade
game with a short cutscene at the end for each character .
Tekken 8 also embraces full cross-platform
play, allowing you to compete with others on different platforms . The online
experience has been vastly improved, with quicker rematches and smooth gameplay
. The game features a battle lobby called 'Arcade Quest', which includes arcade
environments, regular online battles, and tournament matches .
To further enhance your online experience,
Tekken 8 introduces the 'My Replay & Tips' mode, which allows you to
rewatch your battles and receive real-time advice on how to improve your
gameplay . This mode is particularly useful for novice or intermediate players
who may struggle to understand the jargon and technical data often associated
with fighting games .
Customization Galore: Personalizing the Tekken Experience
Tekken 8 introduces a brand-new
customization system for playable and avatar characters , allowing you to
personalize the appearance of every character in the game's main roster of 32
fighters. Customization options include the head, entire face, glasses, entire
body, shoes, and more . For example, Reina can have headphones and cat ears,
and there are various color palettes available for customization .
To change a character's appearance, visit
the main menu and select the "Customization" tab . Each character has
their own costume presets, which include new costumes as well as styles from
previous iterations of the franchise . While customization does not alter a
fighter's move set, it can make matches more exciting as you never know who
you'll face next . The Tekken community has embraced character customization,
presenting a more wholesome side to the competitive fighting game .
Here's how to create a Custom Character in
Tekken 8 :
1.
Launch the game and select the
"Customization" tab
2.
Choose the "Character
Customization" option
3.
Select a Tekken 8 fighter as a
base
4.
Click on a "Create
New" slot
5.
Customize the character's
appearance using the available options
Some unique customization options can only
be unlocked by defeating certain opponents in Super Ghost Battle, a mode that
becomes accessible after completing Chapter 1 of Arcade Quest and heading to
Final Round on the map . Defeating NPCs with a treasure box icon next to their
name will net you their chosen character's clothing . To quickly find treasure
boxes, look for CPU ghosts with a blue rank (Raijin, Kishin, or Bushin) .
Tekken 8 also features improved
accessibility options, including colorblind modes, player-controlled color
settings, and full button remapping . The Special Style control scheme
transforms single button presses into special moves, useful for newcomers or
when using an unfamiliar character . Additionally, the Jukebox feature lets
players replace music for any stage with tracks from past Tekken games .
List of Characters and their Ability
Tekken 8 features a diverse roster of
characters, each with their unique fighting styles and abilities. Here are some
of the notable characters and their key abilities:
1.
Jin Kazama: The series
protagonist, a martial artist fighting against the Mishima bloodline's curse.
2.
Kazuya Mishima: Jin's father
and the head of the Mishima Zaibatsu, seeking power at any cost.
3.
Jun Kazama: Jin's mother and a
skilled martial artist with supernatural abilities.
4.
Aoshima: In Heat, Aoshima
automatically counters high and low attacks, launching the opponent . This
allows Aoshima to create complex mix-ups, as she can safely punish any high or
low attack .
5.
Bryan Fury: A cyborg mercenary
with a violent fighting style.
6.
Claudio Serafino: A member of
the Misima Zaibatsu who fights with a Savate-based style.
7.
Devil Jin: Jin's devil form,
granting him immense power but at the cost of his humanity.
8.
Feng Wei: A Chinese martial
artist who uses a Shuai Jiao-based style.
9.
Hwoarang: A Korean Taekwondo
practitioner and Jin's rival.
10. Jack-8: The latest iteration of the Jack series, a cyborg soldier.
Other notable characters include:
·
King: A professional wrestler
known for his professional wrestling moves and jaguar mask.
·
Kuma/Panda: Two bears, Kuma
being a vicious fighter and Panda being a more playful character.
·
Lars Alexandersson: Heihachi's
adopted son and a member of the Swedish military.
·
Lee Chaolan: Kazuya's
half-brother and a rival business tycoon.
·
Leo Kliesen: A martial artist
who uses a Jeet Kune Do-based style.
·
Leroy Smith: A Jamaican kickboxer
who uses a Wing Chun-based style.
·
Lili Rochefort: A Monegasque
socialite who uses a kickboxing-based style.
·
Ling Xiaoyu: A Chinese
schoolgirl who uses a Xing Yi Quan-based style.
·
Marshall Law: An American chef
who uses a Savate-based style.
·
Nina Williams: A cold-blooded
assassin and Kazuya's rival.
·
Paul Phoenix: A cheerful
martial artist who uses various fighting styles.
·
Raven: A masked operative who
uses a ninjutsu-based style.
·
Reina: A new character who
fights with a grappling-based style.
·
Sergei Dragunov: A Russian
military officer who uses a Sambo-based style.
·
Shaheen: A Pakistani kickboxer
who uses a Muay Thai-based style.
·
Steve Fox: A British boxer who
uses a boxing-based style.
·
Victor Chevalier: A new
character who fights with a fencing-based style.
·
Yoshimitsu: A cyborg ninja who
uses a variety of weapons and unorthodox techniques.
·
Zafina: A woman with
supernatural abilities who fights with a capoeira-based style.
With such a diverse cast of characters,
each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles, Tekken 8 offers
players a wide range of options to choose from and master.
Reception and Community Feedback
Tekken 8 has been met with overwhelmingly
positive reviews from both critics and the gaming community. IGN and Steam have
both rated the game an impressive 9/10 , while Metacritic and Opencritic scores
stand at a solid 90 . The game's aggressive gameplay, innovative Heat System,
larger cinematic story, and wealth of content have been praised by reviewers .
The game's online component has also
received high marks for its stability and smooth interactions . The robust
online multiplayer mode, coupled with reliable server performance, ensures that
players can enjoy seamless battles with opponents from around the world.
Additionally, the inclusion of training and practice modes, complete with frame
data and hitbox visualization, allows players to hone their skills and master
their favorite characters .
Tekken 8 offers a full suite of engaging
offline modes, intriguing new characters, and incredible training tools . The
vastly improved online experience, with better netcode and cross-play
functionality, sets it apart from its predecessor, Tekken 7 . While the complex
narrative might not be as accessible to newcomers , the game stands out as
something special, honoring its legacy while continuing to push the franchise
forward . With prices ranging from $69.99 USD to $109.99 USD , Tekken 8
provides a comprehensive and satisfying fighting game experience for both
longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Overall Review
Tekken 8 offers a comprehensive suite of
training tools to help players hone their skills and master their favorite
characters. The game includes combo challenges, save states, and punishment
training to provide a well-rounded practice experience .
One of the standout features is the
integrated replay system, which allows you to take control of replays, watch
back your matches, and experiment with different strategies to find optimal
gameplay . This powerful tool enables you to analyze your performance, identify
areas for improvement, and refine your techniques.
For newcomers or those looking to quickly
explore a character's potential, Tekken 8 introduces the Special Style control
scheme . While not suitable for competitive play, Special Style transforms
single button presses into special moves, making it easier to get a taste of
what each fighter can do . This accessibility option, combined with the game's
extensive training tools, ensures that players of all skill levels can enjoy
and improve their Tekken 8 experience.
Conclusion
Tekken 8 is shaping up to be a must-have
for fighting game enthusiasts and casual players alike. With its stunning
visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a diverse roster of characters, the
game offers a thrilling and immersive experience that builds upon the series'
rich legacy. The inclusion of innovative features like the Heat System and the
expanded customization options adds depth and personalization to the game,
ensuring that players can tailor their experience to their preferences.
As the release date approaches, the
excitement surrounding Tekken 8 continues to grow, and fans eagerly await the
opportunity to dive into this latest installment of the iconic franchise.
Subscribe to know latest updates https://www.example.com/subscribe and be among
the first to experience the next chapter in the Tekken saga. With its promising
gameplay improvements, captivating storyline, and a vibrant community of
players, Tekken 8 is poised to deliver an unforgettable fighting game
experience that will keep players engaged for years to come.
FAQs
1.
What character is recommended for new players in Tekken 8?Azucena is an excellent choice for those new to Tekken 8. She is one
of the new characters and is designed to help players quickly learn and apply
offensive strategies. Azucena has a unique stance following her jabs that
allows for various attack heights, making her a versatile option for beginners.
2.
Is it worth investing in Tekken 8?Absolutely,
Tekken 8 is a worthwhile investment for both fans of fighting games and
newcomers to the genre. The game promises to be entertaining, and if you have
the financial means, it's a great addition to your gaming collection.
3.
Does Tekken 8 cater to players who are new to the series?While the Tekken series has historically been challenging for
beginners, Tekken 8 is the most accessible entry yet. It's an opportune time
for newcomers to start playing, especially at launch when there will be many
other beginners to compete against. The key is to stay calm and not be
discouraged by losses.