Tekken 8 has officially launched, marking the latest chapter in the legendary fighting game series. Following the release of Tekken 7 on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows in 2017, this new installment is tailored for the next-gen consoles, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The hype surrounding Tekken 8 has attracted attention from long-time fans eager to return to combat and newcomers ready to explore the epic saga of Kazuya, Jin, and some tremendous cliff-throwing action. But does it truly live up to expectations? Here’s our comprehensive Tekken 8 review to help you decide.
Unpacking Tekken 8
Fighting games once reigned supreme in arcades, but that trend has gradually faded as the years passed. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm for Tekken remains as strong as ever.
The Story of Tekken 8 – A Clash of Forces
Continuing the Tekken legacy, Tekken 8’s narrative (The Dark Awakens) highlights the fierce rivalry between Jin Kazama and his father, Kazuya Mishima, set against the backdrop of significant past events. Jin is determined to thwart Kazuya’s nefarious ambitions to dominate the globe.
If you are new to the franchise and feel lost regarding the backstory, there’s a detailed recap available in the game. This recap provides crucial insights about the Mishima family’s history from Tekken 1 to 7.
Keep in mind that truly understanding the storyline requires knowledge of past events; hence, watching the recaps is essential. It’s vital to grasp the roles played by Jin’s mother, the Mishima bloodline, and the ramifications of the Devil Gene, all of which influence the characters’ ambitions. Although the narrative leans on the age-old good vs. evil trope, it holds a memorable charm, especially for those who appreciate the characters.
Tekken 8 kicks off with a thrilling street brawl, quickly escalating the stakes as all fighters get embroiled in the conflict. Whose side will you choose? You’ll need to play to uncover each character’s motives.
The expansive saga comprises 15 Chapters and wraps up in about 3 to 4 hours, which might seem brief, but it certainly sets the stage for future installments. Expect plenty of exciting twists along the way!
The engaging storyline makes it easy to lose track of time, with each battle escalating in intensity. You’ll be choosing fighters during the King of Iron Fist Tournament in a quest to defeat your opponents and claim ultimate glory. Just when you think you’ve mastered the game, the battles escalate into thrilling ‘1 vs many’ encounters, which adds an exhilarating challenge.
All in all, the story captivates, with intriguing characters and effective dialogues. Although there’s a curious aspect regarding how characters from various backgrounds communicate without major complications; are they all just incredibly multilingual?
In essence, the story is engaging, keeping players glued until the end and while it might not reach the heights of earlier Tekken campaigns, it certainly holds its ground.
The Roster – A Fighter for Everyone
The character roster in Tekken 8 is impressive. Featuring 32 characters, it showcases newcomers like Reina and Azucena, alongside many familiar faces such as Leroy, Hwoarang, and Yoshimitsu. This diverse selection ensures that players of all playstyles can find a fighter that suits them perfectly.
Among these characters, you’ll find favorites like the iconic Nina Williams, adeptly trained in various combat styles; Paul Phoenix, known for his flashy moves; Jack-8, the menacing cyborg; and Victor Chevalier, a soldier with mysterious loyalties. Let’s not forget the fan-favorites Panda and Kuma, who bring a unique dynamic while delivering heavy-hitting moves.
Among my personal favorites are Jin, Victor, King, Yoshimitsu, Azucena, and Reina, but I’m leaning toward Jin Kazama as my main due to my affinity for the brooding hero archetype.
This mixture of returning and new fighters promises to appeal to both loyal fans and those looking for unique fighting experiences. Each character possesses distinct traits, combat styles, and personalities that keep the game fresh and exciting.
Longtime players will be thrilled by the advancements in graphics and gameplay that have shaped the series over the years.
Customization is a Highlight
Customization in Tekken is nearly legendary, and Tekken 8 elevates this tradition even further than its predecessor, Tekken 7. There are countless options to customize outfits and accessories for your fighters by using Fight Money, giving players the ability to create unique looks, even reminiscent of characters from other franchises.
Check out our videos that showcase some of these incredible creations possible in the game.
Endless Play Options in Tekken 8
Upon diving into Tekken 8, you’ll be struck by the vast amount of content available. From online ranked matches to offline Arcade quests, there’s never a dull moment.
While online competitive battles form the game’s core, Tekken 8 expands on offline experiences. The story mode delves deeper into the Mishima saga, delivering cinematic intensity and character development. The Arcade mode offers nostalgic gameplay, while Practice mode provides various tools for skill enhancement. These options cater to players of all skill levels.
A standout feature is the Ghost mode. Here, you can challenge the ghosts of your past fighters, CPU, or even other players. This mode allows you to rectify mistakes, learn counter moves, and deepen your understanding of your chosen character. You can also observe matches of high-ranked players to study their strategies or challenge them if you feel confident enough.
Gameplay for Everyone: Newcomers and Experts Alike
Tekken 8 maintains the core essence of strategic 3D fighting while introducing thrilling new mechanics that elevate the excitement. The Heat system empowers combatants with augmented abilities from successful attack combinations, adding a compelling layer to decision-making during matches. The action remains exhilarating as you string together punches while skillfully defending against your opponent’s attacks (or, at times, faltering spectacularly).
Returning are the Rage Arts, which present cinematic finishers capable of turning matches to your advantage. The introduction of these mechanics amplifies the intensity of battles. It can be a thrill to know you’re on the verge of defeat only to execute a perfectly timed Rage Art that shifts the outcome of the match in your favor.
While Tekken 8 does incorporate complex mechanics, newcomers shouldn’t feel overwhelmed; the Special Style controls offer an accessibility feature that simplifies input commands for beginners and casual players, making it easier to perform attacks without mastering intricate inputs.
The interface displays button inputs for moves such as Power Crush, Heat Burst, Rage Burst, Specialty moves, Air Combos, and Low attacks. This user-friendly design aids players in executing moves and could even level the playing field against more challenging characters. However, those relying solely on button mashing might find it doesn’t compare with experienced players executing intricate combos.
Of course, practice is key! As you become more comfortable, transitioning to traditional button control in both online and offline matches is seamless. This game excels at providing ample opportunity to hone your skills.
Replay functions allow you to analyze your performance, learning the optimal moves and counters to improve gameplay. Tutorials and practice modes present additional ways to refine your skills consistently.
If you’re looking for a fun diversion from the intense battles, the Tekken Ball mode offers a unique experience where you must hit your opponent with a large ball to secure a win. Direct attacks are off the table, and allowing the ball to hit the ground results in a loss, ensuring a competitive yet fun environment.
On top of this, the game features local PvP allowing you to demonstrate your skills to friends, along with the Tekken Fight Lounge where you can challenge online opponents.
Tekken 8 has something to engage both hardcore fighters and casual gamers. The base game is loaded with comprehensive fight stats like frame data, which is entirely free! Having access to frame data reshapes competitive play and ensures newcomers can learn the ropes without unnecessary financial barriers, a significant criticism of Tekken 7.
Character Episodes – An Exciting Addition
After completing The Dark Awakens story campaign, players can continue their journey through the thrilling Character Episodes, which dive deeper into the personal tales of the fighters. These episodes allow for further exploration into the lives of characters who may have had minimal screen time in the main story.
Each episode features unique cutscenes packed with humor and captivating moments that enhance the overall narrative experience.
Stunning Graphics and Visuals
Visually, Tekken 8 signifies a remarkable upgrade in the franchise. Using Unreal Engine 5, it presents a strikingly fresh aesthetic with intricate character models, immersive environments, and vibrant particle effects. Observing the physics in character movement, including how hair and clothing react to wind and other elements during battles, showcases a significant leap in graphical fidelity. Notably, players can now see 3D models during character selection, replacing the old static images—an impressive enhancement!
This visual refinement revitalizes beloved characters and stages, immersing players in the arcade-style atmosphere.
From the moment you start the game, Kazuya’s intricately detailed face, with that piercing red eye, immediately captures attention—definitely an intimidating presence!
Soundtrack and Audio – A Special Note
The game’s soundtrack impeccably complements the storyline and battle ambiance, featuring sounds tailored to each location. The electrifying beats will undoubtedly elevate your in-game energy levels. Although it leans heavily toward EDM and Dubstep, the soundtrack offers variety for scenes like the Character Customization screen, Avatar Customization, and Gallery.
Tekken 8 Review – Final Thoughts
Tekken 8 hits all the right notes. With breathtaking visuals, 4K graphics, smooth animations capturing every facet of emotion, and vibrant environments, players are treated to a refined yet familiar fighting system that demands practice to master. The characters in the story mode shine, and the soundtrack is catchy. Chain together devastating combos and unleash Heat and Rage Bursts brings a sense of satisfaction even for those new to the franchise.
Characters like Reina stand out among the new additions, and while Azucena might obsess over coffee, her fighting prowess is formidable. Should you invest in Tekken 8? Absolutely, provided you’re ready to immerse yourself in the fighting universe and explore every mode across the game. For seasoned fans of Tekken, this entry is essential. It raises the bar in the gaming arena, and anticipation for future installments is heightened with this as a cornerstone.