Tekken 8

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Tekken 8
Cover art featuring Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama
Developer(s)Bandai Namco Studios
Arika
Publisher(s)Bandai Namco Entertainment[1]
Director(s)
  • Kohei Ikeda
  • Yasuki Nakabayashi
Producer(s)Katsuhiro Harada
Composer(s)
  • Yusuke Yamauchi
  • Akitaka Tohyama
  • Shogo Nomura
  • Yoshihito Yano
SeriesTekken
EngineUnreal Engine 5
Platform(s)
ReleaseJanuary 26, 2024
Genre(s)Fighting
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Tekken 8 (Japanese: 鉄拳8) is a fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Arika. Bandai Namco Entertainment published the game for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on January 26, 2024. It is the eighth canon release and tenth overall entry in the Tekken series. The game story mode, titled The Dark Awakens, takes place six months after the events of its predecessor and focuses on the final confrontation between the main characters, father and son Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, with the latter wishing to kill the former in order to end the chaos within their family lineage. The game's story features 32 former and new characters, each with their own narrative that contributes to the overall story.

Development of Tekken 8 was first teased in August 2022 at Evo 2022, with an official presentation made the following month at Sony's State of Play event. Focusing on more aggressive tones, Tekken 8 was developed using Unreal Engine 5, and it features upgraded fighting elements and systems from its predecessor. Tekken 8 also introduces brand-new mechanics, such as "Heat" systems and "Tornado" hits, as well as new character models and voice acting. Arcade Quest was another addition to their online mode, which includes tournaments, arcade features, customisable avatars, and specialised currency that is featured throughout the game.

Initially testing began in July and October 2023 to ensure overall stability before its official release, with an additional demo available on Playstation and Xbox Series in December that year. The game's first season pass, which included downloadable content and new characters, was made available during the games pre-order period. Upon its release, Tekken 8 received critical acclaim, with many critics praising the game's overall progression in the series as well as its aggressive gameplay. Several publications have noted Tekken 8 as the best game in the series.

Gameplay

Tekken 8 follows the same fighting game format as previous Tekken games. Katsuhiro Harada, the game's producer, stated that Tekken 8 will be "more aggressive" than its predecessor, indicating that the system will reward players who are proactive in attacking rather than those who are defensive. To achieve this, the game introduced a new system known as "Heat". When a character unlocks the "Heat" state, they cause not only chip damage and additional movesets, but also changes the properties of some of their moves, such as a heavy guard break. These fighters can also dash cancel their moves while in the "Heat" state. Heat's timer can be stopped if fighters' movesets are used.[1] Fighters will also receive chip damage when guarding against a normal state's heavy attack or Heat State characters, allowing them to regenerate their health bars. Unlike the Tag mode-only health bar regeneration system from the Tekken Tag Tournament games, fighters' recoverable health can only be restored by attacking their opponent.[1]

Tekken 8 includes a number of technical updates and reworked features. The "Rage" system, which debuted in the previous entry, returns in Tekken 8 with new changes. For example, the "Rage Drive" has been separated and reworked as "Heat Smash", a "Heat" system super move. The "Screw" mechanism was removed from Tekken 8 and replaced with a "Tornado" extender; the system places opponents in a ground-bound state when they fall to the ground quickly. Specific stages in the game also have hazards, such as some with harder walls and floors that must be broken multiple times by fighters' harder knockout attacks, while others will cause damaged opponents to blast upward when hit by an explosive on the walls and floors.

In addition to technical improvements, Tekken 8 includes changes to other elements. Harada stated that Tekken 8 aims to provide a more cinematic fighting experience, with a focus on stage destructions and specific characters' reactions to them.[2] Furthermore, all character models and voice acting are entirely new, rather than recycled content from previous entries. The online mode includes a battle lobby called "Arcade Quest", which features arcade environments, regular online battles, and tournament matches. "Arcade Quest" allows users to customise their avatars and will use a "Fight Money" currency.[3] Tekken 8 will be powered by the next-generation Unreal Engine 5, becoming the first major fighting game to use this engine.

Story

Six months after the events of Tekken 7, Jin Kazama, alongside Lars Alexandersson and Lee Chaolan of the Yggdrasil Rebel Army ambushes Kazuya Mishima in New York. The operation failed as Jin was defeated and the ensuing battle killed millions in the city. Amidst the chaos, Kazuya, now openly revealing his devil form, announces a new King of Iron Fist Tournament, where representatives of various nations fight one another. The winner's nation will be reprimanded, while the losing nation will face destruction.

A week later, Jin, recovering from his injuries, spars with Lars, where he discovers that he no longer can activate his devil powers at will. After a brief talk with Alisa Bosconovitch, Jin makes up his mind and joins one of the King of Iron Fist Tournament qualifiers in Japan. There he met Reina, a student from Mishima Polytechnic, whose combat prowess resembles Heihachi, his grandfather. Jin manages to secure a spot in the tournament finals, defeating Reina and his old rival Hwoarang. After the battle, Reina requests to join Jin in his fight against Kazuya.

Elsewhere in Italy, Claudio Serafino, Zafina, and Ling Xiaoyu watched the tournament. Zafina, having the demonic monster Azazel sealed in her left arm, warns Claudio that Kazuya must be stopped and that they need to seek out Jin. Meanwhile, Niklas Klissen, father of Leo Klissen arrives at Yggdrasil base, where he reveals his research on Azazel and the Devil Gene.

At the tournament finals in Italy, Lars meets up with the UN Independent Forces leader Victor Chevalier who agrees to support Yggdrasil, while independently, Claudio, Zafina, and Xiaoyu infiltrate the tournament. Jin defeats Leroy Smith, the American representative, who then teaches Jin to let go of his fears and to follow his heart. Kazuya ambushes Zafina, revealing that the tournament was a set-up. Breaking the seal on Zafina's arm, he intends to resurrect Azazel and defeat him to gain his powers. Kazuya defeats Azazel, absorbing his power, and becomes a True Devil. In a last-ditch attempt, Claudio uses his powers and manages to injure Kazuya at the cost of his life.

Believing that there is a way to regain control of his Devil powers, Jin embarks on a journey to a forest in Yakushima, where the Ogre seemingly killed Jin's mother, Jun.[a] Kazuya moves his remaining forces to Yakushima, intending to slow down Jin and destroy the rebel army. The Yggdrasil and UN Independent Forces battle against Kazuya's G Forces, led by Nina Williams and several former combatants from the tournament, while Xiaoyu single-handedly protects Jin as he falls to deep slumber. Kazuya then appears, obliterating both sides. Lars retreats to the forest to protect Jin, while Reina is seemingly killed in the blast.

Deep within subconsciousness, Jin encounters his devil self, and after a lengthy fight against himself, accepts his devil side and regains full control of his powers, just in time to save Lars from Kazuya's attack. Kazuya plans to obliterate the island, but Jin stops the blast. After seeing visions of his mother Jun, Jin awakens to his Angel form and attacks Kazuya. Kazuya and Jin fought all the way to space and the blast from both sides purged each other's Devil Genes.

Losing both of their devil powers, Jin and Kazuya engage in a final one-on-one fight to the death. Finally accepting his past, Jin finally beats Kazuya. Finally free from the Devil Gene curse, he thanked Jun and departs with Xiaoyu. Kazuya, still unconscious, was approached by a seemingly alive Jun.

In a post-credit scene, Reina was revealed to have survived from Kazuya's attack. Vowing revenge for her father, Heihachi, Reina awakens to her Devil Form, revealing that she has the Devil Gene.

Characters

Main article: List of Tekken characters

There are a total of 32 playable characters (including 1 palette swap and 1 Heat transformation exclusive form) announced for the base roster of Tekken 8. Currently, the first season of DLC pass will have four characters.[3]

New characters

  • Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo: A fearless happy-go-lucky Peruvian mixed martial artist and daughter of a coffee company owner.
  • Jack-8: The latest and upgraded Jack model, with a new voice and look.
  • Reina: A purple-clad Japanese teenager who studies at Mishima Polytechnic. She has mysterious connections to the Mishima clan, and practices Mishima Style Karate, in addition to Taidō.
  • Victor Chevalier: A legendary war veteran Admiral and United Nations super spy from a royal French knight lineage, and the founding grandmaster of Raven Unit with the codename of "Phantom Raven" but he chooses not to use it. He is a close quarters battler who wields both knife and karambit for his default combat, and a technology which grants him a teleportation ability, and enhances his weaponized pistol, grenades and a sheathed katana called "Take-Ikazuchi".

Returning characters

^a Heat State transformation
^b Palette Swap for Jack-8
^c Downloadable character.
^d Unplayable character.

Marketing

Pre-release content

Tekken 8 was teased in August 2022 at the EVO 2022 convention, where a live tournament of Tekken 7 was held; the teaser featured an archival snippet of Kazuya Mishima from the series' first entry, which transitioned into a recent close-up visual of him.[4] The game was formally announced on September 13, 2022, at Sony's State of Play presentation.[5] The accompanying visual preview showed Mishima and his son, Jin Kazama, fighting on an undisclosed stage in the game. Katsuhiro Harada confirmed that Tekken 8 will focus on the conclusion of Kazuya and Jin's ongoing conflict.[6] Regarding the games first set of trailers, Harada commented, “This is not footage created solely for trailer purposes, but an actual real-time rendering of what is happening on the game screen.”[7]

Following the Tekken World Tour 2022 finals, it was announced that Arika would be handling the game's ongoing development, with the exception of rollback netcode, including the recent Tekken 7 patch.[1] Bandai Namco Entertainment released their financial report in 2022, stating that they expected the game to be released in 2023.[8] At The Game Awards 2022 in December 2022, Bandai Namco unveiled the first Tekken 8 game trailer, which included new stages, mechanisms, and story details. The trailer included Mishima and Kazama, as well as recurring characters Paul Phoenix, King, Marshall Law, Lars Alexandersson, Jack-8, and Jun Kazama, who last appeared in Tekken 2 in 1995.[9]

Nina Williams was the game's first character trailer, released in February 2023.[10] Due to her inclusion, Williams, along with Phoenix, has the most appearances in the Tekken series, having appeared in every entry. Mishima's trailer was released the same month on Bandai Namco's YouTube channel.[11] In March 2023, character trailers for Phoenix, Law, King, Alexandersson, Jack-8, and Kazama were released.[12] Between April and May, character trailers for Ling Xiaoyu, Leroy Smith, Asuka Kazama, Lili, Hwoarang, and Bryan Fury were released.[13] In July 2023, Bandai Namco announced plans to conduct a closed network test. Prior to its official release, the test aimed to assess various game aspects such as balance, matchmaking, and overall stability. This closed network test was open to a limited number of players on a first-come, first-served basis.[14]

Between July and August 2023, three character trailers launched: Claudio Serafino, Raven, and a new character, Azucena.[15] On August 23, a special trailer premiered, featuring the majority of the game's previously announced content, as well as a release date, pre-order information, and exclusive content related to the game's features.[16] Between September and December 2023, Bandai Namco's channel featured trailers for Feng Wei, Devil Jin, new characters Victor Chevalier and Reina, Leo, Steve Fox, Dragonav, and Yoshimitsu; Yoshimitsu tied Williams and Phoenix for the most entries in the Tekken series.[17] A second network test was later conducted in October 2023.[18]

On December 14, 2023, Bandai Namco released a demo off Tekken 8 for the PlayStation 5 and December 21, 2023 for the [[Xbox Series X/S[[ and Microsoft Windows platforms. It includes the first Story Mode and Arcade Quest chapter, as well as Super Ghost Battle, Versus Mode, and the Gallery. Four characters (Jin Kazama, Mishima, Phoenix, and Williams) and three stages (Urban Square (Evening), Yakushima, and Sanctum) were made available.[19] Yohei Shimbori, who previously worked for Team Ninja on the Dead or Alive series, joined the project as an assistant director and producer.[20]

In January 2024, two trailers were released: the story mode and a visual that contained exclusive content for the game's Ultimate Edition package.[21] Over the course of the month, character trailers for Shaheen, Kuma, Panda, Alisa Bosconovitch, Zafina, Lee Chaolon, and Devil Jin were released.[22] To conclude the game's pre-release, a final launch trailer was released on January 19, 2024.

Packaging and additional content

Tekken 8 was released on January 26, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, and marks the eighth canon release and tenth overall entry in the Tekken series.[23] To promote the games release, Bandai Namco Entertainment distributed the game in seven different formats.[24] The standard edition (both digital and physical) includes a Paul Phoenix avatar set, whereas the Launch Edition includes steel-book packaging, a burning chain metal plate, and corporation stickers.[24] The digital deluxe version includes a one-year season pass with access to downloadable content for four characters (Eddy Gordo, three of which are to be announced), while the ultimate edition (digital and physical versions) has the same features as the launch edition and digital deluxe version, as well as access to various character and avatar skins.[24]

Two collectors editions were released: a standard collectors edition and a premium collections edition.[24] Both formats include the same content as the Ultimate Editions, as well as the game packaged in a boxset, eight glossy collector cards, two arcade tokens, a metal ring inspired by the aesthetic of character Leroy Smith, and a figurine of Jin Kazama (the premium edition includes an electrified mechanism that causes the statue to light up).[24] Bandai Namco distributed a pin badge for video game pre-orders across Asia.[25] Ultimately, the Paul Phoenix avatar set was included with all pre-orders for existing formats.[24]

The first season pass was revealed during the initial promotional activity for Tekken 8, and it would include four downloadable characters for purchase. Eddy Gordo was the first revealed character in January 2023; while his release date was not confirmed at the time, he is expected to appear in the first quarter of 2024. Following that, each remaining character will be revealed quarterly through 2024.[26]

Controversy

Advocates for accessibility have reported that Tekken 8's options for colorblind or disabled audiences could result in moderate to severe health issues including vertigo and migraines. In an article by Eurogamer, Harada was portrayed as dismissing these concerns as a misunderstanding by "very few" people who were unfamiliar with the game's accessibility options or how they appear in-game.[27] However, the article also highlighted accessibility specialist Ian Hamilton's response to Harada's apparent attempt to minimize Hamilton's concerns: "I have not 'misunderstood the accessibility options we are trying, or have only seen the video without actually trying them out in the demo play'. I understand very well, and have tried them in demo play. I'm trying to help you avoid harming players and provide a good experience."[27] The settings were updated for the release version to avoid potential health issues.[28]

Music

Tekken 8's theme song "Mastery" will be performed by The Last Rockstars.[29]

Reception

Tekken 8 received "universal acclaim" from critics for the PC and PS5 versions, while the Xbox Series X/S version received "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[30][31][32] Several publications argued that Tekken 8 was the best offering from the parent franchise. GamesRadar+ rated it five stars, stating that “proves that plenty of depth makes for a vibrant fighter, justifying its current-gen exclusivity to deliver a skull-thrasher that really feels like an evolution rather than a simple update.”[37] Hardcore Gamer praised the game as "bold" and highlighted Bandai Namco's sense of innovation, describing it as “one of the greatest fighting games of all time.”[38] Shacknews compared the game to its previous entries and concluded: “Tekken 8 is it, and looks set to carry that torch for years to come.”[45] Video Games Chronicle opined that Tekken 8 is “up there with Tekken 3 as one of the most exciting high points in the series.”[48]

Critics praised the game's improved visuals and overall progression from previous instalments. Eurogamer Germany wrote, “It looks great after the graphical redesign and is packed with game variants and training options as well as clever ideas.”[34] Despite praising the graphics, GamePro Germany felt that the game lacked options for “single-player fans.”[49] Despite minor “tweaks” in customisation, IGN felt that “Tekken 8 manages to stand out as something special.”[39] Jeuxvideo.com compared the game favourably to other entries in the fighting game genre, saying “Its new features in terms of gameplay are enough to stand out from previous opuses and hold its own against its competitors”.[40] NME praised its visuals and cinematography, writing, “Tekken 8 has lots to offer both new and veteran players. The cinematic, over-the-top storyline is gorgeous and ends in a thematically brilliant fight”.[41]

Minor criticism was directed at specific modes, as well as the games overall innovation. Gamer.nl wrote that “The new Tekken does not want to reinvent the wheel, but relies entirely on the rock-solid gameplay for which the series is known.”[50] 4Players.de described the modes as the game's only "weakness," while also praising the games "high-quality fighting action."[51] Despite praise for the game's "flashy combos and air juggles," the Game Informer wrote that “Tekken 8 doesn’t reach the heights of recent rivals like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1.”[35] GLHF of Sports Illustrated came to a mixed conclusion, believing it was “designed primarily to appease an existing audience, not court a new one.”[52]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Nelva, Giuseppe (February 5, 2023). "Tekken 8 Reveals Nina Williams, Gameplay, In-Depth Mechanics Explanation, & On-Site Closed Alpha". Tech Raptor. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  2. ^ Borger, Will (December 9, 2022). "Tekken 8: desglose del tráiler con el productor ejecutivo Katsuhiro Harada" [Tekken 8: Trailer Breakdown with Executive Producer Katsuhiro Harada]. IGN Latin America (in Spanish). Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Gordon, Justin (August 23, 2023). "Shaheen, Steve, Leo, Yoshimitsu, Dragunov and Kuma revealed for Tekken 8, releasing January 26, 2024". Eventhubs. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  4. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX8ia2uYLtE
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference igninter was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Marks, Tom (September 13, 2022). "Tekken 8 Officially Revealed". IGN. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  7. ^ https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/tekken-8-is-official-first-ps5-gameplay-revealed/
  8. ^ https://www.thegamer.com/tekken-8-launch-by-march-2024/
  9. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hPuRQz6IlM
  10. ^ "Tekken 8 – Nina Gameplay Trailer". Bandai Namco Entertainment (via YouTube). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  11. ^ "Tekken 8 – Kazuya Gameplay Trailer". Bandai Namco Entertainment (via YouTube). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  12. ^ Character trailers released in March 2023:
  13. ^ Character trailers released between April-May 2023:
  14. ^ Morbhatt, Muskan (June 9, 2023). "Tekken 8 Closed Network Test in July: Register Now". OtakuZasshi. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  15. ^ Character trailers released between July-August 2023:
  16. ^ "Tekken 8 – Release date and exclusive content". Bandai Namco Entertainment (via YouTube). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  17. ^ Character trailers released between September-December 2023:
  18. ^ Romano, Sal (September 19, 2023). "Tekken 8 adds Feng Wei, closed beta test set for October 20 to 23". Gematsu. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  19. ^ Romano, Sal (December 12, 2023). "Tekken 8 demo launches December 14 for PS5, December 21 for Xbox Series and PC". Gematsu. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  20. ^ Nelva, Giuseppe (December 17, 2023). "Dead or Alive 5 and 6 Director Yohei Shimbori Is Back, Working on Tekken 8". IGN. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  21. ^ Story trailer and Ultimate Edition trailer:
  22. ^ Character trailers released between January 2024:
  23. ^
  24. ^ a b c d e f "Tekken 8 - Shop Now". Bandai Namco Entertainment. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  25. ^ "Tekken 8=". Bandai Namco Entertainment (Asia). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  26. ^ https://esi.si.com/tekken/eddy-gordo-dlc
  27. ^ a b Blake, Vikki (December 31, 2023). "Tekken 8 director says players raising accessibility concerns 'have misunderstood the options'". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  28. ^ Scullion, Chris (January 24, 2024). "Tekken 8's potentially harmful accessibility options have been updated before release". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  29. ^ Cirone, David (November 22, 2023). "THE LAST ROCKSTARS announce new song 'MASTERY' for Tekken 8". J-Generation. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  30. ^ a b "Tekken 8 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Tekken 8 for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Tekken 8 for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  33. ^ Epps, DeAngelo (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review: Beat Up Your Dad Simulator 2K24". Digital Trends. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  34. ^ a b Parker, Lewis (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review - a complex series transformed into a welcoming one". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  35. ^ a b Stewart, Marcus (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 Review - Aggressively Absurd". Game Informer. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  36. ^ Fanelli, Jason (January 25, 2024). "Tekken 8 Review - The Heat Of Battle". GameSpot. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  37. ^ a b Taylor-Kent, Oscar (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review: "We're in the Golden Age for fighting games, and Tekken is the king"". GamesRadar+. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Wells, Cory (January 23, 2024). "Review: Tekken 8". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  39. ^ a b Barrier, Ronny (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 Review". IGN. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Tekken 8 vient défier Street Fighter 6, un duel au sommet pour deux jeux vidéo de combat uniques, mais véritablement incontournables !" (in French). Jeuxvideo.com. January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  41. ^ a b van der Velde, Issy (January 23, 2024). "'Tekken 8' review: from zero to hero". NME. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  42. ^ Taylor, Mollie (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review". PC Gamer. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  43. ^ Vaz, Christian (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review – a gold standard for 3D fighters". PCGamesN. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  44. ^ Ramsey, Robert (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 Review (PS5)". Push Square. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  45. ^ a b Denzer, TJ (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review: Delightfully devilish, Kazuya". Shacknews. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  46. ^ Makar, Connor (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review: Back(dash), and better than ever". VG247. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  47. ^ Raisbeck, Alex (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 review – Excellent!". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  48. ^ a b Scullion, Chris (January 23, 2024). "Tekken 8 is a sensational sequel". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  49. ^ https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/tekken-8-im-test,3407255.html
  50. ^ https://gamer.nl/reviews/games/playstation/review-tekken-8-is-zowel-vertrouwd-als-intens-en-spectaculair/
  51. ^ https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/Allgemein/Test/44011/85409/0/Tekken_8.html
  52. ^ https://videogames.si.com/reviews/tekken-8-review

External links


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