Nearly two weeks since Tekken 8 was released, it has quickly gained a large gathering of old Tekken veterans and first-time players. Tekken is one of the oldest fighting game franchises out there. Originally starting on arcade machines in 1994, to the newly designed Tekken 8, this may be the best Tekken yet.
Tekken is known for its 3D fighting mechanic, rather than traditional 2D like other popular fighting games such as Mortal Kombat or Guilty Gear. This is combined with a refined combat system, impressive animations, and new characters. It makes Tekken 8 incredibly appealing.
Tekken 8’s story sees infamous antagonist Kazuya Mishima announce the 8th King of Iron Fist Tournament. Calling all challengers from various nations such as France, Italy, Japan, and America.
The story is not super long, nor is it necessarily anything award-winning, however, it provides the player an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics and even try out various fighters and see who they enjoy the most. However, one of the biggest attractions lies with one of the newest additions to the Tekken roster, Reina.
Since Heihachi Mishima’s death in Tekken 7, fans of Heihachi were disappointed to find out that his death was permanent according to Game Director, Katsuhiro Harada. However, players will encounter Reina, someone who may seem aloof, but resembles some uncanny characteristics of Heihachi, this will be for players to uncover more as they progress through the story.
As mentioned before, Tekken 8 feels refined. Knowing your character’s combo sequences, punishing moves, and game plan makes your character free-flowing and introduces fast-paced air combos.
Tekken 8 has included their famous “Arcade mode” which allows players to experience an arcade-like mode in which they fight computer-controlled opponents back-to-back. They have also added character endings that allow players to see the various conclusions that occur after defeating the boss for the mode.
Unfortunately for first-timers, the game can feel daunting. There are many inputs, signs, moves, frame data, terms, and so on that can overwhelm players. So starting may be harder than it sounds. Luckily, Tekken 8 has introduced “Arcade Quest” mode, which allows players to create their personalized avatar, play a mini story through different locations, and learn the basics of Tekken 8 and the character they like the most.
The practice mode is a valuable resource for new and old players and perhaps the best it has ever been also. Players can practice their combos, see frame data on all moves, what is safe and unsafe on block, set up certain situations, and more.
Character customization is a very popular thing in Tekken games, players can freely change the appearances of the fighters cosmetically to their preference, however, a lack of customization options has left players wishing they had more.
But players can now freely customize the music in Tekken 8 to any music they so please. Players can attach their favorite soundtracks from previous games to any stage and menus such as the character select, customizations, jukebox, and movie.
There are three different online modes, in which the majority of players will spend the most time on. There is a quick match, which is an unranked mode, ranked matches, and group lobbies that players can create and join to interact with their avatars and fight each other. The game is cross-platform so PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players can fight each other if the setting is enabled.
The online modes feature rollback netcode, visibility to other players’ connections such as wired or wireless, the strength of their connection, and their disconnection rates.
In ranked matches, players can climb the Tekken 8 ladder from beginner, all the way to Tekken God and God of Destruction. Whether duking it out with friends online or climbing the ranks, Tekken 8 has something for everyone.
It is hard to find flaws in Tekken 8, from the character designs and models to the gameplay and online modes, the developers of Tekken have truly put together a fighting game that, if given a chance, is enjoyable and rewarding. And with only more content to continue being added such as DLC characters, stages, and maybe even soundtracks.
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