The Tekken series has been standing for years as the uncontested King of 3D fighting games, and although only recently it opened itself up, one-and-a half months after that its founder is currently unknown. During the special preview at Bandai Namco Entertainment in Tokyo, Japan I could play an early build of that game with 16 characters on release.
Since its sixth entry into the series, as described in 2009 during his climactic adventures with other mishima family and on Xbox 360-PS3 I still didn’t play or lost much interest. I kept an interest in the next nifty movie, with the promises of more dramatic Mishima play and without the will-see return to Jun Kazamo in this film. But before playing myself, I got perfectly turned into an actor.
Technology and aggression all matter on Tekken 8. Characters fight quickly and will damage a lot. Making a mistake and getting caught in another combo can be quite painful. While being on the receiving end can be punishing, its fast-paced nature and Heat & Rage system helped reduce frustration. It is great, a feeling that I experienced many times during my playing time. I struggled with the winning hand, and in one fight saw me 0-2 on all of my losing legs. After another defeat, Jun Kazamas got his hands full while singing strong strings over it!
Image of Bandai Namco.
I liked this character in that way. His playstyle has many awesome strings. While each person hit might not be as powerful of other characters, her relentless barrage is a sight to see. Paul, Law and Lars were among me’s leading characters. Paul is well known for being a skilled person. His strings are simple to execute, and not too long. The damage on the inside is very painful for his survival a little bit from earth! He’s a satisfying person, and has more for beginners than most of his players.
As a player who hasn’t played the project for quite some time, I knew Law was going to be another reliable choice. He combination of safe moves and useful pokes give many opportunities to face the enemy while maintaining space, allowing him also in control. Moreover, his trusty kickpad is still an indispensable part of the kit. Lars was the character I used to pick as a teenager. Before, I knew that much about games such issues for me and many others would have been more important than mine in my youth’s age group of friends (see other articles). I always found his mix of styles and moves interesting, so he’s even more satisfying to pull in T.Knyp 8. I felt like the Heat System perfectly meshed with Lars playstyle and gave his kit even more depth.
Image by Bandai Namco.
It works with the new Heat System and is going to replace the Power System, coming from Tekken 7. Even though Rage Arts aren’t available at a lower cost, Heat can be activated anytime in any match. Opening a round, activating Heat would often make the opponent more defensive and corner them into walls. So, the chance for my opponent to activate Heat after suffering and unleash his Rage Art was a real threat since they are in good health.
The content of the game I played seems similar to that from Open Network Test August 20, 23, but producer Michael Murray confirmed many changes will soon be made into Tekken 8. These include tweaking the Heat System to balance both lengths of a single coil, dashing and backwarddating will benefit from modifications which help make it less stiff. Power Crushing is about to boost its performance as expected!
This is the new special style that will help a newcomer to use more friendly games. When it comes to players, that new style and the new Arcadestyle will transform into a tie. Special Style, for example will add directional inputs to the buttons in final version. This option allows players with this style more options as well! As per popular player demand, R3 and L3, as assignable buttons will be available; hit effects could also change settings for those who want less bold visuals.
Take the picture via Bandai Namco.
Murray showcased some of the new games as well, and also a few more fun aspects in that game. The Tekken Fight Lounge is going to be an online hub for players with the ability of interacting. This group has four main areas divided into two distinct categories: one in one and another at the other side, where there are no more than 4 things available on the website. I have the chance to see two of those 4 areas that comprise a section and one particular shop. The Battle Area is constructed after arcade events; players can now watch the roundtable from here on a fast basis. The Customization Shop includes accessories, emoti and image/procy design.
Ghosts will come back from Tekken 6 as ghostlands are on display. This is an artificial intelligence algorithm created by the players whose playstyle changes. Players can face enemies with strange creatures. Your own brains are changing their play style and you will make life better. Besides that, Murray mentioned the possibility of fighting against your own ghost. He thought that this kind to be interesting may’ve been from different clubs and groups alike! The Tekken Ball fighting volleyball is another feature of the series “Tekken”. The Tekken Ball is designed to be fun and playable as it’s not difficult.
Image of the Bandai Namco company.
For the strength of the fighting game, Tekken 8 is getting up in the Heat (and with the Rage), and refines its system to make sure that you won’t win. If you like Mishima’s dazzling storyline, or the rapid and relentless combat of The Takken series all in once again there hasn’t been time for that to come into this new line.
Tekken 8 will get to the PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on January 26, 2024.