Tekken 8 has arrived and brings all that gamers love about the franchise, while adding some fun new elements that help it stand out in a crowded genre.
Tekken, the renowned fighting game series developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, has been a groundbreaking franchise for nearly three decades. Since its first release in 1994, Tekken has been known for its fluid combat system, diverse roster of characters, and engaging storyline.
In recent years, the fighting game genre has seen a surge of new releases, each with its unique take on the genre. However, Tekken has consistently remained a fan-favorite due to its innovative gameplay mechanics and loyal community.
Despite the competition, Bandai Namco Entertainment has continued to push the limits with each new installment of Tekken. The latest release, Tekken 8, introduces a ton of new features, classic gameplay modes, and a continued story that would satisfy a gamer. Let’s dive a little deeper!
Tekken 8 Comes Ready to Win
For decades, Tekken has been a trailblazer in the fighting game genre. With each new iteration, the franchise has pushed the limits of what is possible in terms of gameplay, graphics, and overall gaming experience. This latest installment is no exception.
In Tekken 8, the story continues from the previous game. After defeating his father Heihachi Mishima, Kazuya Mishima now plans to take over the world with his army of soldiers from G Corporation. The game’s plot is set in motion when Lars orders Jin Kazama to confront his father Kazuya in New York City. Both Jin and Kazuya use the power of their Devil Genes during their fight. However, Jin loses control over his devil form, transforming completely and ultimately losing to his father.
As Kazuya emerges victorious, he announces the eighth “King of Iron Fist Tournament” as a means to discover who deserves to live in the world under his rule. The tournament takes place in a variety of different locations around the world, including large cities, industrial complexes, and even ancient ruins.
As players progress through the game, they will encounter various characters with unique fighting styles and backstories, each with their motivations for entering the tournament. Ultimately you will be facing Kazuya in a climactic final battle to determine the fate of the world.
I won’t spoiler all the details, but suffice it to say, Tekken 8 is an immersive experience. The storyline is a masterpiece that will have you on the edge of your seat. The narrative is centered around a battle between good and evil, and it’s full of drama, action, and adventure. The game boasts a complex and intriguing plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
What sets Tekken 8 apart from the previous games in the series is the incredible work done by the developers. They have taken full advantage of the power of the Unreal Engine 5 to create a stunning world full of detail and depth. The graphics are breathtaking, and every character is brought to life with incredible attention to detail.
The gameplay mechanics are also top-notch, with seamless controls that make it easy to jump right in and start playing. The developers have aimed for a more aggressive look in this game, and the result is a perfect balance between smooth mechanics and intense action.
Bringing the Heat
The main addition to the gameplay mechanics of Tekken 8 is the Heat System; a powerful tool that can give you an edge in battle. When you activate Heat, all your moves will do chip damage on blocks. This means that even if your opponent blocks your attacks, they will still take some damage. However, it’s important to keep in mind that chip damage is recoverable and it won’t beat your opponent.
That being said, Heat can be a great way to gain a health advantage if you can keep up the pressure. By relentlessly attacking your opponent, you can chip away at their health little by little. If you continue to apply pressure, you can force them into making a mistake, allowing you to land a devastating blow.
On top of that, when Heat is activated you can unleash a powerful Hit Smash on your opponent. This move will deal a ton of damage, but it also ends your Heat mode instantly. As such, it’s important to use this move strategically. You don’t want to waste your Heat mode on a weak attack, but you also don’t want to hold onto it for too long and miss an opportunity to deal significant damage.
Tekken 8‘s Heat system can be a game-changer if used correctly. It requires a bit of strategy and patience, but if you can master it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Fun for Everyone
Another new addition to the franchise in this game, is the Arcade Quest. This new and exciting Arcade/Lobby mode delivers a unique and immersive experience for multiplayer fans. The Tekken Fight Lounge is a virtual lobby that connects directly to the Arcade Quest mode, where players can customize their Avatars and interact with other Tekken fans. It’s similar to Capcom’s Street Fighter 6, where players can create their characters and participate in various activities.
In the Tekken Fight Lounge, players can join other fans to share their thoughts on the game, and participate in fun activities. The lobby creates an environment where players can explore the game’s world and socialize with other fans while waiting for their next match.
Moreover, the Arcade Quest story mode adds another layer of replayability to the game, providing players with more depth and making the replay value skyrocket. The story mode allows players to experience the game from the perspective of a fan as they work their way up the leaderboards at different arcades around the world.
Apart from the story mode, the lobby also offers access to leaderboards, which allow players to see their ranking in the game and compete against others. The Rollback net code gives players the ability to prioritize fluidity or response, enabling them to tailor the gameplay to their preferences. Lastly, Crossplay, which can be disabled, allows players to compete against others on different platforms.
Tekken 8‘s Arcade/Lobby mode offers an exciting and immersive experience for multiplayer fans, providing them with a platform to socialize, compete, and explore the game’s world in a fun and interactive way.
The game also features two other exciting modes that will bring you back to play over and over again: AI Ghost Battles and Tekken Ball mode. Each features its own unique gameplay experience for players to enjoy/discover.
The AI Ghost system is a remarkable feature that learns your playing style as you play the game. This system tracks your moves and adapts to your playing style, allowing you to challenge yourself by learning new combos and understanding what to expect from your opponents during battles. Additionally, you can download Ghosts from other players to learn more about their playing styles, which is helpful in understanding trending playing styles and increasing your confidence when playing online.
Tekken Ball mode is another exciting feature in the game, which was first introduced in Tekken 3. It is a volleyball-like game where two players are on either side of the net, and the goal is to hit the ball back and forth. However, the twist is that the player who connects with the ball successfully deals damage to their opponent. This mode is an excellent way to challenge players online and test your skills in a unique way.
