Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X (Reviewed)
Genre: 3D Fighting
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Tekken 8 is the next level of refinement in the ever-popular Tekken fighting series. This new version also boasts many improvements, including new fighting mechanics, a roster of 32 characters, and a healthy mix of offline and online play, all bundled into Tekken 8.
The first striking thing is visual; the game has those next-generation graphics that pop out from the first fight. The 32 characters look slick, detailed, and textured. The rich backgrounds also add to the game’s next-gen feel, and the game’s pace is fantastic, too, with no slowdown or letup in action.
There is a good mix of game modes, too; you go off your standard story mode, where you follow the quest, which mixes in the standard combat and fighting gameplay with some cut motion scenes and some “open-world” quests, where you move in not just a 2D plane.
The arcade mode allows you and your avatar to play various CPU opponents across various arcade settings; the avatar provides lots of customization. The arcade mode allows you to learn more about the game via tutorials, emphasizing rewarding the completion of challenges. A storyline is woven amongst the arcades you travel through. It does remind me of Sims in places.
The online modes also have you in the arcade avatar setting. You run around the arcade and find an opponent; before you know it, you are seamlessly in an online battle with players worldwide. The game matching and online are solid, and I had no issues finding games without lag or stuttering. It is a truly remarkable and engaging experience.
From a gameplay point of view, whilst still strategic, the game emphasizes being aggressive and, to this effect, the gameplay mechanic of a new heat system. Rage is a temporary power-up that depends on your character and lasts a short time but allows you to unleash your character’s unique moves. There is also your character’s signature. Using the heating system and rage gives the game an even more dynamic feel and the sense that you can pull off a miraculous win even when nearly dead. This Lazarus-like mechanic of the rage system means every round is thrilling. The gameplay is very responsive and rewards the players who understand the fundamentals of every special move. Locally, the game supports two players, either PvP or PvE.
The game is a total joy. While the arcade one-player mode may not be everyone’s thing, it does add some difference to the genre, and customizable avatars allow you to be yourself. The new heat system adds depth to a fantastic fighting game. The modes, from arcade to story mode to online, add so much to this fantastic. It’s a superb fighting game that adds to the Tekken universe.
Overall: 8.5/10
Notes
The roster includes iconic fighters like Paul Phoenix, King, Marshall Law, and Nina Williams, and sees the return of Raven after last being part of the story of Tekken 6, 15 years ago!
Jun Kazama returns to the story for the first time in 25 years since her disappearance in Tekken 2, and Tekken 8 also introduces a new Peruvian character Azucena!
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
